Sysco Corporation, a leading global foodservice distribution company, recently launched its new ‘Recipe for Sustainability’ program. Through this program, Sysco will collaborate with top universities to explore innovations that will accelerate climate action and lead the industry towards a more sustainable future.

Students at Arizona State University and Pennsylvania State University will have the opportunity to solve real-world challenges and propose innovative, cost-effective solutions to reduce packaging and food waste and the use of plastic in takeout containers.

“Sustainability is not only important to Sysco, it is one of the most frequent topics students ask us about during our college engagement events,” says Neil Russell, Chief Administration Officer for Sysco, who is one of the program’s executive sponsors and was instrumental in its launch. “Through our Recipe for Sustainability program, we’re cultivating partnerships with leading universities to help develop the next generation of sustainability leaders. Last year, students at Arizona State University and Pennsylvania State University worked with Sysco leaders to explore innovative, cost-effective solutions to real-life sustainability challenges related to food and packaging waste. This year, we’re excited to expand and diversify the program to include more universities – in the U.S. and internationally in Canada and Great Britain. It is a powerful opportunity for Sysco and the students to work together and provide new perspectives on how we can make the food supply chain more sustainable.”

In 2021, Sysco set an industry-leading science-based climate goal to reduce its direct emissions (Scope 1 & 2) by 27.5% by 2030. Sysco also committed to engaging supplier partners representing 67% of Scope 3 emissions to set their own science-based targets by 2026.

In addition to partnering with Penn State on sustainability innovations, Marie Robinson, Sysco’s former Supply Chain Officer, was recently appointed to the Penn State Center for Supply Chain Research (CSCR®) Board of Advisors. The CSCR® Advisory Board members commit to a two-year appointment where they are active in CSCR®-sponsored programs and events and provide input and guidance for the center’s strategic plan and forward-thinking initiatives, as well as approve faculty research affiliates and fellowships.

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