Who’s Doing the Work?: West Pak Avocados
Highlighting corporations already working towards the SDGs
In order to achieve the goals set out in the UN’s 2030 agenda, corporations must do their part, not simply through charitable donations and programs, but also by revamping and reprioritizing the way they do business. Focusing on improving efficiencies in productivity, eliminating waste wherever possible, investing in a healthy and prosperous workforce are all ways to move the needle forward towards our global goals. We’ve chosen to highlight the companies that are doing the work from within to provide examples and inspiration to companies and individuals who don’t know where to start.
West Pak Avocados
Goals Addressed: 2, 3, 6, 8, 12, & 13
West Pak Avocados recently released its inaugural and comprehensive sustainability report detailing its commitment to relevant SDGs in all aspects of the business from employee support to innovative eco-friendly packaging. Starting with a data-driven material assessment to identify and understand areas of opportunities within their products, operational practices, and efforts across the value chain, West Pak created a roadmap with the guidance of: GRI Reporting Principles, UN SDGs, ESG frameworks, industry initiatives, and peer benchmarking.
Goal #2 — Zero Hunger
As an avocado distributor, WPA provides nutrient-rich and affordable food that meets a long list of regulatory requirements including those set in place by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Additionally, they provide all employees with access to healthy meals daily. Lastly, in addition to product excellence and sustainability in their core business model, the company also donates to Feeding America in an effort to mitigate rising rates of food insecurity.
Goal #3 — Healthy and Well-being
West Pak’s business model alone addresses SDG #3 by providing healthy and nutrient-rich food earning the American Heart Association’s Heart-Healthy Food certification. In addition to providing nutritious food to their consumers, they also provide ample benefits including health care, dental, and life insurance to all of their employees.
Goal #6 — Clean Water and Sanitation
While the production of avocados remains water-intensive, West Pak is committed to clean water and sanitation practices including water conservation within facilities, drought-tolerant landscaping, water-wise agricultural practices including drip irrigation, etc. Overall water use per ton of avocados has decreased from 9,523 cubic meters in 2017 to 9,150 cubic meters in 2019.
Goal # 8 — Decent Work and Economic Growth
Built on a “People-First Approach”, West Pak is dedicated to employee investment, inclusivity and diversity in the workplace, the safety and health of employees and consumers, and community engagement. A notable 90-day training process focused on understanding the entire operation for all employees regardless of position exemplifies the company’s dedication to transparency and long-term gainful employment. A rigorous feed-back framework empowers all employees to understand and improve upon the production process. Lastly, in-house training and mentorship programs are available for everyone.
Goal #12 — Responsible Consumption and Production
West Pak is dedicated to finding and addressing areas of improvement within the supply chain including choosing highly vetted sustainable Tier 2 suppliers, utilizing energy-efficient machinery, and maximizing the use of earth-friendly materials.
Goal #13 — Climate Action
Sustainable agricultural and responsible operational practices actively address issues of climate change. For example, West Pak has increased reusable plastic containers (RPC) and aims to increase use to 20% of their volume in 2020. Recently, they have invested in recyclable, compostable, and alternative materials for packaging including the innovative new bamboo-based net packing, Earthbag. In an effort to mitigate other less sustainable practices the company promotes recycling and dedicates tree planting to offset CO2 emissions.
Transparency is needed in the business world to ensure integrity in sustainability reporting and avoid greenwashing. Realistically, to achieve the 2030 goals, we need every business operating at the highest levels of sustainability. Reports such as these create new standards of business, set companies apart as leaders of the industry, create roadmaps for others, and elevate goal setting.
More on Sustainability in Business:
- The Whole Avocado — Read the whole West Pak Avocado Report Here.
- Are you a Sustainable Business? — Visit our marketplace to find other values-driven companies to do business with.
- World Benchmark Alliance — Check out this list of the worlds 2000 most influential corporations and see how WBA is holding them accountable.
- Not sure where to start? Peruse the UN’s Global Compact Online Library which boasts a plethora of reports on a variety of sustainable business practices.
- Recipes + Responsibility — Check out West Pak’s blog filled with employee appreciation, sustainable business ideas, and, of course, delicious recipes.
