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IROs: Food & Beverage Services (HFS)
Jasper Akkermans avatar
Written by Jasper Akkermans
Updated over 4 months ago

ESRS E1 - Climate change

Topic

Climate change

Sub-topic

Energy

Sub-sub-topic

IRO

Impact - Actual negative

Location

Own Operations, Supply Chain (Upstream, Downstream)

Time-frame

Medium-term

Title

GHG emissions from a FMCG business have a negative impact on the environment.

Example

FMCG business negatively impacts the environment through the emission of greenhouse gases. The emissions stem from the business’ operations, travel, and heating inside the office, as well as Scope 2 and 3 emissions from the supply chain.

Reference

Nestlé Sustainability Report, 2023

ESRS E3 - Water and marine resources

Topic

Water and marine resources

Sub-topic

Water

Sub-sub-topic

Water consumption

IRO

Opportunity

Location

Own operations

Time-frame

Long-term

Title

Increasing water efficiency has cost-saving benefits for business.

Example

Efficient water use in food and beverage production can reduce costs and environmental impacts. PepsiCo is investing in water-efficient technologies in its operations.

Reference

PepsiCo Sustainability Report, 2023

Topic

Water and marine resources

Sub-topic

Water

Sub-sub-topic

IRO

Impact - potential negative

Location

Own operations

Time-frame

Medium-term

Title

Beverage company increases pressure on water scarcity

Example

Beverage companies face water stress risks in water-scarce regions; they contribute to the scarcity as the production of soft-drinks is often water-intensive. Coca-Cola is implementing water replenishment initiatives to manage these risks.

Reference

Coca-Cola Sustainability Report, 2023

Topic

Water and marine resources

Sub-topic

Marine resources

Sub-sub-topic

IRO

Impact - potential positive

Location

Downstream

Time-frame

Long-term

Title

Protecting ecosystems ensures longevity of stock for fish business.

Example

Companies like Marine Harvest are investing in sustainable fishing practices. Protecting marine ecosystems can ensure sustainable fish stocks, maintaining biodiversity.

Reference

Marine Harvest Sustainability Report, 2023

Topic

Water and marine resources

Sub-topic

Marine resources

Sub-sub-topic

IRO

Opportunity

Location

Downstream

Time-frame

Long-term

Title

Protecting ecosystems ensures longevity of stock for fish business.

Example

Sustainable fisheries management ensures long-term viability of fish stocks, and thus the financial success of a company that sells fish. Marine Harvest is committed to sustainable fishing practices to protect marine resources.

Reference

Marine Harvest Sustainability Report, 2023

ESRS E5 - Circular economy

Topic

Circular economy

Sub-topic

Waste

Sub-sub-topic

IRO

Opportunity

Location

Own operations

Time-frame

Short-term

Title

Reducing food waste also reduces costs.

Example

Reducing waste in food and beverage production can cut costs and improve sustainability. Nestlé is implementing waste reduction strategies across its operations.

Reference

Nestlé Sustainability Report, 2023

ESRS S1 - Own workforce

Topic

Own workforce

Sub-topic

Working conditions

Sub-sub-topic

Health & safety

IRO

Impact - actual negative

Location

Own operations

Time-frame

Medium-term

Title

Addressing health and safety risks in food production facilities.

Example

Inadequate health and safety measures in food production can lead to workplace accidents and illnesses. An incident at a major food processing plant highlighted the need for stricter safety protocols. The company has since revamped its safety training programs and upgraded equipment to prevent future occurrences.

Reference

Tyson Foods Sustainability Report, 2023

ESRS S2 - Workers in the value chain

Topic

Workers in the value chain

Sub-topic

Other work-related rights

Sub-sub-topic

Forced labour

IRO

Impact - actual negative

Location

Supply Chain (Upstream)

Time-frame

Short-term

Title

Lack of transparency in supply chain increases risk of forced labour.

Example

Working conditions through Food and Beverage supply-chains are often poor, with few legal protections in place. F&B industry’s must increase visibility of their supply chain, and ensure that workers are protected.

Reference

Coolset, 2024

ESRS S3 - Affected communities

Topic

Affected communities

Sub-topic

Communities' economic, social and cultural rights

Sub-sub-topic

Land-related impacts

IRO

Risk

Location

Own operations

Time-frame

Long-term

Title

Contested land rights slow down business

Example

Land rights issues can pose significant risks for agricultural operations, as contested land disputes can delay operations for years. Nestlé works to ensure land rights are respected in areas of operation.

Reference

Nestlé Sustainability Report, 2023

ESRS S4 - Consumers and end-users

Topic

Consumers and end-users

Sub-topic

Personal safety of consumers and/or end-users

Sub-sub-topic

Health and safety

IRO

Impact - potential positive

Location

Downstream

Time-frame

Long-term

Title

High safety standards ensure consumer safety and trust.

Example

High safety standards in food and beverage ensure product quality and consumer trust, encouraging returning customers. Nestlé maintains rigorous safety standards for its product lines.

Reference

Nestlé Sustainability Report, 2023

ESRS G1 - Business conduct

Topic

Business conduct

Sub-topic

Management of relationships with suppliers including payment practices

Sub-sub-topic

IRO

Impact - actual negative

Location

Own operations, supply chain (upstream, downstream)

Time-frame

Medium-term

Title

Ethical Governance Failures in the Food & Beverage Services Industry.

Example

Nestlé faced significant negative impacts due to governance failures related to ethical practices. Investigations revealed that some of Nestlé’s suppliers were involved in unethical labor practices, including child labor and unsafe working conditions. This governance failure resulted in substantial legal penalties and severe reputational damage. Consumer trust and investor confidence declined, leading to a significant drop in sales and market value. In response, Nestlé is implementing stricter supplier audits and enhanced governance policies to ensure ethical compliance across its supply chain.

Reference

Nestlé Annual Report, 2023

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