- The initiative promoted by the UN Global Compact in Spain aims to accelerate the sustainable transformation of one of the strategic industries of the Spanish economy
- Noel is one of the 29 leading companies that make up this collaborative project to promote a more resilient and competitive agri-food model
- The organisation thus reinforces its environmental commitment, which it has already demonstrated through milestones such as a 25% reduction in water consumption per tonne produced and the elimination of 329 tonnes of plastic from the market over the last five years
As a result of its firm commitment to promoting a more responsible, innovative and sustainable business model, and as a company adhered to the United Nations Global Compact, Noel is one of the 29 companies participating in ImPacto Sectorial, the new project promoted by the UN in Spain that aims to accelerate the sustainable transformation of the agri-food industry and move forward, in a coordinated manner, towards a more competitive and resilient model. Noel will thus take part in this specialised technical support programme, which was created with the aim of generating spaces for collaboration between leading companies in a strategic sector for the Spanish economy.
The agri-food sector, which represents around 9% of GDP and 11.3% of employment in Spain, is currently facing major challenges such as the efficient management of water, the reduction of food waste and the decrease of CO₂ emissions. To respond to these challenges, the ImPacto Sectorial programme will channel the collective action of the participating companies through a one-year roadmap that combines group sessions and expert advice, facilitating the creation of replicable solutions that bring value to the entire value chain.
For Noel, being part of this ecosystem of joint work reinforces its purpose of sustainably promoting people’s development through food. As Jordi Port, Corporate Director of Communication and Sustainability at Noel, states, “the major environmental challenges facing the agri-food sector cannot be addressed individually. Initiatives such as ImPacto Sectorial are an opportunity to bring together knowledge, share experiences and promote solutions that generate a positive and real impact across the entire value chain. At Noel, we want to be an active part of this transformation.”
Environmental commitment with tangible results
Joining the ImPacto Sectorial project is part of Noel’s sustainability strategy, structured around the pillars of environment, people and society, and aimed at achieving the Net Zero 2050 goal.
In the environmental field, Noel promotes concrete and measurable actions to reduce the impact of its activity and move towards a more efficient and sustainable production model. One of the most outstanding milestones achieved in recent years has been the 25% reduction in water consumption per tonne produced over a five-year period, a demonstration of the company’s commitment to the responsible management of natural resources.
This commitment is also reflected in its ecodesign strategy and the improvement of packaging. Over the last five years, Noel has managed to eliminate 329 tonnes of plastic from the market thanks to the reduction of film thicknesses and the incorporation of sustainability criteria throughout the life cycle of its products. At the same time, the company has significantly increased the use of post-consumer recycled plastic in primary packaging, which now represents approximately 50% of the total plastic material used.
These advances are complemented by the recovery of 88% of the waste generated, moving towards the goal of zero waste to landfill.
In addition, the company continues to work on reducing its carbon footprint and adopting renewable energies in order to move towards more efficient and environmentally friendly production.
Adhered to the Global Compact
The Global Compact, promoter of the ImPacto Sectorial project, is an international initiative promoted by the UN, which encourages companies to integrate ten universal principles into their activity in the areas of human rights, labour standards, the environment and the fight against corruption. In this regard, adherence to the Global Compact becomes a guide that steers daily decisions and operations, ensuring that business growth goes hand in hand with respect for ethical, social and environmental values, thus consolidating the will to generate a positive and lasting impact on the environment. Noel first adhered to the United Nations Global Compact in 2013, thereby expressing its commitment to a responsible and sustainable management model.