Crops thrive on soil biodiversity
Actively contributing to the world’s SDGs
In 2015, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offered the world a blueprint towards achieving a better and more sustainable future for all.
At Koppert, we believe that sustainable development is essential for the future of our planet. As a leading provider of biological solutions for agriculture and horticulture, we recognize the important role we play in contributing to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals Through our commitment to sustainability, we strive to make a positive impact on the environment, society, and the economy.
How do we contribute to SDGs?
Our day to day activities align with several of the SDGs, particularly those related to sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and climate action.
Controlling pests and diseases in the greenhouse using predatory mites and wasps; making plants more resilient by using fungi in the soil, and introducing bumblebees to improve pollination, have all, directly and indirectly, enabled a significant reduction in the use of chemicals in horticulture and agriculture. We not only fight pests and diseases, but actively improve plant health, the health of people working in horticulture and agriculture, and the health of consumers who have access to residue-free produce.
Key SDGs in which we are active:
SDG 2 – Zero Hunger
Recent figures reveal that more than a billion people go hungry every day. Global statistics also show that 30 to 40% of horticultural and agricultural crop production is lost to pests and diseases every year. Our portfolio of biological solutions offer growers an array of safe, sustainable solutions that combat pests and diseases. We offers macro and micro-biological alternatives to pesticides and artificial fertilizers for growers to produce residue-free fruit, vegetables and other crops.
Our products work both above ground and around the root system in a holistic approach that promotes plant health, the health of growers and their workers, and that of consumers.
We actively promotes integrated crop management practices in both the developed world as well as smallholders in less developed countries, sharing our knowledge with not-for-profit organizations, research centres and academia to reach growers in all corners of the world. Amongst other social projects, the Koppert Foundation provides training in integrated pest management to ‘plant doctors’ who advise local growers on sustainable plant protection practices.
SDG 9 – Industry innovation and infrastructure
The ongoing drive to discover and utilize natural principles forms the core of our activities. Our strength lies in our ability to turn this knowledge into practical applications which contribute to finding sustainable solution to prevailing problems in horticulture and agriculture. Although we are primarily known for our products, our company is essentially a knowledge company. Our Research & Development has frequently been the source of biological solutions that were subsequently adopted worldwide. Ground-breaking discoveries include the introduction of bumblebees for natural pollination, beneficial macro and microorganisms to control pests and diseases and boost plant health and growth. Our company is also on the path of digital transportation, where we see that digital technologies can pave the way for the widespread adoption of biological alternatives to conventional pesticide. We will help more growers adopt biological solutions that meet their needs today and address the challenges of the future.
SDG 12 – Responsible consumption and production
We believe that responsible consumption and production are essential for sustainable development. While the positive impact of our products is clear, we are also striving to minimize the negative impact of our operation on a global level. This involves minimizing our waste and reducing the use of non-reusable recourses. We achieve this by reusing or recycling materials, reducing energy consumption and streamlining production processes in order to reduce or CO2 emission. We are continuously increasing our electric car fleet and participating in KLM’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel programme. We have set ourselves on an accelerated path towards carbon neutrality to increase our positive impact on the world as a company. Our aim is to maximize circularity, consciously manage our energy and water use.
SDG 15 – Life on land
We are a driver for change in agriculture and horticulture. We directly or indirectly played a role in making growers and other stakeholders in agriculture aware of the risks involved in using chemicals for pest and disease control, fertilization and other farming procedures. We do this by developing sustainable alternatives that come from nature itself, using macro and microorganisms to restore and promote sustainable farming practices and support biodiversity.
By purposely increasing the number of organisms and species under and above ground, we create highly functional ecosystems and activate natural functions within those ecosystems. This results in a healthy crop in a healthy environment that is resilient to pests, diseases and changing conditions.
SDG17 – Partnerships for the goals
Building partnerships is one of our core values. We cannot do this on our own. We know that in order to get closer to realizing our mission and vision, we need to work together. That is why we are open to building relationships, externally as well as internally.
At Koppert, we believe that sustainable development is not only the right thing to do, but also a strategic imperative for our business. By investing in sustainable practices and technologies, we can create shared value for our customers, our employees, and society as a whole.
Join us in our commitment to the SDGs, and together we can build a more sustainable future for generations to come.