Our goal is to safeguard the environment while continuing to grow as a world-class dairy processor. While we continuously work on improving the environmental footprint of our manufacturing operations, we have also deployed the Saputo Smiles program in many of our workplaces to harness the great power that can be found in small gestures.

The Smiles program was launched in 2013 to reinforce the Saputo Promise by promoting sustainability at work and creating a more environmentally-conscious collective mindset. In 2019, we revamped the program by providing the infrastructure and resources to encourage our employees from our Montréal, Canada offices to work more sustainably.

We began by eliminating single-use plastic (plastic water bottles, utensils, etc.) and introducing composting and recycling stations in our offices. Moreover, we made the switch to compostable food containers in our cafeterias and provided all our employees with reusable water bottles, mugs, and utensils. To raise awareness for the new initiative, employees were guided to properly reduce and separate their waste.

This zero-waste approach extended to our annual employee BBQ, where all plates and cutlery were completely compostable and recycling and composting stations were placed on site.

In less than one year, the Smiles program has already eliminated over 6,000 plastic bottles of water, 5,000 plastic utensils and 12,000 disposable cups in a single office. We strive to continue improving those numbers moving forward. In the coming years, we plan to expand the Smiles program to more of Saputo’s offices and facilities; ensuring that we continue to build a more environmentally-conscious workplace.

Back to case studies