Environmental Responsibility of the National Food Industry Group Capital Group

The National Food Group Capital Group conducts environmentally focused activities in alignment with the UN 2030 Agenda and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), particularly ESRS E1 (Climate Change), E2 (Pollution), E3 (Water and Marine Resources), and E5 (Resource Use and Circular Economy). The company systematically reduces resource consumption, lowers emissions, and manages raw materials responsibly.

As a result of completed investment projects and implemented organizational solutions, the National Food Group has significantly reduced water consumption in the technological processes of its sugar factories. These facilities operate with closed-loop water systems, recirculating vast quantities of process water—thousands of cubic meters per hour. Currently, only minimal amounts of water (approx. 0.02 m³ per ton of beets) are drawn from external sources. Compared to 2002, this represents a more than 20-fold reduction. During the production campaign, sugar plants generate their own electricity, and surpluses are sold to the grid. The company also actively works to reduce food waste and increases the use of materials whose by-products are used for alternative purposes, thereby reducing its carbon footprint.

A core component of the environmental strategy involves collaboration with farmers—primarily sugar beet growers. The Group promotes sustainable agriculture by supporting knowledge transfer, precision farming, biodiversity conservation, and reductions in fertilizer and pesticide use. This cooperation is facilitated through training, agronomic consulting, and implementation of good agricultural practices, which help improve soil quality and protect water and landscapes.

These actions support the achievement of key UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

• Goal 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation
• Goal 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
• Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

This approach demonstrates the Group’s commitment to environmental protection not only in industry but also throughout the agricultural value chain.

Climate Change (ESRS E1)

Supporting sustainable sugar beet production is a strategic element in reducing the carbon footprint of the National Food Group. Since 2021, the company has been collecting carbon footprint data for the "Polski Cukier" brand, covering direct, indirect, and raw material-related emissions. A comprehensive investment program includes modernizing sugar factories to reduce energy and water consumption. Subsidiaries within the Group have also begun calculating their own carbon footprints.

Pollution (ESRS E2)

Pollution mitigation is another key focus for the Group. Investments in advanced production technologies have led to effective reductions in waste and emissions.

Water and Marine Resources (ESRS E3)

The Group recognizes the importance of responsible water management, especially in light of climate change. Water usage in sugar plants has been reduced by over 93% since 2003. All treated wastewater (100%) is returned to the environment. Technological improvements, such as closed-loop systems, enable water reuse and significantly reduce water consumption in production processes.

Biodiversity and Ecosystems (ESRS E4)

The Group actively supports farmers in adopting sustainable agricultural practices. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and the Code of Good Agricultural Practices are the foundation of its environmental initiatives, helping protect ecosystems and biodiversity.