Environment | Pilgrim's Sustainability Report

2020 Key Facts and Figures

7%

decrease in greenhouse gas emission intensity from 2019-2020

1%

decrease in electricity use intensity from 2019-2020

3%

decrease in fuel use intensity from 2019-2020

2%

decrease in water use intensity from 2019-2020

Aligning to the SDGs

Pilgrim’s is committed to helping society meet the global challenge of feeding a growing population in an environmentally responsible manner by improving the efficiency of our operations and minimizing our environmental footprint.

To continue to reduce our environmental impact and reaffirm our commitment to minimize the resources needed to produce quality protein products, we have set aggressive 2020 goals for our U.S. business as a part of our Sustainable Management System. Performance towards these goals is discussed in the Water and Energy and Emissions sections of this report.

Reaching Net Zero by 2040

Pilgrim’s is the first major global protein company to set a net-zero GHG emissions by 2040 target. 

Our Management Approach

As a food company that relies on natural resources to produce our products, our understanding of and commitment to environmental stewardship is a part of who we are. We promote a model of continuous improvement and recognize that environmental protection and resource conservation provide value and security to current and future generations. Our management approach is focused on operational efficiency, innovation and compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations.

For Pilgrim’s U.S., our internally audited Environmental Management System (EMS) is based on the specifications of ISO 14001, yet tailored to enable our businesses to most effectively achieve our goals of protecting the environment. Pilgrim’s UK is working toward ISO 14001 certification. Pilgrim’s Moy Park operate an Integrated Safety and Environmental Management System (IMS) and Energy Management System (EnMS) which will be externally certified to, or will be in alignment with, ISO 14001, 45001 and 50001 standards.

Our environmental management structures encourage accountability and promote ownership within our environmental and operational teams. Almost every Pilgrim’s facility has a full-time environmental manager or officer who oversees the environmental requirements and performance of the facility and who reports to the facility general manager. In addition, corporate environmental teams oversee the environmental performance of multiple facilities and provide individual facility support by sharing best management practices and offering assistance to address specific issues, should they arise.

At Pilgrim’s, generally the corporate environmental team reports to the head of engineering, who reports to the head of operations, who reports directly to the president of the business unit. For Pilgrim’s Moy Park the corporate environmental team reports to the head of sustainability and risk management who reports to the president of the business unit.

Environmental Policy

Commitment to the Pilgrim’s Environmental Policy is a shared responsibility of all team members. The policy is supported and reinforced by Pilgrim’s executive management, overseen and governed by our environmental teams and implemented across the organization through the direct support of in-plant personnel.

Read Our Environmental Policy

Our 2020 Stories

Learn more about how our facilities and partners are helping us achieve our sustainability goals.

2020 NAMI Environmental Recognition Awards

Pilgrim's USA

The NAMI Environmental Recognition Awards were developed to provide recognition of a company’s dedication to continuous environmental improvement, as witnessed by the development and implementation of Environmental Management Systems (EMS). Four tiers are available to encourage EMS development through a stepwise approach. Tier I, II, II or IV awards are based on points assigned by…

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USPOULTRY 2019 Clean Water Award

Sanford, NC, Complex

On Sept. 19, the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) awarded its 2019 Clean Water Award, in the full treatment category, to our Pilgrim’s Sanford, NC, processing facility. The Sanford team was selected for this recognition by a committee of industry engineers, university personnel and industry media for going above and beyond in their commitment…

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Reducing Emissions Through Heat Recovery

Pilgrim's Moy Park

In the last five years, our Moy Park team at Anwick has vastly reduced fuel-oil consumption following the installation of a state-of-the-art heat recovery system at the site. The heating system’s configuration means that the Anwick facility utilizes waste refrigeration heat, which would normally be discarded outdoors. The recovered heat is then used instead of…

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Industrial Water Quality Achievement Award

Cold Spring, MN, Complex

Congratulations to the Cold Spring, MN, Pilgrim’s team for receiving the 2019 Industrial Water Quality Achievement Award. Each year, the Water Environment Federation presents this national honor to a corporation that best demonstrates significant, lasting and measurable excellence in water quality improvement or in the prevention of water quality degradation as demonstrated by innovative design…

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