Smithfield Foods has achieved significant recognition for its commitment to environmental stewardship and workplace safety at the Meat Institute’s 2023 awards program.
Stewart Leeth, Chief Sustainability Officer at Smithfield Foods, expressed pride in the company’s accomplishments. “It’s an honor to be recognized for our achievements and progress across environmental stewardship and workplace safety initiatives,” Leeth stated. “Our company culture is founded on the value of continuous improvement, and earning a record-setting number of awards is a testament to our commitment to strive for good in all that we do.”
This year, 46 Smithfield locations across the U.S. received an environmental recognition award for their dedicated efforts toward continuous environmental improvement, supported by well-developed and implemented Environmental Management Systems. Notably, 42 plants achieved the highest tier possible in this category.
The environmental achievement award highlights companies that exceed environmental compliance through innovative plant upgrades or programs. Smithfield stood out with ten of its facilities winning first place in categories including emissions reduction, energy conservation, packaging and food waste reduction, technological innovation, and water conservation.
Additionally, 43 Smithfield locations were honored with the Meat Institute’s worker safety recognition award for their exemplary safety performance. This marks the highest number of recognitions in a single year since the award’s inception.
Smithfield was also acknowledged with a certificate of recognition for the Unity & Action program, a diversity and inclusion initiative launched in 2020 with a $15 million investment.
For more details on Smithfield’s sustainability efforts and a complete list of the award winners, visit this link on the Smithfield website.
