UK-based proteins supplier, manufacturer and food packing company Hilton Foods has published its first sustainability report, which it said demonstrates "significant progress" for its commitment to sustainable business practices.

Steve Murrells Hilton Foods Copy

Steve Murrells, chief executive of Hilton Foods Group Plc.

The report looks at the company's progress in its Sustainable Protein Plan against its 2025 targets and shines a light on its projects and partnerships. As part of the report, the Group announced it has achieved a 14% reduction in Scope 3 GHG emissions.

Highlights from the 2023 Sustainability Report include:

  • Achieved a 14% reduction in Scope 3 GHG emissions, contributing towards Hilton Foods' Science-Based Targets for climate action
  • Advanced efforts in packaging, with 1,971 tonnes of plastic packaging reduced since 2020
  • Increased female leadership within the company to 36% of roles, surpassing the 2025 target of 30%
  • Progress made towards target of 100% renewable electricity in European operations by 2025, with a notable increase to 76% renewable electricity usage in Europe
  • Partnership with Slave-Free Alliance to accelerate progress in protecting human rights in the supply chain
  • Improved water efficiency across operations, with Hilton Foods Ireland achieving a 50% reduction in water usage compared with 2020.

Steve Murrells CBE, group chief executive officer, said: "Sustainability is written into the way we work at Hilton Foods, and our whole business model depends on the standards and trust we provide as global food producers. We're proud of the strength of the targets and robustness of the plan, and we will continue to raise the bar we have set for ourselves to remain industry leaders in this space."

Group chief quality and sustainability officer, Lorna Schneider, said: "We have so many opportunities to help our partners drive lasting changes, and over the next year we're going to start a thorough review process and look at where our focus needs to be for the next five years. There is lots to be proud of in what we have achieved already, but there is more to be done."