McCormick has a long history of sourcing pure, natural spices and herbs, and our attention to sustainability starts at the farms. Our global sourcing team travels the world to monitor growing activity and weather conditions on the farms with the goal of providing fully mature healthy crops. We have worked effectively with farmers to improve crop production, drying and storage methods. Our ongoing objective year to year is to buy the highest quality spices and herbs, yielding the best flavor.
As these raw materials arrive at our facilities for processing, we are committed to minimizing our own impact on the environment. Since 2005 our global operations have reduced greenhouse gases by 24%, water usage by 19%, electricity usage by 14% and solid waste by 6%.
Our focus on sustainability has resulted in many other accomplishments as well. Our manufacturing facility in Atlanta, for example, has reduced its solid waste by 43% since 2005. In our largest plant in the U.K., we recently achieved a 48% rise in recycling and reduced electricity usage by 14% and water usage by 13%. In recognition of these achievements, outstanding employee engagement in sustainability efforts and ISO 14001 certification, this facility was awarded “Sustainable Manufacturer of the Year” for 2009 by a leading U.K. manufacturers’ publication. Sustainability extends to our packaging as well. In 2009, we eliminated 350,000 pounds of corrugated shipping materials for our foodservice products in the U.S.
We are also focused on the impact of our products on consumers. In 2007, we founded the McCormick Science Institute to advance the health benefits of culinary spices and herbs. In the Americas, Europe and the Asia/Pacific region, our “Super Spices” advertising and website began educating consumers about the high levels of natural antioxidants in many of our products. We offer reduced-sodium versions of a number of our most popular U.S. items, including Zatarain’s Jambalaya rice mix, Grill Mates Montreal Steak seasoning and our latest addition, Lawry’s seasoned salt, as well as many favorites in international markets.
Our efforts extend from the health of our products to the health of the communities in which we operate. This begins at the growing regions around the world where McCormick has provided support. In 2009, we funded construction of two health clinics in Indonesia and provided donations during the devastating earthquakes in this region. Our corporate giving goes beyond health initiatives to education, environment and habitat, health and welfare, civic and culture, and diversity.
Concern for one another is one of our shared values, and our employees are generous in sharing with their communities. In the U.S. many employees work an additional eight hours each year and donate their earnings – which are matched by the Company – to local charities. Employees in other locations donate their time and energy to raise funds for their local community. The Company also recognizes leaders in community service with annual awards.
For 120 years, McCormick’s people have valued an enduring culture that still thrives today. Our Multiple Management philosophy is the foundation of this culture and is based on the inclusion of all employees, encouraging their participation in every aspect of our business. We are emphasizing these values with the McCormick High Performance System, which motivates our employees and leads to better training, lower turnover and greater efficiency.
Our talented and motivated employees are the key ingredient of our success. We recognize this and continue to invest in development and a work environment where our talents can be applied and rewarded. In 2009, we added further resources behind our diversity and inclusion efforts, as well as employee communications, while continuing to monitor our progress with employee surveys. With the formation of two regional Multiple Management Boards, we are strengthening our leadership development initiatives around the world.
At McCormick, we care about our impact on the environment, our consumers, the communities in which we operate and the well-being and advancement of our employees. We view sustainability as an integral part of our business and essential to our success. It is truly our nature.
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