Musgrave, Ireland’s leading food retail, wholesale and foodservice company, has today been named as a Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Champion by Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Richard Bruton TD.
Musgrave was selected to become one of Ireland’s SDG Champions due to its ongoing commitment to operating as a sustainable business, and the notable achievements to date as part of its Taking Care of Our World sustainability strategy.
Musgrave has committed that 100% of its own brand, in-store and fresh produce packaging will be recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025. Important milestones towards this target have been the introduction of compostable produce bags for fruit and vegetable in-store at SuperValu, removing 2.7 million single use plastic bags from its supply chain and introducing compostable coffee cups and lids for Frank and Honest.
Musgrave was one of the first companies globally to integrate the principles of the UN Sustainable Development Goals into its day-to-day business activities as part of its Taking Care of Our World sustainability strategy. The company will raise public awareness of the Goals and illustrate practical ways in which organisations and individuals can contribute to achieving the Goals.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals are an ambitious set of targets, covering the social, economic and environmental requirements for a sustainable future. They cover policy areas such as poverty eradication, economic development, protection of the environment, access to health and education services, gender equality, peaceful societies and human rights.
In its role as SDG Champion, Musgrave will now champion four specific SDG goals:
- Good Health and Well-Being
- Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Responsible Consumption and Production
Commenting about the announcement, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Richard Bruton TD said: “We need to take actions in a broad range of policy areas to put us on a more sustainable pathway. The Sustainable Development Goals draw those together in an integrated way. Achieving them will be a challenge. We need everyone to get involved and play their part in whatever way they can. The Champions chosen here today will be beacons of best practice for the coming year. They will lead the way with practical examples for how we can all contribute.”
Chris Martin, CEO, Musgrave, added, “Sustainability is at the heart of Musgrave’s approach to business, so we are honoured that Minister Bruton has named Musgrave as one of Ireland’s Sustainable Development Goal Champions. As SDG Champion, we look forward to making a real difference to the public’s health and well-being by championing sustainable development and building better, sustainable communities across the island of Ireland.”
