1) How does Tata Consumer Products integrate sustainability into its overall business strategy? Can you provide examples of certain recent sustainability initiatives that the company has been taking or certain achievements that you would like to share with us?

Tata Consumer Products has embedded sustainability into its business strategy through purposeful pillars, with one specifically focused on sustainability. This approach emphasizes integration rather than isolated efforts. For instance, the company assesses its entire value chain, including procurement, production, and distribution, to identify areas where it can reduce its carbon, energy, water, and plastic footprints. This strategy aligns with the Tata Group’s broader sustainability initiative, Project Alingana. Under the umbrella of “better living,” the company operates with four key principles: “for better planet, for better communities, for better sourcing, and for better nutrition.”

An example of sustainability initiatives includes reducing carbon emissions and revenue intensity. Tata Consumer Products has consciously adopted green fuel and electricity, resulting in a 17% reduction in absolute emissions and a 30% reduction in revenue intensity since the base year of FY21.

2) Since Tata Consumer Products is a food and beverage company, can you give me an example from “for better nutrition”? Any project or any achievement that you would like to share with us?

Tata Consumer Products is committed to offering healthier product choices to consumers. The company introduced 34 new products last year, including plant-based meat alternatives and protein-rich options such as Go Fit’s entire range, 45 T, and salt. These products provide consumers with diverse nutritional options, aligning with the company’s goal of promoting better nutrition.

3) The company has been operating in this space for such a long time and you’ve been trying to embed sustainability in the company as you said. What are some of the challenges that the company has faced or continues to face when you are implementing sustainability initiatives? And how are these challenges being addressed by the company?

One of the primary challenges lies in balancing sustainability with consumer expectations, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder demands. Being a Tata company, responsibility is viewed as a priority rather than a challenge. However, there are complexities in navigating dynamic industry landscapes and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. The company addresses these challenges by going beyond mandated requirements, engaging deeply with its value chain, and proactively implementing sustainable practices.

4) How does Tata Consumer Products measure and track its sustainability performance?

Tata Consumer Products employs a comprehensive approach to measure and track its sustainability performance. The company has established clear targets for 2030 and 2040, with shorter-term goals to ensure progress. Key metrics include tracking scope 1, scope 2, and scope 3 emissions, water consumption per tonne of production, plastic usage and recyclability, and community outreach efforts. These metrics are regularly monitored, reported to the board and management, and transparently communicated to stakeholders through annual integrated reports.

4)  Could you give us an example of a few metrics #for better products or #for better planet against which you are measuring your performance?

Tata Consumer Products tracks various metrics to measure its sustainability performance. For instance, the company aims to achieve 70% recyclable packaging by a certain target year. Additionally, metrics include scope 1, scope 2, and scope 3 emissions, water consumption per tonne of production, and community outreach efforts. These metrics are integral to assessing the company’s progress towards its sustainability goals.

5) How do you engage with the different stakeholders of the company including your employees, your customers, the different communities that you operate in on sustainability issues?

Tata Consumer Products engages with stakeholders through various initiatives, including transparent communication, employee volunteering programs, and community-focused projects. The company fosters a culture of sustainability across all levels, encouraging innovation and collaboration to address sustainability challenges effectively. Examples include leveraging the Tata Tea platform to raise awareness about climate change through nursery rhymes, employee volunteering programs in local communities, and initiatives like Swastika and Shrishti schools for mentally challenged children in plantation areas.

6) When I was going through the sustainability report and the website for sustainability on Tata Consumer Product, I came across the program Trustea. Could you give me some insights on that program and how was it started?

Trustea is an initiative focused on certifying sustainability credentials for tea growers in India. Tata Consumer Products is a founding member of Trustea and supports its capacity-building efforts for small tea growers. The program aims to improve sourcing practices while ensuring sustainability standards are met. Tata Consumer Products purchases tea certified by Trustea, contributing to a sustainable tea ecosystem and supporting small growers in improving their practices.

7) How does the company prioritize the different aspects of sustainability such as environmental impact, social responsibility, and economic viability? How do you strike a balance between all three aspects?

Tata Consumer Products prioritizes sustainability by integrating it into its business strategy and decision-making processes. The company employs a materiality-based approach, considering factors such as financial capital, environmental impact, social responsibility, and economic viability. By transparently reporting on its sustainability efforts and aligning with global sustainability agendas such as the UN SDGs, Tata Consumer Products ensures a balanced approach to sustainability that addresses the needs of various stakeholders while fostering long-term growth and impact.

8) How does the sustainability strategy of Tata Consumer Products align with the broader industry trends and the global sustainability agenda? Maybe you would like to highlight certain aspects where you’re covering the UN SDGs as well

Tata Consumer Products aligns its sustainability strategy with industry trends and global sustainability agendas such as the UN SDGs. The company prioritizes key areas such as climate action, responsible consumption, poverty alleviation, and gender equality, which resonate with the UN SDGs. Through initiatives like Project Alingana and commitments to becoming carbon neutral and water neutral, Tata Consumer Products contributes to broader industry trends and global sustainability goals, ensuring its operations are aligned with the principles of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability.

9) Looking ahead, what are the company’s long-term sustainability aspirations and targets? How do you see the company working towards that and what are the certain steps, if you would like to share with us that you were taking towards those targets?

Tata Consumer Products has ambitious long-term sustainability aspirations, including becoming net-zero carbon by 2040, achieving water neutrality, and ensuring all packaging is recyclable by 2030. The company is committed to sustainable sourcing, community engagement, and promoting diversity and inclusion in its workforce. Tata Consumer Products implements clear action plans and regularly monitors progress towards its sustainability targets, integrating sustainability into all aspects of its operations to drive positive impact and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.