CSR & Sustainability

Sustainability

In 2020, Agostini’s Limited embarked on the journey to become a more sustainable business. We strive to go beyond our Corporate Social Responsibility and lead as a business partner, an employer, a community member and an environmental steward in supporting our national and regional interests.

The Agostini’s Group of companies supports national and regional climate commitments to the Paris Climate Agreement. We will also ensure our efforts contribute to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the global blueprint for a better and more sustainable future for us all. These SDGs inspire us to take bold and transformative steps to help shift the world onto a sustainable path.

Additionally, we have identified the material sustainability issues that impact the length and breadth of our organization. We continue to focus our efforts on Resource Conservation, Waste Management and Sustainable Sourcing.

Sustainability Goals

At Agostini's, we are committed to the creation of a sustainable future. The integration of environmental, social and economic aoals to meet the needs of todav without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs tomorrow.

We commit to reduce the environmental footprint of our operations, engage openly on sustainability issues and support the sustainable development of our region. This is the way we operate our businesses to best serve our customers, inspire corporate and community culture, care for the environment, and drive long-term prosperity.

Sustainability is a journey, not a destination. At Agostini’s, the journey has begun ...

1
Grow our proprietary brands portfolio by sustainably refining the production, packaging, ingredients and functionality of our products.
2
Improve the water and energy efficiency of, and limit the effluent and GHG emissions from, our operations.
3
Develop and maintain robust solid waste management systems that support the reduction, reuse, repurpose and recycling of materials.
4
Impact investing in appropriate technology agribusiness that provides manufacturing inputs and finished products for new and existing markets.
5
Ensure a safe and healthy environment for all our stakeholders.
6
Assure our teams and establishments are representative of and responsible to the communities that we serve.
7
Enrich our communities by advancing transformative support and relationships.
8
Sustain and deliver purpose driven prosperity for all stakeholders.
demonstrates our commitment to the future, embodies our material impacts, and embraces all 17 SDGs.
Sustainability
Energy

To support our energy efficiency transition, comprehensive lighting surveys were conducted throughout all group companies based in Trinidad and Tobago. We anticipate to complete the conversion to energy efficient, low maintenance LED solutions in 2022.

These initiatives greatly improve the quality of lighting, positively enhancing stakeholder wellbeing and the overall operation. We are reducing the consumption and cost of utilities while significantly lowering the environmental impact of our organization.

Sustainability
Conservation

Hanschell Inniss’ Voltaic installation that will provide them with 414 KVA of power, which will amount to more than 20 % of their electrical needs.

Sustainability
Water

A Water Management Committee, leveraging our inhouse core competencies, was established at our manufacturing facilities. A Water Conservation Road Map has been developed. The team identified areas of opportunity and implemented process optimization initiatives to reduce overall water consumption. Preliminary initiatives have already begun to bear fruit as we intend to reduce our process water consumption by 30% from baseline levels in 2023.

We continue to limit the impact of our operations on the environment. Advancements to our waste-water program help limit the volume and improve the quality of effluent. We remain committed to exceed quality parameters established under the EMA Water Pollution Rules.

Sustainability
Waste

Waste management was expanded and optimized in 2021. Our robust waste segregation programs incorporate beverage containers (glass bottles, aluminum cans, Tetra Pak/cartons and PET plastic bottles), office paper (envelopes, magazines, copy paper, manila folders), corrugated materials (paper bags, cardboard boxes, corrugated slip sheets), and E-waste (used batteries, computer and printer components). All these materials have been diverted from landfills and are delivered to the appropriate authorities to be recycled.

Sustainability
Styrofoam Recycling

Segregation and Repurposing of Polystyrene (Styrofoam) Materials.

Polystyrene packaging material has been reduced throughout the system. At Smith Robertson Limited. Some temperature sensitive pharmaceuticals are shipped to us in Polystyrene coolers. As of Fiscal 2022, all Polystyrene packaging has been diverted away from landfill. These coolers are repurposed into building materials.

These lightweight blocks are versatile, durable, earthquake resistant and compatible for joining with traditional mortar. They replace heavy GHG emission concrete blocks in most traditional concrete block applications.

Over 2,500 e-blocks, 24”x10”x8”, have been produced from Polystyrene coolers segregated and supplied by Smith Robertson Limited.

Sustainability
Wooden Pallet Repair & Repurpose

We manage a significant quantity of wooden pallets across our operations, particularly in our FMCG businesses. In Fiscal 2022, we formalized our Palette Management Programs and consolidated a ‘Palette Repair and Repurpose Station’ at Vemco Distribution Center in Aranguez.

Damaged pallets are repaired and redeployed throughout our distribution network. Severely broken pallets and wooden fragments are segregated and repurposed into either animal bedding for farms or mulch chips for horticulture operations.

In Fiscal 2023, we have repaired and reused over 11,500 pallets and have repurposed over 7800 pallets (approx. 123 MTs of wood).

Sustainability
Rethink Plastic Recyclying

Segregation and Repurposing of Clean Plastic Products.

In 2023, we have partnered with Flying Tree Environmental Management who receive these previously referenced "waste" materials. They are diverted away from landfills and are used as direct inputs in the manufacture of composite lumber and other building materials.

This 100% recycled plastic lumber is lightweight, completely water resistant and will last longer than most hard wood lumbers. We can eliminate landfill waste while protecting forests and natural habitats.

YTD 2023, we have segregated and supplied over 16,000 kgs of assorted plastic materials.

At the Victor & Sally Mouttet Foundation, we aim to use H.O.P.E. to build a stronger nation, by giving every child the confidence and tools to fulfill their potential. We aim to bring H.O.P.E., which stands for:

H – Health
O – Opportunity
P – Potential
E – Education