Gerber commits to carbon neutrality for organic products by 2022

15 Jul 2021 --- Gerber, an early childhood nutrition company, has revealed its latest target to certify 100 percent of its organic line and its natural pouches and glass jars as carbon neutral by 2022, followed by the rest of the portfolio in 2035.

This commitment comes as part of Gerber’s new Climate Forward Nutrition ambition, and it will be implemented in collaboration with a third-party carbon-neutral certifier.

Gerber says it is the first US company to announce a commitment to producing carbon-neutral baby food products.

The brand’s ambition also includes partnerships with Rodale Institute and Michigan State University to research the links between nutrition and sustainability, leveraging new data platforms to support regenerative farming practices.

“The commitment we make today is the start of the next chapter in elevating the choices we give parents who are seeking food that is good for baby and good for the planet, harnessing the next generation of regenerative farming and sustainable business practices,” says Tarun Malkani, president and CEO at Gerber.

Regenerative agriculture techniques
Gerber plans to conduct on-farm research and invest in regenerative agriculture techniques to promote biodiversity, soil health and water usage reduction.

The sustainability practices will focus on regenerative agriculture, packaging, manufacturing and supply chain management, and recipe design.

The following are key projects in Gerber’s sustainability and carbon neutrality roadmap:

• The creation of fruit and vegetable research farm plots in Western Michigan where Gerber partners with the nonprofit Rodale Institute and Michigan State University to research technologies and advanced regenerative organic farming practices.
• The optimization of energy use and sourcing 100 percent renewable electricity manufacturing facilities by 2025.
• Making 100 percent of packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025.
• Assessing environmental impact as a result of new product development.

Ensuring food security
Gerber is providing a carbon-neutral baby food donation, contributing US$100,000 worth of products to families served by the Feeding America network.

Gerber partnered with Feeding America in 1988 and invested more than US$2.8 million in 2020.Gerber aims to have its products be carbon-neutral by 2022.

“Nutritious food is critical to a child’s development. A potential 13 million children are at risk of being food insecure this year, a number that the pandemic has exacerbated,” notes Blake Thompson, chief supply chain officer at Feeding America.

“Feeding America is proud to partner with Gerber to help provide nutrient-dense food to children and families when they need it most.”

Gerber’s previous moves
Previously, Gerber created customized subscription-based food boxes that include nutritional education.

Last year, Gerber unveiled its organic baby snack range, Organic BabyPops, with allergy prevention in mind.

Gerber also introduced two infant A2 formulas to the US market that are pegged as being rich in probiotics and protein.

By Nicole Kerr