Sustainable practices in the food and beverage industry is a growing trend that many companies are jumping on board with and for good reason. According to this infographic from CGIAR (Climate Change, Agriculture, and Food Security), “Food system emissions contribute 19-20% of the total greenhouse gas emissions.”
This means it’s up to food industry players, both big and small, to take on the challenge of implementing better practices of sustainability and minimal processing to combat this growing global issue. At Gillco Ingredients we take this topic very seriously and always have. Are we perfect? No. But it is a key part of our overall mission to remain progressive in our sustainable efforts when it comes to the role we play in the wholesale ingredients supply chain.
Here are 3 areas where we strive to live up to sustainability and minimally processed standards:
Organic Ingredients
A big concern with all of us at Gillco is the protection of the planet. The growing process and minimal processing of our organic ingredients is not only a healthier option for the consumer but also ensures a significant reduction in chemicals and emissions that pollute our environment.
Curious which of our products are organic? Here is a list:
- Shelf life extenders (MicroGARD)
- Sugars/sweeteners
- Cocoa powder
- Chocolates
- Locust Bean Gum
- Guar Gum
Minimally/Sustainably Processed Ingredients
Sweeteners
Our entire line of sweeteners is minimally processed, which includes sucanat, demerara, organic whole cane and brown sugar, organic molasses, organic coconut palm sugar and even our low-calorie sweeteners such as xylitol, erythritol.
Cocoa Powder
Our cocoa powder supplier, Cargill, works directly with the cocoa bean farmers from an education stand-point to help them earn top-dollar for the beans they work so hard to provide. Cargill works with Fairtrade International, connecting producers to consumers in an effort to promote fairer trading conditions and empower producers to combat poverty, strengthen their position, and take more control over their livelihood. Cargill also works with the Rainforest Alliance to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices, and consumer behavior.
We Keep it Eco-Friendly In-House, Too
Use of eco-friendly practices with paper and printed materials:
- FSC certified
- Post-consumer recycled materials
- Soy-based inks
- Wind-powered printing facilities
- We now use crinkle kraft paper when shipping samples as opposed to using styrofoam peanuts
We supply our sales team with low-emission hybrid vehicles when they need to commute locally. They’re fun to drive, too!
Looking to clean-up your label by incorporating more sustainable ingredients into your product? We can help! Contact us and let’s work together on creating better consumer products…for the good of the planet and everyone in it.
If you enjoyed this news blog you might also want to read, “Organic Chocolate as An Ingredient: Benefits and Uses.”
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