J Sainsbury plc has been named in the top group of companies in the first corporate responsibility benchmark published last week by Business in the Community. The company was also named as the leading food retailer for the fourth year running in the Index of Corporate Environmental Engagement, published by Business in the Environment.
The Index is the first business-led, voluntary means to publicly benchmark responsible business practice across a range of companies in different industry sectors.
The results recognise Sainsbury’s commitment to environmental and social issues across the UK and reflects key achievements during the year, including:
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The launch of a sustainable Fish Strategy in March 2003. This significant move will ensure that all Sainsbury’s own label fresh, frozen and canned wild capture fish will be sourced from well managed fisheries which meet the needs (standard/advice) of the FAO Code of Conduct for responsible fisheries.
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The launch of Greenergy Globaldiesel in January 2003, making Sainsbury’s the first major retailer to sell a more “environmentally responsible” fuel that cuts carbon dioxide emissions and uses rape seed oil as raw material.
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The introduction of a new, innovative carrier bag made from tapioca starch – the first fully biodegradable carrier bag to be introduced in the UK, which trials in three stores in April.
Alison Austin, Senior Manager, Sustainability & Product Safety, J Sainsbury plc, commented:
“The results emphasize Sainsbury’s position as an industry leader in Corporate Social Responsibility – for the fourth year in a row. These benchmarks are extremely important to us, and demonstrate our commitment to driving social and environmental issues, which are important to our business and our customers.”
