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The ���򾺲��Ƽ� is pursuing recycling initiatives worldwide. While plastic is useful in many ways, its manufacturing, use and disposal pose challenges.  The manufacturing of plastics and their incineration as waste emit large volumes of greenhouse gases, raising concerns about the impact on climate change. The fossil fuels used as raw materials for plastics are limited resources, so as production increases, the risk of resource depletion also rises. And plastic waste that leaks into the environment, especially the oceans, can take hundreds of years to decompose. This may be ingested by wildlife and enter the food chain. Plastic pollution is an issue we need to approach head on.

The ���򾺲��Ƽ�, with its legacy of food innovation, is dedicated to tackling environmental challenges through transformative recycling initiatives across its global operations. With a target to eliminate all plastics released to the environment that are not used effectivaly by 2030, the Group is pursuing initiatives in France, Spain and Japan that showcase its commitment to a sustainable, circular economy.

At its frozen food plant in Castelsarrasin, France, the ���򾺲��Ƽ� addressed plastic waste by redesigning production processes for its macaron line, the plant’s primary product. Previously, single-use plastic trays were discarded after each cycle, generating considerable plastic waste. The plant switched to reusable, washable trays made from recyclable polyethylene, a move that prevents over 80 tons of plastic from entering the waste stream annually. This initiative also generated significant cost savings and serves as a model for reducing plastic waste in food manufacturing across the ���򾺲��Ƽ�’s global operations.

Further, ���򾺲��Ƽ� Frozen Foods is working to reduce plastic in the production process of their other products too. Currently nearly 50% of the packaging of their frozen gyoza are recyclable. The company is committed to using recyclable plastic for 100% of their frozen gyoza packaging by the year 2030.

In Spain, the ���򾺲��Ƽ�’s agro-focused subsidiary, Agro2Agri, has embraced recycling by implementing a return-and-reuse system for the intermediate bulk containers (IBC) used to distribute its biostimulant products.

Biostimulants are a new type of agricultural material that help regulate plant stress, reducing the damage caused by environmental factors such as climate and soil conditions. By enhancing a plant’s inherent capabilities, biostimulants can foster healthier, more resilient plants.

The plastic components of the IBC used for biostimulants are thoroughly cleaned, sanitized, and returned to circulation, allowing for multiple uses over their lifespan. This initiative minimizes waste, supports efficient resource use, and aligns with Spain’s national regulations on waste reduction and recycling. By promoting sustainable practices in the agricultural sector, Agro2Agri is setting new standards in responsible packaging.

In Japan, at Kawasaki Plant we launched a pioneering stretch film recycling project in 2023. Stretch film is a transparent plastic wrap used to stabilize and protect goods during transportation and storage. It’s characterized by its flexibility and self-adhesive properties, thanks to resistance to static electricity and friction, and is useful for bundling irregularly shaped items like stacked boxes of varying sizes and in many other applications.

However, it is typically discarded after a single use, contributing significantly to industrial plastic waste. The Kawasaki Plant established designated collection points throughout the facility to gather clean, clear stretch film waste, which is then recycled into new stretch film. This can conserve raw materials and significantly reduce carbon emissions, as it removes the need for new resources. In just over a year, the plant recycled 15,170 kg of stretch film, surpassing its initial target of 13,500 kg and setting a new benchmark in sustainable industrial practices.

The ���򾺲��Ƽ�’s partnerships are central to its recycling initiatives and long-term commitment to a sustainable future. By working with specialized recycling companies and industry partners in each region, the ���򾺲��Ƽ� has created efficient, sustainable loops within its supply chain. These collaborations exemplify the Group’s dedication to the realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and showcase how innovative partnerships can drive impactful, environmentally responsible solutions.

The ���򾺲��Ƽ�’s recycling initiatives in France, Spain, and Japan reflect a global approach to good environmental stewardship. Through these projects and more, the ���򾺲��Ƽ� leads by example, demonstrating how a focus on recycling and reuse can move us closer to a circular economy and a waste-free future, contributing to the well-being of all human beings, our society and our planet with “AminoScience.”