European Snacks Association (ESA) publishes its 2025 Sustainability Report

The European Snacks Association (ESA) has released its new Sustainability Report. Growing sustainably makes good business sense and is key to the long-term competitiveness of savoury snack companies.

ESA members continuously strive to improve environmental sustainability and adopt practices that protect natural resources while securing key raw materials for future snack production.
 

EU Green Deal

ESA supports the objectives of the EU Green Deal, the flagship initiative of the European Commission, and is committed to a genuine transition toward a sustainable food system as part of the EU Farm to Fork Strategy and initiatives such as the New Circular Economy Action Plan. 

Savoury snacks manufacturers work to preserve the value of resources throughout the supply chain. Fostering sustainable agriculture is a key element, and members take measures on water conservation—from improved crop irrigation in the field to optimum water usage in production facilities—limiting food wastage of raw materials (including oils), and saving energy. 
 

Reducing Carbon Footprint

Several ESA members have implemented innovative solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including upgrading energy equipment, improving logistics and transport, using alternative energy sources to fossil fuels, and increasing renewable energy use. This approach spans sourcing and processing agricultural raw materials, developing packaging, consumption of products, and adopting a circular and sustainable approach across operations.
 

Sourcing Ingredients

ESA values the quality, safety, and origin of ingredients in savoury snack production. Responsible sourcing is a major consideration, and members, along with their suppliers, ensure practices in origin countries are consistent with ESA’s standards and principles.

Member companies have individual procedures for supply practices and are encouraged to adopt frameworks like the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code or equivalent employment practice programs. 
 

Sustainable Packaging

Improving packaging sustainability is another cornerstone of ESA’s approach. Members seek solutions that maximize resources, minimize waste, and ensure product safety and quality.

ESA has also signed up to the Circular Plastics Alliance, a European Commission initiative bringing together the plastics value chain to boost the EU market for recycled plastics.