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Sustainability refers to methods of doing business that minimise adverse effects on the environment. Using raw materials wisely and with minimal waste, using local materials that are readily replaced through sound agricultural practices, using energy and water resources efficiently and managing waste responsibly are all part of sustainability. IFM member companies are involved in a variety of sustainability projects within their companies and throughout their communities.
Projects:
 When the government of the Netherlands developed a Packaging Covenant to reduce the quantity of packaging materials used and to stimulate package recycling, Numico’s Dutch subsidiaries eagerly signed on. As a result, they recently introduced a new, refillable package for infant foods. They replaced cans with refillable, vacuum-packed Nutrilon boxes, which, according to Life Cycle Analysis comparative studies, significantly reduced the environmental impact.
Three IFM member companies (Nestle, Danone and Friesland Nutrition)  are working with a larger group of companies on the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI), which helps farmers and growers improve their livelihood, increase their productivity and improve environmental practices. SAI is focused on raising awareness about sustainable agriculture, managing and sharing information on best practices, identifying key players in the food and agricultural industries, and helping with the implementation of best practices in local communities.
 The Novartis Infant & Baby business unit in Queretaro Mexico reduced its water and energy use by eight percent through investments in new water-saving processes. Furthermore, its Zero Loss Management project, which is focused on the reduction of losses for solid waste, waste water treatment and CO2 emissions, will reduce the total cost of losses at the Queretaro site by ten percent.
Last Updated: March 2004
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