Bimbo Recognized as Environmentally Responsible

The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) recognized Grupo Bimbo’s actions to mitigate the effects of climate change at a global level. Bimbo aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

CDP is a non-governmental organization handling the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impact. In 2022, the organization rated nearly 15,000 companies on climate change, forests and water security. It granted an “A” to Grupo Bimbo, the highest score possible. 

For 2022, 283 of the companies evaluated reached the A list, and Bimbo stood out as the only Mexican food company in this category. Rafael Pamias, Chief Sustainability Officer, Grupo Bimbo, said his team was proud to be recognized by CDP and highlighted the company’s goals towards sustainability. “A year ago, Grupo Bimbo made a firm commitment to become a zero-carbon company by 2050, setting goals validated by science-based targets, which drive us to take action across our entire value chain and thereby continue to achieve the objectives set in our Sustainability strategy,” he stated.

In 2021, Bimbo committed to achieving Zero Net Carbon Emissions by 2050 by joining the UN Race to Zero Campaign. In this regard, the food company has taken several steps to reduce carbon emissions, including the installation of solar panels in and the deployment of electrical vehicles (EVs). “By 2025, 100% of our energy is going to come from renewable sources. Also, we are converting our fleet to EVs. We have 1,300 units in Latin America, which means 7% of our fleet already has zero carbon emissions,” said David Hernandez, Global Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer, Grupo Bimbo to Milling & Baking News. 

Hernandez highlighted that more than 60% of Bimbo’s carbon emissions come from its supply chain. To accomplish its goal, the company needs to partner up with suppliers and producers. “This is a key part of our work. Most of the supply chain emissions come from agriculture and that is why we are launching our programs specifically to work with the producer community,” he said. 

In 2018, Bimbo partnered up with the International Wheat and Maize Improvement Center (CIMMYT) to develop regenerative agriculture projects using sustainable corn and wheat crops in Mexico. Since then, they have sown 21,853ha of grain in the country benefiting over 940 small producers from 41 municipalities in Hidalgo, Jalisco, Sinaloa and Sonora. 

Moreover, the company supported goat milk, cocoa and potato projects, positively impacting 1,300 small producers in different areas of Mexico and promoting the development of their value chain. According to Hernandéz, the company is accelerating regenerative agriculture campaigns. In 2022, Bimbo launched a pilot program in the US. It is planning another project in Canada for 2023 or 2024.

Hernandez pointed out that Bimbo’s vision for regenerative agriculture revolves around three objectives: increasing biodiversity, improving soil health and enhancing the producer community. “We need to make our guidelines specific and we are working on defining the right indicators to make sure that we are improving those three factors,” he said.