Environment

Addressing Climate Change and Reducing our Environmental Footprint

Climate action is infused across our organization. We are proud to be among the companies committed to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). We have set ambitious, science-based greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals to reduce our absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 50 percent and our absolute Scope 3 emissions by 25 percent by 2030 against a 2018 baseline.1 Our emissions reduction targets are aligned with the 1.5°C temperature pathways, the most ambitious designation available through the SBTi process, and consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement. To meet these ambitious objectives, we have implemented numerous programs to protect our environment for a more sustainable future, including investing in renewable energy, advancing sustainable packaging solutions and ending deforestation across our value chain.

Investing in Renewable Energy

Investing in renewable energy is key to reaching our Scope 1 and Scope 2 commitments. We have reached three power purchase agreements (PPAs) that enable the construction of new utility-scale solar farms. Through these PPAs, we access clean and renewable energy while creating local jobs and generating significant power for the communities where they are located. Additionally, to drive our commitment to renewable energy, each Hershey location around the world has designated an Energy Champion responsible for implementing carbon savings, meeting conservation goals, identifying opportunities for energy reduction and efficiency and engaging employees in these efforts.

Advancing Sustainable Packaging Solutions

In order to reduce the potential negative impacts of plastic waste and waste sent to landfills, we are eliminating unnecessary packaging and converting to eco-friendly alternatives to create a more sustainable future. In 2015, we committed to reducing packaging weight by 25 million pounds by 2025. We’re proud to say we’ve surpassed this goal and have set a new goal of reducing an additional 25 million pounds by 2030. We’re also aiming to make 100 percent of our plastic packaging recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2030.

Ending Deforestation

We are committed to ending deforestation across our supply chain by 2030 by working within our individual commodity supply chains to drive sustainable practices across our  supply chain. Our No Deforestation Policy commitment is a key part of Hershey’s efforts to meet our Scope 3 commitment. Read more about this commodity-specific approach to ending deforestation in our Cocoa Forest Initiative Report.

Protecting Biodiversity

Hershey recognizes that biodiversity plays a critical role in business success and in safeguarding the health of our planet and communities. We have deeply embedded biodiversity within our environmental policies, including our Environmental Policy and No Deforestation Policy. Through ongoing interactions with farmers and other suppliers, we invest in and work toward protecting the ecologically important ecosystems where our cocoa is sourced and where our palm oil is produced.

Protecting Water Sources

As a global snacking company, water is critical to our business and interconnected to our climate action strategy. In 2020, we joined the Science Based Targets Network’s (SBTN) Corporate Engagement Program to stay aligned with emerging best practices in water stewardship. In 2021, we launched a preliminary assessment to better understand our water footprint and gather insights on contextual water challenges across our business. Through continued participation in SBTN’s self-guided pilot, we’ve continued to take important steps to integrate water quality and quantity awareness across our supply chain. We will continue to report on our progress in our annual sustainability report and on our website.