Kroger setting the standard for sustainability

Few retailers make as big an impact on the environment as Kroger, but the high performing supermarket chain has made huge progress against sustainability priorities during the past decade and now is ready to take on a new set of goals.

The company released its 2015 Sustainability Report on July 17, which chronicles progress made during the past nine years and establishes new directional priorities.

"This report celebrates the completion of our first set of sustainability goals, established in 2009, and begins to chart our course for the future," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman and CEO. "We believe reducing our environmental footprint and being a good corporate citizen is a continuous learning process. We have a strong foundation because of the commitment of our associates to serve each and every customer every day and to be good stewards of our communities and planet."

Other highlights from the report include:

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  Kroger has recycled 200 million pounds of plastic since 2008, a 125% increase.


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  Energy and carbon consumption has fallen 35% since 2000.


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  Fleet productivity has improved more than 41% since 2008.


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  Since 2009, Kroger has achieved 100% best aquaculture practice rating, 100% ISSF certification for canned tuna and 86% sustainability for sourcing of wild-caught fish.

Going forward, McMullen wrote in the letter contained in the report that the company would be focused on four main opportunity areas where the company can have the greatest impact.

Click here to access the full report.