The Ferrero Group has published its 16th Sustainability Report, outlining developments across key environmental and social performance areas during the 2023/24 financial year. The report details progress in emissions reduction, ingredient traceability, packaging design, and responsible sourcing.
According to the report, Ferrero has achieved over 90% traceability across its supply chains for key ingredients. Specifically, the company reported 97% traceability for cocoa and palm oil and 94% for hazelnuts, supported by technology partnerships with Sourcemap and Starling.
On emissions, the company reported a 21.7% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions compared to its 2017/18 baseline. Scope 3 emissions, including Forest, Land, and Agriculture (FLAG) emissions, were disaggregated to enhance data accuracy. Ferrero stated that 90% of the electricity used in its manufacturing and warehousing operations now comes from renewable sources.
In terms of packaging, 92.1% of Ferrero’s materials are now designed to be recyclable, reusable, or compostable. The company also reported a 13% reduction in its plastic-to-product ratio. Changes include the shift from polystyrene to polypropylene for Ferrero Rocher boxes in North America and China, saving an estimated 11,000 tonnes of plastic. Additional packaging developments include the use of 60% recycled glass for Nutella Plant-Based jars and the introduction of paper spoons for Kinder Joy.
The report also highlighted performance in food safety, with all Ferrero plants certified under the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) Standard. On product nutrition, 85% of marketed volumes offered serving sizes of 130 kcal or less, and 91% were below 150 kcal per serving.
Ferrero noted continued collaboration with international and local organisations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Save the Children in sourcing regions. The company’s “Kinder Joy of moving” initiative reportedly reached over 3.7 million children in 35 countries, with investments exceeding €13 million. In 2024, Ferrero partnered with the Organization of American States (OAS) to promote equity and inclusion in the Americas through sport and physical activity, targeting children, adolescents, and women.
The report comes as global food and consumer goods companies face increasing scrutiny over environmental impact, labour practices, and supply chain transparency under emerging regulatory frameworks. Ferrero’s disclosures indicate ongoing efforts to align with these expectations through data tracking, decarbonisation, and resource efficiency.
