Pulp and paper-based packaging is integral to Hershey’s business. We use it as food packaging, wrapping, transportation and marketing for our well-loved brands. The forests that provide the material for these products serve as important reservoirs of greenhouse gases, provide important habitats and biodiversity, and support livelihoods for local communities.
Sustainable forest management is crucial to protecting this vital resource, which is why Hershey is committed to responsibly sourcing recycled materials and certified virgin fibers for our products.
We are committed to achieving a responsibly sourced pulp and paper packaging (virgin fiber and recycled) supply chain that is free from deforestation, peatland development and worker exploitation. Our Responsible Pulp & Paper Sourcing Policy outlines our virgin fiber sourcing requirements and expands our responsible sourcing goals to our global supply chain.
Since 2020, we have obtained 100 percent of the pulp and paper sourced for products from recycled material or certified mills. We are now working to source 100 percent of our pulp and paper packaging from recycled or certified sources globally by 2025. Hershey accepts the following certification standards: Forest Stewardship Council, Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification or the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.
Starting in 2023, through our collaboration with Earthworm Foundation, we are gathering information on mill level data for our recycled and virgin fiber supply chains and country of harvest data for the virgin fiber we source; and are analyzing our exposure to deforestation, forest degradation and social conflicts.
We continue to provide transparency by annually publishing our list of pulp and paper suppliers and mill groups that supply to our global operations.
To learn more about Hershey’s packaging, please visit the Sustainable Packaging section of our website.