Awards focus on Climate Change, Packaging, Responsible Sourcing, Water Reduction and Waste Reduction
The program invited cross-functional employee teams to submit projects completed during Conagra’s fiscal years 2023 and 2024. Each submission was evaluated by a panel of peers, with the final winners selected by the company’s sustainability leaders.
“At Conagra Brands, our Sustainable Development Awards highlight our employees’ remarkable ingenuity in creating environmentally responsible solutions,” said Christine Daugherty, vice president of sustainability at Conagra Brands. “These ongoing efforts help influence improvements across our facilities and underscore Conagra’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Congratulations to everyone who participated and demonstrated their innovation and determination.”
The Sustainable Development Awards acknowledge exceptional performance, motivate continuous improvement and foster a positive culture by celebrating shared successes. Conagra’s 2024 Sustainable Development Award winners include:
- Climate Change:
Maple Grove, Minn. – TheMaple Grove team installed energy-efficient air units that cut natural gas usage by12% , saving approximately annually.$36,000 - Packaging:
Rensselaer, Ind. – The team inRensselaer redesigned their shipping pallets for Orville Redenbacher’s®, fitting 30 more popcorn jugs per pallet. This change eliminated the need for 34 metric tons of packaging annually. In addition, the reduction in the number of pallets sent for transport led to fewer trucks on the road, saving 79 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually. - Responsible Sourcing:
Darien, Wis. – TheDarien plant transformed 152 acres of farmland into hayfields and natural prairie, significantly reducing fertilizer and herbicide use. This change improved local wildlife habitats, controlled erosion and provided hay for local farmers. - Water Reduction:
Waterloo, Iowa – The Waterloo team upgraded their automated cleaning room to a modern system that recovers cleaning solutions and maintains a more efficient wash cycle. This project saved more than one million gallons of water and reduced energy and chemical use. The new system also provides data for future savings and can be applied to other facilities. - Waste Reduction:
Waterloo, Iowa – At Conagra’s facility inWaterloo , the team launched a project to reduce waste from DAVID® Sunflower Seeds by measuring input materials and waste. This data-driven approach saved annually, reduced overall yield loss by approximately$485,000 6% and eliminated nearly 200 tons of waste. - Award of Excellence:
Irapuato, Mexico – The Irapuato team upgraded their biogas system to reduce energy consumption and generate hot water. They installed turbines to produce electricity and a heat exchanger to use exhaust gases for heating water. This project now provides8% of the site’s electricity and reduces natural gas use by6% .
Each winning project team will receive a
For more information about Conagra’s ongoing sustainability initiatives, please see the company’s 2023 Citizenship Report.
About Conagra Brands
Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG), is one of North America’s leading branded food companies. We combine a 100-year history of making quality food with agility and a relentless focus on collaboration and innovation. The company’s portfolio is continuously evolving to satisfy consumers’ ever-changing food preferences. Conagra’s brands include Birds Eye®, Duncan Hines®, Healthy Choice®, Marie Callender’s®, Reddi-wip®, Slim Jim®, Angie’s® BOOMCHICKAPOP®, and many more. As a corporate citizen, we aim to do what’s right for our business, our employees, our communities and the world. Headquartered in Chicago, Conagra Brands generated fiscal 2024 net sales of more than
For additional information, please contact:
[email protected]
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Conagra Brands, Inc.
link
More Stories
Private Company Leaders Prioritize Employee Development to Increase Engagement, Drive Productivity and Define New Leadership: Deloitte Private Survey
SAP CSR: Achieving Purpose Through Pro Bono
5 Ways to Hire and Retain Top Talent in 2025