2025 Sustainability Award Winners

ECOS is a pioneer in manufacturing cleaning products that are safer for people, pets and the planet.

Founded in 1967, ECOS has been making safer laundry detergents and cleaners in the USA for more than 50 years, long before the modern demand for more sustainable consumer products, paving the way for other companies to follow. Today, ECOS is the No. 1 selling green laundry detergent in the U.S. and is sold in more than 60 countries.

ECOS is an industry leader in sustainable manufacturing and green chemistry. It is family-owned and -operated with four manufacturing facilities located across the U.S. Through its innovative formulas and packaging designs (like ECOS liquidless laundry detergent sheets in plastic-free packaging), ECOS saved more than 468 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions and 584,274 million gallons of water in 2024.

ECOS became the first company in the world to achieve carbon neutrality, water neutrality and Platinum-level TRUE Zero Waste certification. In 2013, ECOS became carbon neutral in part through its switch to 100 percent renewable energy, including solar arrays at each of its U.S. facilities.

ECOS reached Platinum-level TRUE Zero Waste certification in 2015 and today diverts more than 99 percent of its waste from landfills and incineration through intensive reduction, recycling and reuse programs.

In addition, ECOS achieved water neutrality in 2016 and restores more than 16 million gallons of water annually to endangered rivers and wetlands in North America.

ECOS is a Climate Positive company, offsetting more than 100 percent of its environmental footprint by investing in clean energy programs to restore 110 percent of its net impacts in energy, carbon and water.

Through these initiatives and others, ECOS became the first manufacturer in the world to achieve USGBC LEED Zero Energy, Carbon and Waste certifications.

ECOS offers more than 120 U.S. EPA Safer Choice-certified products. Safer Choice is the gold standard for cleaning product safety certification, ensuring that every ingredient is the safest in its class, that the product works great and that the manufacturer is continually innovating more sustainable products and packaging.

After 58 years of pioneering green cleaning, ECOS has stayed true to its mission to protect the health and wellness of people, pets and the planet by creating the most authentic, safer and affordable cleaning products for all.

Empower Fresh is transforming sustainability and operational efficiency across the independent grocery landscape. Its SaaS platform enables independent grocers – which often lack access to enterprise-grade technology – to optimize their produce operations with AI-driven tools that reduce shrink, increase sales velocity and minimize labor waste.

At the heart of the solution is a predictive ordering engine that ingests three years of sales and purchase data, combined with daily updates, to generate real-time, storespecific order recommendations. It is the only Native-AI Solution provider that is built by and enhanced daily by produce and retail industry professionals.

This precision drastically reduces over-ordering and spoilage – two of the largest contributors to food waste in retail. By accurately predicting demand and helping users right-size their inventory, it has helped grocers reduce produce shrink by up to 30 percent, which directly correlates to a substantial drop in the volume of unsold food that ends up in landfills. Less waste also means fewer transportation emissions and lower refrigeration costs – contributing meaningfully to a grocer’s carbon footprint reduction.

Empower Fresh’s platform also increases product turns and gross profit by enabling smarter ad planning. Grocers can simulate promotions using past sales lift, blended gross margin and ROI data – ensuring promotional strategies that are economically and environmentally sound. This means more efficient sourcing and fewer unnecessary bulk orders that might otherwise go to waste.

Additionally, Empower Fresh empowers grocers to operate with leaner staffing models by simplifying inventory assessments and order processes. What used to take hours now takes minutes – saving hundreds of labor hours annually per store. The userfriendly interface also encourages best practices in merchandising and cooler management, enhancing the quality and shelf life of fresh produce.

Empower Fresh is not just a technology provider – it is a partner in building a smarter, greener and more resilient food ecosystem for the communities its customers serve.

As a global technology leader, Epson develops efficient, compact and precise technologies. Designed for low energy consumption, minimized waste, small footprints, high reliability and minimal moving parts, they result in outstanding solutions for customers.

Epson’s ColorWorks on-demand color label printers deliver the flexibility and reliability needed for supermarket, grocery and retail food businesses to decrease total label printing operations costs and reduce waste associated with packaging operations.

The Colorworks CW-C6000 color label printers create highly durable, full-color food and beverage labels, emphasizing reliability and energy efficiency while eliminating waste. They are engineered to help food and beverage brands and businesses save time and money by printing only the labels they need, when they need them.

A recent study evaluating the environmental benefits of the CW-C6000 printers in comparison to a top selling thermal black-and-white label printer, showed the CW-C6000 printer is:

• Reliable: The CW-C6000 reliably printed 1 million labels in various environments, from a control environment to real world warehouse.

• More energy efficient: The CW-C6000 used 80 percent less energy consumption while printing.

• Less waste: CW-C6000 generated 82 percent less consumable and packing waste.3 In contrast, the Thermal Transfer Printer Generated 167 pounds of ribbon waste.

Keypoint Intelligence June 2024 performance evaluation, commissioned by Epson, of the ColorWorks C6000 vs. a top selling thermal transfer label printer over the course of printing 500,000 labels in a controlled environment and 500,000 labels in a warehouse environment.

Keypoint Intelligence June 2024 performance evaluation, commission by Epson, of the ColorWorks C6000 vs.a top selling thermal transfer label printer over the course of printing 1,000,000 labels in a controlled environment. Energy savings calculated using Superior Electric POWERSTAT variable transformer and Yokagawa WT210 power meter printing 1,000 labels or one media role.

Keypoint Intelligence June 2024 performance evaluation, commissioned by Epson, of the ColorWorks C6000 vs.a top selling thermal transfer label printer over the course of printing 1,000,000 labels in a controlled environment. Waste percentage calculated by total weight of spent consumables and packaging for the C6000 vs competitor product. June 2024.

Bananas are the cheapest fruit in shopping baskets, but few realize the human and environmental costs hiding behind these low prices. For decades, banana farmers have been subjected to low wages, unpaid overtime and poor working conditions, leading to a vicious cycle of generational poverty.

Equifruit, a certified B Corp and North America’s leading Fairtrade banana importer, is on a mission to transform the banana industry through its 100 percent Fairtrade commitment, advocating for a better deal for banana farmers and sustainability across the banana supply chain.

Since 2006, Equifruit has rejected the traditional banana market business model and secured long-term banana contracts with Fairtrade pricing, which reflects the cost of sustainable production and pays farmers fairly for their fruit.

For every case of bananas sold, Equifruit pays $1 to banana grower communities in Fairtrade Premium. This money goes into a communal fund for workers and farmers to use as they see fit, for social, environmental and economic projects, such as essential dental care and medical supplies, improved school facilities and upgrades to community housing. To date, Equifruit has contributed more than $4.7 million to growers in Fairtrade Premium.

This premium also has financed environmental sustainability initiatives in bananagrowing communities. In Ecuador, farmers have used the funds to set up a recycling facility, repurposing discarded plastic growing bags into pallet corner boards, reducing waste and generating additional farmer income. Other partners have used the funds to run a bio-fermentation industry that produces natural fertilizer to help replenish soil micronutrients.

Equifruit continues to invest in sustainability initiatives, including developing compostable packaging for bananas, which it is rolling out later this year. Equifruit also participates in industry advocacy including with BananaLink, a UK-based NGO and the World Banana Forum.

It is driven by the knowledge that every Fairtrade banana sold has a direct positive impact for banana farming communities through the minimum product price and Fairtrade Premium. As Equifruit scales its impact across North America, it will continue fostering industrywide change – one Fairtrade banana at a time.

Forward Farms is first to market with beef raised 100 percent carbon neutral in the U.S. Its team partners with farm owners and managers to measure the carbon impact of each farm activity, using greenhouse gas accounting tools developed by universities, industry experts and government agencies.

Forward Farms calculates carbon emissions and sequestration based on the specific plants, animals, soil and climate conditions of each farm. By totaling these estimates, it determines each farm’s annual net carbon impact.

Farms that achieve a net positive carbon sequestration are eligible for Forward Farms’ program. In 2024, it determined that its cattle emit an average of 1.301 metric tons of methane (CH4) per year per head in carbon accounting. The farms and ranches where its cattle are raised sequester more carbon per head each year than the cattle emit.

This sequestration balance is how Forward Farms achieves carbon neutral raised beef. It uses a precise, proprietary carbon accounting system to measure emissions and sequestrations acre by acre, herd by herd, farm by farm. All its processes and claims are verified by Legacy Verified, a reputable third party.

Nourishing healthy soil – By protecting the soil, integrating cattle, maintaining year-round living roots, fostering biodiversity and minimizing disturbance, farms create a thriving ecosystem that enhances soil fertility, resilience and sustainable farming for the future.

Improving animal welfare – Forward Farms raises its cattle humanely by allowing them to graze naturally on diverse pastures, supporting healthier diets and low-stress environments. This approach promotes natural behaviors while enhancing land and ecosystem health.

Reducing chemical reliance – By promoting natural soil health through crop rotation, cover crops and animal integration, farms can enhance nutrient cycling and pest control without the need for synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. This approach strengthens the ecosystem, minimizing the need for external inputs.

Supporting biodiversity – Cultivating a variety of plants among cattle fosters diverse habitats and ecosystems, enhancing resilience and ecological balance. This approach benefits soil health and wildlife, promoting overall biodiversity.

At G&R Farms, sustainability is at the heart of everything it does. As stewards of the land, the company’s goal is to grow the sweetest Vidalia onions possible while conserving resources, reducing waste and ensuring the health of workers and soil for generations to come.

Less is more – Through precision planting, G&R Farms carefully selects sweet onion varieties and matches them with the right sowing and transplanting dates. This approach enhances taste, appearance and shelf-life while minimizing inputs. The use of sandy, low-sulfur soils and diverse crop rotations keeps the land healthy and productive. G&R Farms focuses on what matters most – onions that look beautiful, taste exceptional and stay fresh longer.

Strategic field management – G&R Farms strikes a balance between consistency and innovation, utilizing larger fields for reliable production while testing new methods in smaller fields. By practicing conservative fertilization and harvest timing in core acreage, it reduces environmental impact while continuing to advance farming practices in targeted areas. This ensures dependable supply and continuous improvement in sustainability.

Resource-smart farming – Recent changes to G&R Farms’ planting strategy has allowed it to reduce the total planted area by 160 acres while increasing planting density by 20 percent. This innovation results in brighter, more uniform onions and higher yields – meeting consumer demand with fewer acres. These changes also drive significant conservation gains:

• Water – Saving more than 21 million gallons of irrigation water each year.
• Fertilizer – Cutting fertilizer use by 15 percent thanks to advanced precision application technology, which improves efficiency and protects the land.

Every decision made is guided by a belief that farming must not only nourish people today but also preserve the land for tomorrow. By embracing precision, efficiency and innovation, G&R Farms ensures that its Vidalia onions are truly “Grown with Passion, Served with Pride.”

GrubMarket is an enterprise artificial intelligence solutions provider for and digital transformer of the American food supply chain industry, as well as one of the largest private food e-Commerce companies globally.

Launched in 2023, GrubMarket’s Sustainable California initiative restores ecosystems, empowers underserved farmers and preserves the farming environment of America’s leading food-producing state through three key pillars:

Large-scale reforestation with One Tree Planted

Objective: Plant trees to offset carbon emissions, protect farmland and retain water systems vital for agriculture.

Impact to date: 130,000-plus native trees planted across drought-stricken, wildfire-scarred lands, restoring hundreds of hectares and benefiting dozens of wildlife species.

Next milestone: GrubMarket is sponsoring 100,000 more trees in the Sierra Nevada area that was devastated by the 2013 Rim Fire, to restore watersheds and wildlife habitats.

Supporting socially disadvantaged farmers transitioning to organic agriculture with CCOF

Objective: Provide financial and resource support to underserved farmers seeking organic certification.

Impact to date: As a multi-year sponsor of the CCOF Organic Transition Program, GrubMarket’s first cohort of 10 farmers represents hundreds of acres across 10 CA counties. Farmers receive grants, mentorship and technical help to pursue USDA organic certification.

Continued commitment: GrubMarket renewed its sponsorship in 2025 to expand its support for organic transitions. Free software access for farms impacted by wildfires

Objective: Help California farmers improve their efficiency, profitability and sustainability by offering free software in 2025.

Impact: GrubMarket has provided WholesaleWare ERP (inventory, order and operations management), Orders IO (mobile/web ordering portals) and GrubAssist AI (AI agents for business analysis, inventory and order processing) free of charge to California farmers for 2025. These AI-powered tools streamline operations, reduce waste and support long-term sustainability.

“The Sustainable California Initiative is not only a way for us to give back to our local agricultural communities it also reflects our commitment to supporting sustainable agriculture, protecting the environment and ensuring that future generations to come will continue to benefit from California’s precious resources,” said GrubMarket CEO Mike Xu.

After delivering safety bandsaws to meat packing plants all over the world, Guardian noticed that retailers were still having a lot of serious injuries, including amputations. In response, the company developed the Guardian Lite, a saw specifically designed for retail applications. Now in a range of regional and national retail chains, butchers in these stores get to go home safe every day.

Guardian does more than just sell equipment; it builds lasting partnerships with customers. It provides hands-on training programs that teach workers how to operate the bandsaws safely and efficiently.

This complete approach means workers feel valued and supported, which makes them want to stay with their companies longer. When grocery stores keep experienced butchers, they save thousands of dollars on hiring and training costs while building stronger, more skilled meat departments.

Harris Teeter demonstrates that being “in food with love” extends beyond customers to encompass communities and the planet. Through its comprehensive food rescue program and sustainability initiatives, Harris Teeter is transforming what could potentially be food waste into community nourishment across 250-plus stores.

Food rescue program impact

In 2024, Harris Teeter donated $12.8 million worth of food – 7.3 million pounds – directly to local food banks and community organizations, including 4.9 million pounds of perishables, providing 5.9 million meals to families facing food insecurity. Through May 2025, it had donated 1.6 million pounds, representing 1.9 million meals valued at $2.7 million.

The program operates through partnerships with food banks across the company’s footprint, coordinating daily with those partner organizations to ensure fresh produce, bakery items, dairy and prepared foods reach those in need rather than landfills. In May 2025 alone, Harris Teeter distributed 361,428 meals across communities.

Comprehensive waste diversion

Beyond food rescue, Harris Teeter’s waste management strategy prevented more than 39 million pounds of organic waste from reaching landfills in 2024. Through partnerships with Divert and Organix Recycling, the company diverted 36.5 million pounds for clean energy production and composting. Its recycling efforts included 51,321 tons of cardboard, 2.94 million pounds of plastic, 1.27 million pounds of cooking oil, 2.46 million pounds of meat department by-products and 696,000 pounds of pharmacy paper.

Operational innovation

Harris Teeter has implemented energy-efficient LED lighting across all refrigerated cases and freezers with motion sensor technology that reduces energy consumption while maintaining food safety. Its private label team has transitioned to compostable deli packaging and is advancing responsible sourcing initiatives.

Community impact

Harris Teeter’s sustainability efforts create multiplier effects – every rescued pound provides 1.2 meals while preventing landfill methane emissions. Harris Teeter proves neighborhood markets can be powerful sustainability catalysts, transforming waste into community nourishment one rescued meal at a time.

Fresh produce

In January 2025, Heritage Grocers Group banner Tony’s Fresh Market partnered with Link Up Illinois and Experimental Station to launch the new Link Match program at three locations.

At the Bolingbrook, Plainfield and Joliet locations, customers can get an instant rebate for purchasing produce with Link. For every $1 spent on fresh produce with Link, customers can get $1 off fresh produce with Link Match (up to $5).

The program helps customers not only save money but also get more food for their dollar. It’s an impactful program that brings fresh fruits and produce to the forefront of shopping experiences with Link.

Also, in summer 2025, fellow HGG banner El Rancho Supermercado (El Rancho), joined Texas Health Resources in its efforts to make fresh produce more affordable for area families.

Heritage is working with Texas Health to offer Double Up Food Bucks Texas benefits to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients at eight of its North Texas El Rancho stores. El Rancho’s entry into the program brings the total number of grocery stores and farmers markets accepting Double Up Texas benefits in North Texas to 25.

Double Up Texas is led statewide by Sustainable Food Center and carried out regionally by Texas Health Community Hope, Texas Health’s approach to promoting healthier futures through a broad range of impactful initiatives, investments and collaborations.

The program allows shoppers receiving SNAP benefits to double their purchasing dollars when buying fresh fruits and vegetables at participating grocers and farmers markets by matching or discounting fresh produce purchases.

This work is supported by the Double Up Food Bucks Texas program, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

As an introductory offer through Aug. 31, anyone using a Lone Star Card at a participating El Rancho was able to receive 50 percent off their fresh produce purchases, up to $10 per day per transaction. After that date, the offer was 50 percent off, up to $5 per day per transaction.

Since its inception, El Rancho Supermercado has been dedicated to making Hispanic customers feel at home. The company prides itself on selling authentic and affordable offerings in a welcoming environment.

Green initiatives

HGG is increasingly prioritizing sustainability through initiatives such as reducing food waste, implementing energy-efficient store designs, minimizing packaging waste and supporting community recycling and composting programs.

It stands out as a leader in this space by implementing forward-thinking strategies to reduce and divert waste from landfills. The team has completed multiple stores retrofit projects and continues to evaluate energy efficiency opportunities across its locations.

In 2024, one-third of HGG stores underwent upgrades to lighting, HVAC systems and refrigeration to optimize energy use.

In addition, the company is investing in energy efficient technologies and fleet equipment to decrease operational costs and boost productivity. It is driving measurable environmental improvements and inspiring shoppers through impactful green initiatives.

People priority

At HGG, sustainability is rooted in people. The company believes that a healthy, supported workforce is essential to building a resilient organization and a thriving community. That belief drives its commitment to fostering a culture of well-being, connection and purpose.

In February, HGG partnered with health coach Kristy Clarke to launch a companywide wellness initiative. After a successful three-month pilot at its support center, the program was expanded across the organization bringing meaningful change to the workplace culture.

Key achievements include:

• Replacing processed snacks with fresh fruits and vegetables

• Creating a dedicated space for meditation and quiet reflection

• Launching a “health buddy” system to encourage peer support

• Distributing wellness tools like exercise bands, BPA-free water bottles and lunch pails

• Establishing a wellness communication channel with guides, newsletters, challenges and resources

These efforts reflect HGG’s belief in prioritizing physical, mental and emotional health, fostering a sense of belonging and honoring the diverse journeys of team members.

One standout initiative, Wellness Wednesdays, has seen strong engagement – averaging more than 30 percent of the workforce. These weekly gatherings offer practical wellness tips and shared inspiration, reinforcing the company’s commitment to making wellness a way of life.

By embedding well-being into its culture, HGG is not only improving lives but leading the way in sustainable business practices. Sustainability begins with people. And HGG is proud to make it a priority.