Ülker publishes 2022 Sustainability Report

Ülker*, the leading Turkish food company, has released its Sustainability Report for the 8^th time, that includes economic, social, and environmental actions in sustainable growth without wasting resources at each stage of its operations.

Since 2014, Ülker has been growing without an increase in carbon emissions and as of 2022,  has formulated a new sustainability vision in line with global agendas, risks, and opportunities. Ülker has laid out its objectives and initiatives in this regard under four primary headings: Our World, Value Chain, Employees, and Community..

30,669 tons of carbon emissions were prevented with renewable energy

Ülker CEO Mete Buyurgan underlined that they have left behind another successful period in their sustainability journey, which they started with long-term goals, "In 2022, we renewed and consolidated our medium and long-term goals in our 2050 Net Zero journey. Additionally, for the first time in this year's report, we included information related to the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). As part of our commitment to transparency, we shared the climate change-related risks and opportunities, our management approach, strategy, risk management, defined targets, and performance indicators in our report. In 2022, we prevented 30,669 tons of carbon emissions," Buyurgan said.

Significant Sustainable Sourcing Programs are Being Supported

Buyurgan provided the following information, in an effort to highlight the importance of initiatives focused on sustainable raw material sourcing: "So as to research the impact of climate change on water resources and develop efficient irrigation systems in agriculture, we sponsored and partnered with Ankara University Water Management Institute and bcsd Türkiye in the first phase of the Water Risks Project, achieving an average of 30% water savings in wheat production and a 20% increase in product yield by using drip irrigation method. The project's second phase has already started. As of October 2022, we have started to use Aliağa Biscuit Wheat in our products, which we introduced to Türkiye. Additionally, the Bahri Dağdaş International Agricultural Research Institute and the Biscuit Wheat Development Program are collaborating together to acquire novel varieties of biscuit wheat.

Sustainability Efforts are Being Globally Appreciated

Buyurgan, stating that independent national and international platforms have appreciated our sustainability efforts as well, continued as follows:

"We are the only Turkish food company evaluated in the ESG 2022 Index prepared by S&P Global. We accomplished to rank in the top 3% of the 396 food firms assessed internationally for the S&P Global ESG 2022 Index. We have also been listed three times in a row in 'The Sustainability Yearbook,' published by S&P Global, which measures the sustainability performance of global companies. In the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) 2022 Climate Change and Water Security assessment of the International Environmental Reporting Program, we increased our score by two levels, achieving 'B' rating. With the Beyond Cocoa project, we received a prize in the Collaboration-NGO category of the Sustainable Business Awards 2022. We received the 'Top Employers Certificate' from the top employer brand certification program in the world as a result of our efforts to increase employee satisfaction and build our employer brand. By 2030, we aim to be the most desirable firm to work for in our industry, with a pleasant and productive workplace that values diversity and inclusion. The goal of 50% female employment for new hires was surpassed, reaching 52%. While we were glad to have our sustainability efforts recognized at independent national and international platforms, it was essential to see that our sustainability approach—which is at the core of our method of doing business—was also honored in the financial sector. Under the leadership of Bank of America, Coöperatieve Rabo Bank U.A. and Emirates NBD Bank Capital Limited, and with the participation of JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., Sharjah Islamic Bank PJSC and Gulf Bank, we signed a loan agreement totaling USD 248 million. We also signed a EUR 75 million loan agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). These agreements were an indication of the confidence of international banks in our country and our company. They stood out as Ülker's first sustainability-related loan agreements."

Ülker's 2022 Sustainability Performance in Numbers

• 43% of the electricity used supplied from renewable energy sources.
• Became the Türkiye’s first company to use rail transportation for the fast-moving consumer products industry. This prevented 1560 tons of CO₂ emissions.
• Energy efficiency projects resulted in a total reduction of 8,800 MWh, saving approximately TL 20 million.
• When compared to 2014, water use per unit of production decreased by 39.5%.
• Paper usage decreased by 790 tons, and plastic usage in packaging decreased by 170 tons.
• 97% of waste was recycled.
• With the bcsd Türkiye(SKD) Water Risks project, of which Ülker is the main sponsor, drip irrigation, used for the first time in wheat, saved an average of 30% water. Product yield increased by 20%.
• Projects on wheat, hazelnuts and cocoa continue to expand to ensure sustainable raw material supply.
• The 50% female employment target set for new hires was exceeded and reached 52%.  
• The verification process was completed by obtaining independent assurance audit for Water, Waste Management, Occupational Safety and Carbon Emissions data in the sustainability report.

 *A subsidiary of pladis Foods Limited