Conagra Brands’ latest Citizenship Report sets out measurable progress across sustainable sourcing, emissions reduction and food transparency, as the company integrates sustainability deeper into food manufacturing and supply chain operations.
Key Developments
- Sustainability strategy structured across food, sourcing, environment and community pillars
- Full Global Food Safety Initiative certification achieved across all production sites
- Around 90% of waste diverted from landfill, with multiple zero-waste facilities
- New climate targets aligned with Science Based Targets initiative, including Scope 3
- Expanded product transparency and large-scale food donation programmes
Sustainability as a Core Business Driver
Conagra Brands has positioned sustainability as a central component of its operating model, according to its Fiscal 2025 Citizenship Report. The company’s approach spans product development, sourcing, manufacturing efficiency and community impact, reflecting a shift toward embedding sustainability into day-to-day decision-making.
“Our Citizenship work is integral to how we run and grow our business—strengthening our brands, supporting our people and communities, and operating responsibly,” said Sean Connolly, president and chief executive officer of Conagra Brands. “We’re striving to make measurable progress and help build a more sustainable and resilient future.”
Strengthening Supply Chain Transparency and Sourcing
A major focus area is improving visibility across agricultural and packaging supply chains. Conagra has launched a priority-ingredients assessment with the Kellogg School of Management to identify environmental and social risks and prioritise interventions.
The company has also joined the Circular Action Alliance, signalling a stronger commitment to circular packaging systems and collaboration on recycling infrastructure.
“We’re focused on embedding sustainability into our strategy and operations by prioritizing the issues where we can have the greatest impact and being transparent about our progress,” said Christine Daugherty, vice president of sustainability, Conagra Brands. “This year’s report includes an updated view of our priority topics, reflecting the issues that matter most to our stakeholders and our business.”
Four Key Citizenship Pillars
Good Food: Conagra is dedicated to making safe, delicious and nutritious foods that fulfill the needs of modern consumers, while providing them with access to the information they want and need to make informed decisions about what they eat.
Responsible Sourcing: Conagra approaches the sourcing of ingredients and packaging materials thoughtfully. The company considers the potential environmental and social impacts of its products throughout their lifecycle and seeks to support circularity through regenerative agriculture practices and thoughtful packaging design.
Better Planet: Conagra believes that responsible environmental practices are a key ingredient for a healthy business. The company is focused on the climate-related impacts of its business by reducing energy use, protecting and managing water resources efficiently, and minimizing or diverting waste for more beneficial uses.
Stronger Communities: Conagra’s ambition is to be the most impactful, energized, and inclusive culture in food. The company supports its employees with the tools they need to succeed and thrive in their careers and also helps fight food insecurity in the communities where its employees live and work through volunteerism, product donations, and financial contributions.
Decarbonisation and Manufacturing Efficiency
Operational sustainability remains a key priority, particularly in reducing emissions and resource use across manufacturing sites. Conagra has aligned its climate strategy with the Science Based Targets initiative, introducing updated 2035 targets that include Scope 3 emissions, with a focus on Forest, Land and Agriculture impacts.
The company reports that approximately 90% of waste is now diverted from landfill and incineration, with 19 facilities achieving zero-waste status. Investment continues through an annual $9 million sustainability capital programme aimed at reducing emissions, conserving water and minimising waste.
Product Innovation and Consumer Transparency
Conagra is also advancing product transparency and labelling to meet evolving consumer expectations. Around 7,500 SmartLabel® pages are now live across more than 3,600 products, offering detailed ingredient and nutritional data.
The company has introduced front-of-pack labelling initiatives, including “GLP-1 Friendly” messaging on products within its Healthy Choice range, reflecting demand for health-oriented food options and all production facilities have achieved Global Food Safety Initiative certification, reinforcing food safety, traceability and compliance across operations.
Community Impact and Social Value Creation
Conagra’s sustainability strategy also extends to workforce engagement and community support. The company reports more than 10,000 employee volunteer hours and over 19 million pounds of food donated through partnerships with Feeding America.
These initiatives are designed to address food insecurity while strengthening relationships with local communities and stakeholders across its operating footprint.
