green grass with large tree

Sustainability

Our Commitment to Sustainability

With our roots firmly planted in America’s heartland, we see sustainability as more than just a buzz word. That’s why, back in 2015, we launched a 5-year plan to help preserve the environment. We’re exploring our next steps but we’d love to share what we’ve accomplished so far.

Operational Initiatives


Landfill Diversion

Our paper and plastic recycling programs have led to a 70% reduction in garbage pickups. We even recycle our 55-gallon steel drums.

guy placing plastic bottle in recycling bin

Energy Reduction

LED lighting has reduced energy use at our offices by 50%. It’s been so impactful, we also replaced the lighting in our wet and dry production areas.

light bulbs hanging from ceiling

Water Conservation

We installed a new water treatment facility that keeps our effluent discharge for Fats-Oils-Grease and pH well below municipal requirements.

water fountain with water running over the edge

Sourcing with a Conscience


guy holding small beans in hands

Vendor Selection

The potential impact on workers, biodiversity and the environment has become a key consideration when procuring our raw materials.

person taking an audit

Regulatory Compliance

We go above and beyond all national laws and standards for environmental protection. We carefully measure, monitor, report and verify our compliance.

three workers in warehouse

Ethical Trade Code

We have our own written ethical trade code and subject our compliance to internal and third-party audits.

guy holding small beans in hands

Vendor Selection

The potential impact on workers, biodiversity and the environment has become a key consideration when procuring our raw materials.

person taking an audit

Regulatory Compliance

We go above and beyond all national laws and standards for environmental protection. We carefully measure, monitor, report and verify our compliance.

three workers in warehouse

Ethical Trade Code

We have our own written ethical trade code and subject our compliance to internal and third-party audits.

Responsible Packaging


Recyclable Materials
100% of our bulk packaging and foodservice shipping materials are now recyclable.

Further Innovation
We’re analyzing all of our packaging to identify further opportunities to minimize waste.

recyclable items

Responsible Packaging


Recyclable Materials
100% of our bulk packaging and foodservice shipping materials are now recyclable.

Further Innovation
We’re analyzing all of our packaging to identify further opportunities to minimize waste.

Sustainability Recognition


We are proud to have recently achieved Maturing status within the Green Masters Program® of the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council.

Maturing status signifies that our organization is effectively engaging in sustainability, has identified and is improving our performance in most material sustainability issues, and is integrating systems to manage our performance in those issues.


Other Efforts


Sustainability Officer
We have appointed a full-time Sustainability Officer to lead our efforts and ensure we are doing everything we can in this area.

Organizations
We are a founding member of the Racine Sustainable Business Network, which fosters sustainable energy and environmental practices in the workplace.

Audits
We passed the SMETA Social Responsibility (2014 and 2017) and EcoVadis (2016, 2017 and 2018) with flying colors.

green grass with planet

Other Efforts


Sustainability Officer
We have appointed a full-time Sustainability Officer to lead our efforts and ensure we are doing everything we can in this area.

Organizations
We are a founding member of the Racine Sustainable Business Network, which fosters sustainable energy and environmental practices in the workplace.

Audits
We passed the SMETA Social Responsibility (2014 and 2017) and EcoVadis (2016, 2017 and 2018) with flying colors.