Sustainability

1. Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) commitment

Libeert has had its emissions reduction targets successfully approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as consistent with levels required to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.

The targets covering greenhouse gas emissions from Libeert’s operations (scopes 1 and 2) are consistent with reductions required to keep warming to 1,5°C, the most ambitious goal of the Paris Agreement. We are committed to achieve a 42% CO2 reduction from scope 1 and 2, by 2030 with 2021 as the reference year.

In our carbon footprint strategy report, you can find more detailed information about the footprint and the proposed plans to reduce it by 42%.

 

2. Food safety

Since 2000, Libeert has been GFSI-certified (Global Food Safety Initiative). This includes a food safety guarantee for our customers. In addition, Libeert works exclusively with suppliers that are also GFSI-certified.

 

 

3. Sustainable sourcing

A) Beyond Chocolate Initiative
The main ingredient of chocolate is cocoa – and the cocoa industry is facing a number of sustainability challenges. Libeert has taken a clear position on this situation by being one of the first to sign the ‘Beyond Chocolate Initiative’. This partnership between the Belgian chocolate and retail sector, social impact investors, trade unions, and universities strives to make the Belgian chocolate industry more sustainable.

B) Premium purchase price
At the end of 2021, approximately 65% of the chocolate that was sold was sustainable – which means that an additional surcharge is paid, which is necessary to improve the living and working conditions of the cocoa farmers. We are working on this initiative with organisations such as Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, Open Chain and Cocoa Horizons. Our goal is 100% sustainably sourced chocolate.

Today, we already purchase 100% sustainable chocolate for our Libeert branded products.

 

 

C) Cocoa Horizons
Libeert Chocolate is a member of Cocoa Horizons – an impact-driven programme aimed at raising the prosperity of cocoa farmers and helping build self-sufficient farming communities that protect nature and children.

D) Open Chain Tony’s Chocolonely
In the context of house brands, Libeert works under the umbrella of Open Chain to develop sustainable chocolate creations for retailers.

 

4. Ingredients 

We set high quality requirements for the ingredients in the chocolate, and a sustainability operation is planned here as well. For example, we choose only non-GMO ingredients, ingredients that are purchased sustainably, and natural aromas.

 

5. Responsible consumption

The focus here is on developing natural products, plant based variants and limiting potentially unhealthy chocolate consumption (for example, by producing smaller portions).
Offering sustainable packaging is also a significant challenge, which we are constantly working on through the use of new, more sustainable materials.
 

6. Partnerships

In addition to collaborations to actively support cocoa farmers in sustainable growth, we are also investing in a new generation of young entrepreneurs via a partnership with Cunina. We have chosen to focus on providing education, because we believe that by educating children they can make a difference.

 

7. Our organization

Sustainability is also a central theme within our organization. As a family-owned business, we view our employees as part of one big family. This requires a safe workplace in which individuals can flourish, where there are career opportunities and training is provided, and where everyone feels welcome. Because, as our motto indicates: Creating Smiles, that's what we're going for! Including our own staff, every day.

In addition to our own employees, we also regard our suppliers as part of our extended family. We develop long-term relationships with them and include the in our sustainability story.

You’d like more details about our current sustainability initiatives? Then be sure to read our sustainability report here.