Progress, measures and key successes were also reported in the 2019 business year within the five action fields of company, products, production, employees, and social and regional responsibility.
Sourcing raw materials from the surrounding area is a key sustainability principle for the Uelzena Group. It said 86% of raw ingredients and packaging materials were purchased regionally in 2019, helping the company contribute to regional added value as well as greater sustainability due to shorter transport routes.
Newly-acquired milk suppliers made it possible to achieve an increase of 21% in milk deliveries and reach a new record level. The Uelzena Group said this supports its goal to source milk raw materials as sustainably as possible by participating in the QM sustainability module milk. The project is entering a second round in July 2020 after a three-year pilot phase.
Milk production and climate protection are the main topics of this year’s report. Milk producers are affected by climate change in two respects: They feel the effects of climate change directly due to persistent drought and the resulting feed scarcity and they can also help to reduce greenhouse gases, achieving climate goals. An interview with an Uelzena milk producer, who is focusing on the carbon footprint of his milk, examines the topic of climate-friendly milk production.
The company also reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 52% based on production volume compared with 2012. These and many other key figures have been recorded transparently by the Uelzena Group since 2014 in accordance with GRI Guidelines.
The sustainability strategy of the Uelzena Group has been reviewed and revised over the past two years. Based on a new stakeholder and materiality analysis, the objectives and measures in the individual action fields have been adjusted and new key performance figures defined.