Greenery publishes sustainability report

The Greenery has published its 2007 sustainability report, which underlines the Dutch group’s efforts to achieve a sustainable food chain.

The report highlights work that The Greenery is undertaking on health and safety, as well as many environmental initiatives that it is currently trialling, and looks at some of its successes to date, as well as ongoing projects.

In a joint foreword to the report, general manager Philip Smits and financial manager Albert Knol say: “Corporate social responsibility means that every link in the supply chain is essential, and The Greenery takes that responsibility seriously by initiating and supporting sustainability projects with as many supply chain partners as possible.

“In our own organisation, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is an integral part of our operational management. At the same time, we also encourage our growers to pursue CSR. By doing so, we accede to our customers’ preferences in product safety, environmental protection and energy. Major themes relevant to society - like food safety, energy consumption, carbon dioxide emissions and climate - have our full attention and our activities are geared towards contributing to solutions.”

The foreword continues: “Our current sustainability policy focuses on encouraging sustainable cultivation in the Netherlands and abroad, supplying safe and healthy products, responding to changing customer requirements and stricter standards, and participating in ethical enterprise in the global chain. Essential elements in this respect include maintaining energy-efficient and sustainable business operations, ensuring a safe and healthy working environment with committed, well-trained employees, and engaging in dialogue with stakeholders in society.”