Organic Processing Vo1.9 #2 - March/April 2012

Goals are metrics that are a blend of qualitative and quantitative. Setting goals helps ensure that everyone in the company is focused on the same priorities. For example, for 2012, we will develop a task team to research how we can increase recycled content in our packaging by at least 25 percent annually. Having a goal directs the company strategically to make decisions and allocate resources toward the goal. Employees then know to watch out for opportunities to con-

Going Public

To provide transparency and show a strong commitment to their sustainability plans, several SFTA member companies have published public sustainability reports using SFTA sustainability metrics. Examples of these public reports include:

• Clifbar: www.clifbar.com/soul/sustainability • SunOpta: www.sunopta.com/corporate_social_responsibility.aspx • Frontier www.frontiercoop.com/sustainabilityreport • Nature’s Path: www.naturespath.com/do-good/sustainability • UNFI: www.unfi.com/CSR2011.aspx

tribute to this goal and perhaps even be evaluated on the company’s success in achieving it.

SFTA Metrics in Use

The SFTA metrics were designed to be flexible and progressive. This means that while member companies are required to report on the core metrics, they present the information in whatever format is easiest for them and aligns with their brand’s communication strategy. For example, some companies choose to use the reports as internal documents. Other companies publicly release their reports for external communication on their sustainability efforts.

Each company also can customize their priorities, goals and action
plans to best represent their brand. Using the flexible, yet standardized
sustainability SFTA metrics,
companies assess their own
operations, evaluate their
major impacts and choose
how to direct their sustain-
ability programs. Each busi-
ness is different and there is a
need for flexibility to allow
for the entire industry from
farmer to retailer to measure
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