Houston, Texas-based Sysco Corporation, a global foodservice distribution company, has launched its new ‘Recipe for Sustainability’ program. Through this program, Sysco will collaborate with top universities to explore innovations that will accelerate climate action and lead the industry towards a more sustainable future.
Students at Arizona State University and Pennsylvania State University will have the opportunity to solve real-world challenges and propose innovative, cost-effective solutions to reduce packaging and food waste and the use of plastic in takeout containers.
“Sysco is proud to partner with leading universities to help develop the next generation of sustainability leaders,” said Neil Russell, Sysco’s SVP of corporate affairs and interim CFO.
“We’re eager to see the bright ideas generated through these partnerships that will help address sustainability challenges faced by our industry, and ultimately reduce our impact on the planet.”
In 2021, Sysco set an industry-leading science-based climate goal to reduce its direct emissions by 27.5 percent by 2030. Sysco also committed to engaging supplier partners representing 67 percent of Scope 3 emissions to set their own science-based targets by 2026.
“The climate crisis is too big for any one company to tackle alone. By collaborating with our customers, our supplier partners and other innovators such as ASU and Penn State, we can drive real change across our industry,” Neil said.
In addition to partnering with Penn State on sustainability innovations, Marie Robinson, Sysco’s EVP and supply chain officer, was recently appointed to the Penn State Center for Supply Chain Research Board of Advisors. The CSCR Advisory Board members commit to a two-year appointment where they are active in CSCR-sponsored programs and events and provide input and guidance for the center’s strategic plan and forward-thinking initiatives, as well as approve faculty research affiliates and fellowships.
Sysco Corporation sells, markets and distributes food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers. Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. With more than 71,000 colleagues, the company operates 333 distribution facilities worldwide and serves about 700,000 customer locations.
