DEFORESTATION-FREE COMMODITIES IS THE TOPIC OF OUR JUNE 2024 MEMBERS MONTHLY MEETUP

Pictures of attendees at the Sodexo office in Hong Kong 

The recent Members Monthly Meetup brought together sustainability leaders to learn more about Deforestation regulations and local sustainability initiatives in Hong Kong. With Heidi Spurrell and Adrian Copeland from Sodexo as our speakers, we firstly dove into food supply chain’s intersection of deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. This was followed by a fascinating presentation on what multinational companies such as Sodexo are doing to curb these global issues. 

Heidi Spurrell, Future Green Global, with Adrian Copeland from Sodexo, and Douglas Ting

Heidi Spurrell with Gloria Cheung from DFI 

Networking at the Meetup with some amazing refreshments provided by Sodexo!

Addressing the challenges

Deforestation is a critical issue that demands our immediate attention. At the Meetup, Heidi discusses how food production is responsible for a quarter of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. The most emissions in the food sector come from inappropriate land use and on-farm emissions. As part of this, deforestation has led to a vicious cycle of driving climate change and continuing the practice of illegal logging and land use. This in turn hurts the food production of existing farmland and motivates the farmers to cut down more trees in order to meet the quotas.

To further emphasise the impact of deforestation on food supply chains, Heidi cited the 2020 case study that found how one-fifth of EU soy imports from Brazil may originate from illegally deforested land. Therefore, as a major contributor to global greenhouse emissions and environmental degradation, the food production industry has a huge responsibility to take action towards this and focus on the development of deforestation-free commodities. 

Heidi presenting on the greenhouse gas emissions created by the food sector 

What’s in the news?

Reinforcing SDG goals of responsible consumption, climate action, and life on land, in her presentation, Heidi shared more on the new EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and how it is a significant step in the right direction, and that it will impact on Asia businesses especially those reporting on Scope 3 (for their SBTi submissions). 

By seeking to prevent the imports of products linked to illegal deforestation and forest degradation, this regulation covers a wide range of agricultural goods, including timber, soy, palm oil, beef, leather, cocoa, and coffee – all of which have a substantial impact on the world’s precious forests. We believe that this is just the beginning, and corn will follow!

Heidi discussing the new EU Deforestation Regulations 

Case Study: Sodexo’s success in integrating sustainable practices in their operations

As a leading global catering company serving around 100 million people every day, Sodexo has a unique platform to drive change, and they have truly capitalised on that opportunity! At the meetup, our attendees learnt more about their future sustainability vision which has focused on achieving greater environmental governance.

Here are some of Sodexo’s goals and achievements!

Sodexo hopes to ensure 70% low carbon meals by 2030, 50% food waste reduction by 2025, and 100% use of sustainable fish, seafood, and paper! By ranking 59th in the 2023 World’s Benchmark Alliance (WBA) Food and Agricultural Benchmark, Sodexo has clearly revolutionised and set impeccable standards for greater sustainability initiatives! Heidi happens to be at the WBA allies event this week!

Adrian Copeland delivering his presentation on Sodexo’s success towards achieving sustainability 

Their local initiatives are really impressive and truly an inspiration for other companies to follow in their sustainable efforts to change the face of the food industry for the better. From implementing waste management programmes at their catering sites, to incorporating plant-based protein dishes throughout their school’s menu, Sodexo has taken large steps in their journey towards achieving greater sustainability. Their initiatives such as Sodexo SOFarm to introduce seasonal Low Carbon organic produce grown in Hong Kong, as well as their projects dedicated to sourcing locally made honey and milk products, Sodexo has also shown commitments towards a strong top-down approach and the importance of interacting with local farmers and businesses to further support sustainability. 

Sodexo’s sustainable initiatives of locally sourced honey, made in Yuen Long!

Sodexo’s sustainable initiatives of fresh milk collected from cattle in Tai Po!

Sodexo’s work towards environmental efforts underscores their dedication to being a responsible corporate business! We hope more businesses will take the next steps in curbing the issue of deforestation and initiating steps to improve the entire food supply chain. 

Read more about Sodexo and their work in our Member Spotlight

Watch the reel for a quick summary of the event! 

How to stay involved

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Together, we’re not just talking about a sustainable future; we’re building it. Let’s make every meal a story worth telling.

Stay green, stay inspired.

Future Green Team

 

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