Words by Smiley Team
Snack manufacturing giant Mondelez is building on its sustainability strategy by launching Sustainable Futures, an investing platform to support social enterprises that serve the environment and social wellbeing.
Better known as the producer of Cadbury, Oreo, Ritz and Belvita snacks, the company is escalating its environmental work to support projects that protect forests, reduce carbon emissions and increase resilience in landscapes from which it sources raw materials.
“We don’t have all the answers, but we do know that alone, we can never achieve significant progress in the fight against systemic issues like climate change,” said Dirk Van de Put, chief executive and chairman of Mondelēz International.
“Sustainable Futures is our first foray into impact investing and gives us the opportunity to work with others in supporting environmental and social projects that can help drive meaningful, long-term change.”
International companies such as Mondelez have a large part to play in tackling the climate crisis. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change we have just ten years to slash emissions by at least 45 per cent in order to avoid the worst the environment could inflict on us.
So Mondelez’s steps to support environmentally-beneficial projects are vital to making the dramatic transition we need, as well as supporting local communities financially.
One of the first ventures to benefit is a women-run NGO in India that trains members to upcycle plastic packaging into useful boards. The scheme will also support a venture with INMED Aquaponics Social Enterprise (ASE) in South Africa, which trains agro-entrepreneurs in climate-resistant food production.
The main party responsible for Mondelez’s drive to support social enterprises is Christine Montenegro McGrath, vice president and chief of global impact and sustainability at Mondelēz International. She said: “It’s only by testing and learning new approaches, and by seeking new forms of partnership with NGOs, governments, and social entrepreneurs, that we can unleash the creativity we need to tackle some of the world’s most challenging issues.
“By offering seed investment and expertise through Sustainable Futures, Mondelēz International can help to create lasting solutions in areas like forest protection, carbon emissions reduction, and innovation in recycling.”
