Keurig Dr Pepper launches corporate responsibility strategy

Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) has announced new unified corporate responsibility (CR) commitments to deliver positive impact, less than one year after the merger of Keurig Green Mountain and Dr Pepper Snapple Group. “As we formed Keurig Dr Pepper 11 months ago, we recognised the unique opportunity to assess our combined footprint, address the urgent issue of plastic waste in the environment, and, ultimately, create a positive impact on the people and places we touch,” KDP Chairman and CEO Bob Gamgort says. “The result is our new vision for corporate responsibility, backed up by specific goals that will set the pace for our transformation.” The “Drink Well. Do Good.” CR platform was developed following extensive analysis across KDP’s hot and cold beverage operations, and focuses on four areas: environment, supply chain, health and wellbeing, and communities. “The entire KDP organisation has quickly united behind our new “Drink Well. Do Good.” platform, and we are eager to harness the power of our more than 25,000 employees in this important work,” KDP Chief Sustainability Officer Monique Oxender says. “Our new goals build from existing programs such as our conversion to recyclable K-Cup pods – already complete in Canada and on track to complete in the United States in 2020 – and expanded partnerships with leading organisations like The Nature Conservancy and the Closed Loop Fund. We will seek opportunities to rapidly test, learn, and apply to meet the urgent need for action and to create positive, lasting change for generations to come.” KDP says it’s committed to reducing its environmental footprint while restoring resources for a circular economy. The company is introducing new packaging goals, including to convert to 100 per cent recyclable or compostable packaging and use 30 per cent post-consumer recycled content across packaging portfolio by 2025. KDP has also introduced new unified environmental goals of sending zero waste to landfill across its operations, obtaining 100 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources, improving water use efficiency by 20 per cent, and partnering with its highest water-risk operating communities to replenish 100 per cent of water used for its beverages in those communities, all by 2025. On the supply chain front, KDP says it will continue to engage suppliers, farmers, and local and international organisations to benefit coffee farmers and their communities in the short and long term. The company is the largest buyer of Fairtrade coffee in the world and is working toward achieving its commitment to responsibly source 100 per cent of its coffee and brewers by 2020. In terms of health and wellbeing, KDP says its portfolio contains more low- and no-calorie choices than ever before, and new smaller-size options are available across its brands. The company aims to reduce beverage calories 20 per cent per person nationally by 2025. KDP says invests in meaningful ways in local communities, and has set a goal to provide play opportunities to 13.5 million children and families by 2020 through its Let's Play initiative, a collaboration with national non-profits KaBoom! and Good Sports. For more information, click HERE. Global Coffee Report has launched a LinkedIn Showcase page. Follow HERE for up-to-date news and analysis of the global coffee industry.