Sustainable agricultural operations are vital to the planet’s future, and the foundation of our commitment to protect the environment by minimizing the impacts of the tobacco supply chain is our commitment to GAP. Our use of sound field production techniques and technologies help minimize the environmental impacts of farming, while in our factories, we seek to minimize the external impacts of processing.
We support the preservation and replenishment of natural resources by promoting field preparation and production techniques that preserve the soil and protect water resources. The impact of production can be evaluated visually and scientifically through soil and water testing. This helps us identify issues and implement action plans that include appropriate agronomic assistance.
Within our factories, we monitor our environmental impact by focusing on fuel usage, water usage and solid and liquid waste disposal. We monitor the efficiency of resources along with factory emissions, and we continue to implement biomass usage where practical to reduce fossil fuel usage. Additionally, proper protections are in place to minimize emissions regardless of energy source.
Strategies to minimize water usage are in place, and wastewater is disposed of through acceptable methods. We continue to implement water recycling where possible and have implemented rainwater-harvesting strategies where beneficial. Solid waste is categorized and monitored, and recycling programs reduce the waste going to landfills. Care is taken to ensure tobacco waste is handled properly, including an acceleration of composting activities. Environmental activities are supported by regularly scheduled corporate audits during which local action is reviewed and action plans are established to address areas of concern.