SPRINGDALE, Ark., July 31, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN ) is marking a decade of sustainability progress. The company, which has been measuring its corporate responsibility efforts since 2004, has released its latest sustainability report.
The new online report, at www.tysonsustainability.com , documents the company's business practices across four key areas: people, planet, profit and products. It received an "A" grade from the Global Reporting Initiative for the second straight year.
"For us, sustainability is about continuous improvement in how we do business," said Kevin Igli, senior vice president and chief environmental health and safety officer for Tyson Foods. "It involves building responsibility and accountability into everything we do."
Over the past ten years, the company has made particular progress in such important areas as water and energy conservation and marked achievements in hunger relief. Since 2004, the company has
- Experienced a 14.7 percent reduction in gallons of water used per pound of finished product.
- Reduced the amount of sodium contained in our portfolio of products by 12 percent.
- Donated more than 75 million pounds of food, the equivalent of roughly 300 million meals, as part of its commitment to hunger relief. Tyson Foods has donated more than 95 million pounds of food since its program began in FY 2000.
"We recently were named as one of the 'Most Admired Companies in America' by Fortune magazine," Igli said. "We believe that type of recognition reflects the commitment we have to doing business the right way and the progress we have made over the past decade in making Tyson foods a more sustainable business."
Other notable accomplishments over the past 10 years include:
- Transportation Efficiencies - Participation in the Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay ® program contributed to the elimination of 59 million road miles last year and more than 204 million road miles since 2011. Tyson Foods is a 10-year partner with the program.
- Support of Business Partners - Since Fiscal Year 2004, Tyson Foods has spent more than $129 billion with independent farmers who raise livestock and poultry. It also has registered an 82 percent increase in spending with minority-owned businesses since 2009.
- Educational Opportunities – The company's Educational Assistance Program has helped 1,143 Tyson Foods team members across the country better themselves and their individual career opportunities by furthering their education. Tyson Foods contributed more than $5.1 million towards the program between FY2007 – FY2013.
About Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN ), with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world's largest processors and marketers of chicken, beef and pork, the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company was founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson, whose family has continued to be involved with son Don Tyson leading the company for many years and grandson John H. Tyson serving as the current Chairman of the Board of Directors. Tyson Foods produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products and is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves. The company provides products and services to customers throughout the United States and approximately 130 countries. It has approximately 115,000 Team Members employed at more than 400 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world . Through its Core Values , Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson Foods strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly , provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.
Dan Fogleman, 479-290-2166,
