Tilda Foodservice takes a stand on sustainability with the launch of their Impact Report 2021

Tilda Foodservice is proud to release their first Impact Report, mapping out the brand’s operations, solutions for change and influences on the environment.

With the effects of climate change inhabiting the forefront of industry and consumer views, there has never been a better time for honesty and transparency in the steps taken by major companies to commit their promise toward a better future.

As Tilda seeks to be one of the most responsible rice producers in the world, ethical sourcing and support for its communities are the driving factors for the company. The report outlines progress in each of three areas: sourcing, manufacturing and packaging, and sets out their commitments to drive improvement and transparency.

Speaking of the report, Annette Coggins, Head of Foodservice, Tilda UK says:

“It has never been more important to take responsibility for our actions and the effects they have on the world we live in. That’s why we’ve launched our impact report. We want to share this commitment with our foodservice colleagues and our wider community and take the positive steps towards a more sustainable future.”

The report outlines these major focuses:

Responsible sourcing

Tilda works with over 7,000 farmers in India through its Farm Extension Programme to ensure fair livelihoods and to protect the environment by maintaining good agricultural practices. 50 farmers are taking part in Tilda’s feasibility study to explore how methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve water in rice farming can be scaled up across the sector. This is key to raising standards and guaranteeing that rice is produced in a way that safeguards people and the planet. In recognition of its commitment to responsible sourcing, Tilda recently scored 100% for ethical performance and transparency in its supply chain[1].

State-of-the-art manufacturing

With the electricity used to make its products coming from 100% renewable sources since 2020 and an 18% reduction in its carbon footprint since 2017, Tilda is committed to reaching Net Zero emissions in its manufacturing by 2040 through innovation and investment. Tilda transports the all-important grains by boat as this is an energy-efficient and low-carbon mode of shipping.

Circular packaging

Tilda continues to evolve its packaging to reduce food waste and enable recycling. Committing to 100% recyclable packaging by 2025, Tilda is supporting the UK’s Flexible Plastic Fund to enable all its current packaging to be recycled at collection points being rolled out by leading UK supermarkets in 2021.

Making a positive impact on Communities

Tilda makes it a priority to support healthy, thriving communities and businesses in the UK as well as around the world through various partnerships and activities. This dedication extends to their support of Mary’s Meals, the Scotland-based charity committed to feeding the most vulnerable and underprivileged children in our communities. Tilda is also supporting vocational training for students in hospitality and inspiring the next generation of talented chefs in partnership with Cyrus Todiwala, OBE.

Annette adds:

“The pandemic presented exceptional challenges for society, businesses and communities around the world. At Tilda, our priority was to continue to support those communities in need and keep delicious rice flowing from paddy to plate.

Taste, authenticity and health are the most important qualities when it comes to our rice. Such a large part of those values is where the rice comes from, how it’s farmed and the lasting effect it has on the people that it reaches. We’re committed to our promise to tackle climate change where we can and with our impact report, we hope to instill confidence in our customers and foodservice partners.

We’re so proud to see Tilda in its 50^th year and we couldn’t have got where we were today without our friends across the foodservice industry and the team that makes everything possible.”

To see the full report, go to https://www.tilda.com/about-us/corporate-social-responsibility/impact-report/.