A Celebration of Innovation and Sustainability
Awards focus on Climate Change, Water Reduction, Waste Reduction, Packaging and Responsible Sourcing
CHICAGO — Conagra Brands (NYSE: CAG) proudly announced the winners of its annual Sustainable Development Awards, honoring exceptional employee contributions aimed at promoting sustainable practices within the organization. This program emphasizes initiatives across five vital areas: Climate Change, Water Reduction, Waste Reduction, Packaging, and Responsible Practices. The crowning achievement is the overall 'Award of Excellence,' given to the project that best exemplifies Conagra's timeless values of integrity, external focus, broad-mindedness, agility, leadership, and results.
Cross-functional teams were encouraged to submit their innovative projects completed during Conagra's fiscal year 2025. Each initiative was carefully evaluated by a panel of peers, and the winners were ultimately selected by the company’s sustainability leaders.
Christine Daugherty, the vice president of sustainability at Conagra Brands, shared her enthusiasm: "We're inspired by the ingenuity our employees bring to advancing sustainability across our operations. The Sustainable Development Awards celebrate their innovative ideas that enhance our operational efficiency and responsibility while also driving significant cost savings, reinforcing our commitment to environmental progress and leadership."
Recognizing Outstanding Sustainable Initiatives
These awards aren't just about recognition; they serve to acknowledge exceptional performance, motivate continuous improvement, and foster a collaborative culture through the celebration of shared successes. Here are the remarkable 2025 Sustainable Development Award winners:
Climate Change Initiative
The Inbound Logistics Team from Omaha and Chicago made significant strides in reducing the carbon footprint by consolidating underutilized shipments into full truck loads utilizing advanced Oracle Transportation Management tools. This zero-cost initiative led to impressive savings of approximately $250,000 while eliminating 241 truck trips and reducing 123 metric tons of CO?e. This project showcased teamwork and a data-driven approach towards sustainable logistics operations.
Water Reduction Strategies
The team in Irapuato, Mexico, redefined the cleaning processes for palm oil lines, optimizing both sustainability and cost-effectiveness. This new method slashed cleaning frequency by 75%, diminishing palm oil use by 82,540 lbs and water consumption by 53,280 gallons per year. This innovation not only saves around $78,000 annually but also supports Conagra’s commitment to sustainable operations.
Waste Reduction Techniques
Located in Waterloo, Iowa, the plant achieved a remarkable reduction in landfill waste through enhanced microbial activity management, which included steam quality monitoring and comprehensive digital audits. With an investment of $70,000, this initiative generated an astonishing $1.29 million in savings, diverting 948 tons from destruction while establishing a scalable model for sustainability across various facilities.
Innovative Packaging Solutions
Teams across Omaha, Chicago, and Fayetteville tackled packaging sustainability by reducing the thickness of Evol® and Gardein® frozen meal bowls by 25% and removing ink, resulting in an annual savings of $63,000. This initiative reduced paper usage by 31% or 126,000 lbs, all achieved without operational changes while maintaining product quality.
Responsible Practices Award
From Waterloo, Iowa, the facility demonstrated responsible practices by donating sunflower seeds, which didn't meet production standards, to the Prairie Rapids Audubon Society for use in bird feeders. This has led to donations of 1,200 to 1,800 lbs. of seeds, reducing disposal fees and enhancing local biodiversity and community involvement — a zero-cost initiative making a significant impact.
Award of Excellence
Maple Grove, Minnesota, claimed the prestigious Award of Excellence by implementing a closed-loop recycling system for paper rolls that failed to meet quality specifications. By routing these rolls back to the supplier for reuse, they are diverting 50 tons of waste annually, saving $7,000, and promoting sustainable practices while strengthening supplier collaboration.
Each winning project team is set to receive a $5,000 grant from the Conagra Brands Foundation to reinvest in their communities, empowering employees to create a meaningful local impact.
To stay informed about Conagra's ongoing sustainability efforts, you can explore the company's comprehensive sustainability reports.
About Conagra Brands
Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG), is among North America’s prominent branded food companies, blending a century of experience in delivering quality food with a dedication to agility and innovation. Their product portfolio is continuously adapting to meet the evolving preferences of consumers. Notable brands under Conagra include Birds Eye®, Duncan Hines®, and Healthy Choice®, reflecting the company's commitment to operating responsibly within the community and the environment. Located in Chicago, Conagra Brands generated nearly $12 billion in net sales for fiscal 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Sustainable Development Awards?
The Sustainable Development Awards are an initiative by Conagra Brands that recognizes employee projects aimed at promoting sustainability across various key areas.
How does Conagra Brands support its employees' sustainability efforts?
Conagra Brands supports employee sustainability initiatives through recognition programs, grants, and a strong focus on integrating sustainable practices into their operations.
What areas do the awards focus on?
The awards focus on Climate Change, Water Reduction, Waste Reduction, Packaging, and Responsible Practices.
How are winners selected for the awards?
Winners are chosen based on submissions evaluated by peers and selected by Conagra's sustainability leaders.
What is the significance of the $5,000 grants?
The grants empower project teams to invest in their communities, enabling them to make a tangible difference in their local environments.
