Albertsons launches long-term strategies to support a more sustainable future

Albertsons Cos. has committed to becoming net zero in its own operations by 2040. It has also detailed plans to eliminate food waste going to landfill, increase workforce diversity and help lead the fight against food insecurity.

The Boise, Idaho-based grocer has launched long-term goals and strategies focused on maximizing the company’s positive impact across four pillars: planet, people, product and community. The company’s new environmental, social and governance framework, called “Recipe for Change,” solidifies its commitment to using its national presence and resources to drive meaningful, proactive change, according to a news release.

“As a long-standing neighborhood grocer, we have an ongoing commitment to leverage our resources and expertise to support the communities we serve and the planet we share,” Vivek Sankaran, CEO of Albertsons, said. “Today, we are unveiling ambitious and measurable goals that will challenge us to be even more deliberate and creative about how we lead positive change.”

The company’s Chief Sustainability and Transformation Officer Suzanne Long will oversee execution of Albertsons strategy and sustainability agenda. Long has been in retail and consulting for more than 25 years and has led a variety of major strategic initiatives at Albertsons. She has led the company’s sustainability efforts since late 2020.

“Albertsons Companies has made substantial progress driving sustainability practices in our operations, including reducing energy and fuel consumption, implementing recycling programs and fighting food insecurity in our local neighborhoods,” Long said. “Recipe for Change is about broadening our existing commitments so we can have an even greater impact.”

The company’s new platform includes the following priorities and goals:

Planet

Climate action: Albertsons is committed to fighting climate change by reducing carbon emissions through science-based targets.

• Achieve Science Based Targets initiative approved carbon emissions reduction goals by 2030.
  • Reduce carbon emissions from company operations by 47%.
  • Reduce downstream carbon emissions from the use of sold goods by approximately 27%.
  • Engage top suppliers to set science-based carbon reduction targets by 2026.
• Achieve Net Zero emissions in company operations by 2040.

People

Diversity, equity and inclusion: Albertsons is committed to cultivating a diverse workforce and providing equal opportunity for all associates.

• Increase diverse representation within our management to reflect the rich diversity of the communities we serve.
• Foster an inclusive culture that embraces differences and drives innovation to accelerate growth.
• Ensure all associates have equal access to opportunities and resources.

Product

Waste reduction and circularity: Albertsons is committed to eliminating food waste, reducing the use of plastic, and accelerating our transition to a more circular economy.

• Zero food waste going to landfill by 2030.
• Leverage global partnerships and platforms to report on and achieve the company’s Plastics & Packaging Pledge goals, including:
  • By 2025, all Own Brands product packaging will be 100% recyclable, reusable, or industrially compostable.
  • By 2025, Own Brands plastic packaging will include 20% recycled content.
  • By 2022, Own Brands packaging will include standardized recycling communications.

Community 

Nourishing neighbors: Albertsons is committed to reducing food insecurity at a local level, so all its neighbors thrive.

• Enable the donation of one billion meals by 2030.
• Champion innovative programs and partnerships to help break the cycle of hunger in the communities we serve.