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Pioneering companies are finding that contributing to the SDGs is not only a responsibility but also a business opportunity.

Pioneering companies are finding that contributing to the SDGs is not only a responsibility but also a business opportunity.

Pioneering companies are finding that contributing to the SDGs is not only a responsibility but also a business opportunity.

Pioneering companies are finding that contributing to the SDGs is not only a responsibility but also a business opportunity. Collaboration inside the business as well as across industries and sectors is helping companies integrate the Goals into their core business.

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the world’s vision for sustainable development to 2030, covering five broad themes of people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnerships.

As part of our strategic research and innovation programme, DNV GL developed a ‘most likely future’ forecast of our world based on the likelihood of achieving each of the 17 SDGs by 2030. The report provides deep dives into private sector solutions for attaining the goals and for each SDG; it provides case studies of frontier companies pioneering progress towards the goals.

These pioneers are driving sustainable change through innovations, partnerships and adjustment of business models. The Sustainable Development Goals have become a blueprint for companies to reshape and future-fit their business.

Danone – SDG 2, Zero Hunger

The company has taken the strategic decision to build a health-driven products portfolio, focusing only on healthy categories. Some 88% of Danone’s total sales in 2015 were generated in healthy categories based on official public health recommendations.

M&S – SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production

In 2007 Marks & Spencer launched their sustainability Plan A, “because there is no Plan B for our planet”. A response to the shortage of planetary resources and increased pressure for business to be socially useful, it was also about recognising a technology revolution.

Unilever – SDG 17, Partnerships for the Goals

The ‘Transform’ initiative by Unilever, the UK Government, and the Clinton Foundation is a variety of cash, of time, and of people, to invest in social enterprise in developing and emerging markets to help solve WASH or energy-related issues.

According to a survey presented by the UN Global Compact and Accenture, 87% of CEOs believe the SDGs provide an opportunity to rethink approaches to sustainable value creation, and 80% believe demonstrating a commitment to societal purpose is a differentiator within their industry.

The Global Food Safety Initiative also calls on businesses to take action and show support to the post -2015 development agenda. They are currently working on a range of different projects focused on 10 of the SDGs. Collaboration and partnerships are, of course, vital.

How important are the SDG’s to your company? Take a quick 2 minutes survey and give your feedback. If you are coming to the Global Food Safety Conference in Houston February 27 – March 2, come learn more about the SDGs and how companies can go from ambitious goals to actions, at the roundtable session “From Ambitious Goals to Actions for Food and Beverage Companies” March 1st at 8:30 am.


This post was written and contributed by:

Kathleen Wybourn
Director, Food & Beverage, USA & Canada
DNV GL – Business Assurance
FoodSafety@dnvgl.com

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