Trend Report: Sustainability Priorities

There’s no denying that sustainability is important to consumers. Just how important and to what extent it impacts purchasing decisions is constantly debated. We hear questions like ‘if sustainable practices drive up product costs, is it worth it?’ and ‘what kind of sustainability matters?’ constantly. We also have answers.

According to a recent Forbes article, there is a major miscommunication sparking these conversations that “could easily be alleviated if the retailers and brands simply listened to the voice of their customers.” To break through all of the noise, here are three sustainability practices that are trending with consumers — and how Vandemoortele is meeting those needs.

1. Sustainable Packaging

Sustainable packaging has long been defined by how recyclable the materials being used are. While different generations prioritize different sustainability practices, the majority of consumers — from Millennials to Boomers — define company sustainability as “primarily by the materials used to create a product,” according to Forbes. ?

Vandemoortele continues to strive for an optimal balance between preservation — to avoid food waste and guarantee the quality of our products — and sustainable packaging. Currently 97% of our packaging is recyclable, reusable or compostable and we are on track to reach 100% by the end of 2023.?

Additionally, Vandemoortele advocates for the circular economy to both preserve natural resources and as a viable response to growing concern for the climate. This includes product packaging intended to have a low environmental impact by recycling waste material and then converting it into new usable items. We contribute to various research programs and projects to increase circular packaging, and work with suppliers to find effective solutions for packaging like bulk deliveries.

An added statistic for ease of mind – research also indicates that, across all segments, 60% to 70% of consumers said they would pay more for sustainable packaging (McKinsey).

2. Sustainable Manufacturing

While the older generation links sustainability to packaging, Forbes reports that younger audiences, specifically Gen Z, focus on sustainable manufacturing — “using predictive analytics, testing 3D digital samples prior to production, and refining ESG policies.”?

As sustainability is one of Vandemoortele’s core pillars, our R&D team keeps sustainability at the forefront of development. The Banquet d’Or? Bake’Up? line is the perfect example —? a commitment to space-saving technologies without compromising on quality product. In addition to sustainable practices in the development process, we are also thoughtful about our energy use – since 2020,? all the electricity we use in our European plants and offices originates from renewable sources.

3. Sustainable Sourcing

While a sustainable process is important, so is a sustainable product. For Vandemoortele, promoting ethical behavior is a genuine commitment ingrained in our business. That is why we commit to sourcing our commodities as sustainably as possible. We make conscious decisions on how we source our basic ingredients like palm oil, soy, eggs and wheat. We ask all of our direct suppliers to sign our Supplier Code of Conduct, and each year we examine our supply chain to ensure responsible sourcing.?

We feel responsible for what happens in our supply chain and want to deliver tasty food that benefits our consumers and the planet, respects local farmers and does not put animal welfare at risk.??

While sustainability trends are important, we believe it’s our responsibility to integrate sustainability in everything we do, regardless of trends or consumer expectations. From packaging to sourcing, we are committed to providing the best product in a way that best protects our planet. To connect and learn more about our sustainability efforts, visit https://banquetdor.com/en/sustainable-development.