Ippolito International Earns Two TRUE Golds Certifications for its Merrill Street and Blackie Road Facilities
SALINAS, CA - Ippolito International has announced that it is the first grower/shipper in Monterey County to have been awarded a Gold certification under TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) certification system for its Value-Added Facility and Brussels Sprouts Packing Facility. TRUE, administered by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), aims to help facilities define, pursue, and achieve zero waste goals while becoming more resource efficient.
"It was incredible to see a company commit, take action, and achieve its goal to become zero waste certified. This is a great example of how a good business case translates into environmental benefits,” Nikki Rodoni, Founder and CEO of Measure to Improve, who spearheaded this project for Ippolito, shared with me. “This is a great first step to formalizing a sustainability program!"
Ippolito set a Zero Waste goal in 2016, which entails being able to credibly validate a 90 percent diversion of waste from landfills for 12 consecutive months—Ippolito exceeded this goal with a diversion rate of 93.98 percent, having recycled 590 tons of cardboard and plastic and diverted over 10,000 tons of organic bi-product through animal feed and composting, according to a press release.
This initiative was launched by Partner Ron Mondo and General Manager Butch Corda with the support of Measure to Improve.
"We conducted regular tailgate trainings with the message that Zero Waste takes teamwork and is everyone’s responsibility,” said Food Safety Director Herman Cossio.
Sue Beets-Atkinson, Chair, GBCI TRUE Advisory Council, also professed an admiration for the drive the Ippolito team showed in achieving the Gold certification.
“I was impressed by Ippolito’s dedication to finding alternatives to move away from single-use wax cartons by investing in reusable totes," said Sue. "In the end, it will save money and improve their impact on the environment.”
Ron Mondo, the Partner who helped head the initiative felt thrilled by the company’s achievement.
“It feels good to do the right thing. We are incredibly proud of this accomplishment," said Ron Mondo. "I especially want to thank the Measure to Improve team for their expertise and guidance along the way."
To follow sustainability efforts in the produce industry, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
