Impact Report 2021 - Businesses for Climate Action
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Impact
Report 2021
chiasisters.co.nz @chiasisters hello@chia.co.nz
2013 CHIA launches
as a healthy beverage
2014 Chia Sisters
brings on board
2014 CHIA wins the
Health Category at Chia Sisters
Impact Report
to fuel friends and its first full-time the New Zealand
family in Nelson. employee. Food Awards.
2021
2016 Chia Sisters 2017 Chia Sisters 2018 Solar panels 2018 Bottled by the
launches its becomes Nelson’s are installed to Sun juice range
sparkling coconut first Living Wage make Chia Sisters is launched to
water range. Employer. New Zealand’s first celebrate a shift to Chia Sisters’ core values are sustainability, Encouraging others to join us on the
solar-powered solar power. nutrition and innovation. Making decisions Zero Carbon journey.
juicery.
that positively affect the well-being of We lead workshops and have talked to over
people and the environment is in our DNA. 1000 businesses to assist them in starting
It is well documented and widely accepted their Zero Carbon process. We have an open
2019 Chia Sisters is 2019 Bottled by the 2019 Chloe and 2019 Chia Sisters that it is people who are causing changes to invitation to share our story and processes
named on Forbes Sun wins Best Drink Florence are named gains Zero Carbon
the conditions of our planet and the natural with any business interested in reducing
30 Under 30 list for in New Zealand at the New Zealand Women and Climate Positive
of Influence for status. environment. At a time when the imbalance their carbon emissions.
forging a sustainability Outstanding Food
path for the beverage Producer Awards. game-changing the of wealth in the world has reached alarming
industry. beverage industry. proportions, humans are on trend to use the Becoming New Zealand’s first solar-
equivalent of two planets’ worth of resources powered juicery.
by 2030.
Our solar panels can harness up to 16,000
2019 Chia Sisters 2019 Florence and 2019 Hemp Protein Most companies are operating without watts of energy per hour. Our juicery uses
launches Businesses Chloe named New Superfood Smoothie
including or considering the damage 8,000 watts of energy while running at full
for Climate Action, Zealand Kiwibank launches.
with the goal of 1000 local heroes for their caused to the environment and people in capacity. We are still connected to the grid.
Nelson businesses work as climate their balance sheets. This has led to rising This means when the sun is out we send the
measuring and champions. inequality and environmental destruction.1 extra energy back for others to use. At night
reducing their
emissions within two
Doing business sustainably is a Chia Sisters time or when it is raining we draw back
core value. We are only one small player, energy as we need.
2019 Chia Sisters 2020 Businesses 2020 Chia Sisters
but we want to lead by example in this
2019 Chia Sisters
space. By putting sustainability at the core Producing high-nutrition products
become FWD certified wins New Zealand for Climate Action launches kegs as
which recognises them Sustainable Business receives support and a packaging-free of our business we are successfully having a with no added sugar and no artificial
as a social enterprise. Network Transforming funding from Nelson solution to beverages. ingredients.
positive impact on the environment and the
Food Award for City Council.
creating a positive community in which we operate. Some of For this we have won the Health Category
impact on people and our proudest achievements are: at the New Zealand Food Awards and ‘Best
the environment.
Achieving Zero Carbon and Climate Drink in New Zealand’ at the Outstanding
Positive business operations status. Food Producer Awards.
2020 In response to 2020 Chia Sisters 2020 Chia Sisters
Covid-19 and a greater launches 750ml completes its second
recycled glass bottles year of measuring, This means the overall activity of Chia Becoming Nelson’s first Living Wage
focus on e-Commerce
Chia Sisters launches for their smoothies reducing, and Sisters business operations reduces accredited employer.
Immunity Hot Tonic and juices to decrease offsetting its carbon carbon in the atmosphere. Emissions are
and Mum’s Muesli. packaging waste. footprint to attain The Living Wage is 20 per cent above the
zero carbon and
offset by planting and maintaining native
minimum wage and the amount needed to
climate positive trees in the local Rameka forest, which is
be an active citizen in society.
business operations regenerating farmland.
Business timeline
1
Sustainability • The average amount of sugar in a soft drink
is six teaspoons; most ‘energy’ drinks have
SDG 13 Climate
Action
more sugar than the recommended daily
goals intake. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda
Ardern has named climate change the most
• WHO has recognised the consumption challenging issue of our time.
of sugar-sweetened beverages as a The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
contributing factor to the rising levels of Change Report released in October
childhood obesity in most countries. 2018, reinforced what we know already:
We understand that Chia Sisters’ The beverage industry – • PepsiCo and Coca-Cola and their ‘Unprecedented changes are needed to stave
sustainability goals cannot stand alone. a snap shot subsidiaries have 68.9 percent of the off dire impacts if the world warms 1.5°C
They are interwoven and connected to other beyond the pre-industrial period.’ 7
The beverage industry accounts for the market share, globally. This is tied up in
businesses, organisations and individuals
disposal of more single-use plastic than any exclusivity contracts, which blocks others Earth’s atmosphere has more carbon in it
locally, nationally and globally. Our impact
other product type (food or otherwise) in from entering the market. 5 than at any point in time over three million
is minimal unless we can impact others.
both the developing and developed world. years. It has increased from up to 290 parts
For this reason, we have aligned our goals
Statistics in 2017 reported over one million of carbon per million to 407 parts of carbon
with the United Nations Sustainable New Zealand
plastic bottles a minute. 2 per million.
Development Goals (SDGs), keeping them
front of mind in all our business decisions. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has • New Zealand spends $700 million on soft
The amount of carbon in the atmosphere
However, being in the food and beverage named sugar-laden soft drinks as a key drinks, water and juices annually.
is directly correlated with the average
industry, and our location being Nelson, cause for rising diabetes, obesity and tooth • Fifty-two per cent of drinks purchased temperature, which is why we are living
New Zealand, we choose to focus on these decay, among other diseases. 3 contain added sugar. through a climate change crisis. 8
five core areas:
Two corporations have a global stronghold • Each year 252,000 tonnes of plastic waste In January 2019, Nelson Mayor Rachel Reese
on the market, they own hundreds of is disposed of into New Zealand landfills. declared a Climate Emergency.
beverage brands and restrict competitors
• Coca Cola, PepsiCo and Asahi own In July 2019 Chia Sisters became an
from getting ahead through exclusivity
exclusive contracts with almost all major accredited Ekos Zero Carbon and Climate
contracts attached to almost every major
food outlets, including in universities, Positive company. This means the overall
food outlet worldwide. 4
hospitals and schools. activity of Chia Sisters reduces carbon in
the atmosphere.
• Soft drinks are a key cause of tooth decay
Globally and obesity in New Zealand. We follow a four-step process to make this
happen:
• One million bottled beverages are • More than 96,000 New Zealand children
consumed worldwide every minute. had their teeth extracted in 2018, and over 1. We measured our emissions, with the
7500 required dental treatment under help of Ekos, a local non-profit enterprise
• Between 5 and 13 million tonnes of plastic
general anaesthetic. that measures carbon emissions and
leaks into the world’s oceans each year to
develops innovative approaches to
be ingested by sea birds, fish and other • Removing children’s teeth costs New
financing a sustainable future.
organisms. Zealand $30 million per year.
2. After measuring our carbon emissions
• By 2050, the ocean will contain more • New Zealand has the third highest rate of
we recorded 56 tonne of CO2 or CO2
plastic by weight than fish. obesity in the world, topped only by USA
equivalent emissions were emitted in the
• Coca-Cola produces more than 100 billion and Mexico. 6
past financial year including radiative
disposable plastic bottles every year; that’s forcing. We found the areas that we could
3400 a second. have the most impact in reduction and
implemented the following:
Imagery: United Nations
2 3
· Minimising waste Activity tCO2e % of total SDG 7 Affordable and University of Oxford researchers have
· Harnessing renewable energy through
emissions
Clean Energy calculated that solar could meet 20 percent
Stationary fuels 5.21 9% of global energy needs by 2027.
the installation of 32 solar panels and In 2018, we lined our factory roof with 32
insulation. Aircon/refrigerants 0.00 0% We are proud to be leading the way in Nelson
solar panels to become New Zealand’s first
Agriculture 0.00 0% solar-powered juicery. The solar panels can to show that this is a viable option.
· Using an electric vehicle
Company vehicles 0.47 1% harness up to 16,000 watts of energy from
· Transferring air freight to sea freight
the sun each hour. Our factory uses 8000
Electricity 4.15 7%
watts when it is at full capacity, so we can
SDG 12 Responsible
T&D losses 0.31 1% send what we do not use back to the grid.
Consumption and
3. After reducing, we offset the remaining
Rental cars 0.10 0% At night and on a rainy day we can draw
Production
emissions by 120%, 67.2 tonne of CO2 by
from the grid. In 2020 we switched to When we launched in 2013, we made the
contributing to native and sustainable Waste 1.43 3%
Meridian, a renewable energy provider. decision to bottle our juices in glass. Glass is
planting in the Rameka Forest, a Certified Water 0.38 1%
infinitely recyclable.
Carbon Emissions Trading Scheme While most energy in New Zealand is
Accommodation 0.02 0%
Carbon Sink. Included in this is the sourced from hydro, coal plants are still By 2025, our goal is to have 50 per cent of
Inwards freight 3.82 7% being used to make electricity in New
ongoing upkeep and maintenance of this all our sales come from kegs, on tap, into
section of the forest. Outwards freight 35.32 63% Zealand. Air pollution from coal-fired refillable vessels. This is a work in progress.
Flights 5.15 9%
power plants includes sulfur dioxide, Our first kegs of fresh-pressed juice and
4. We incorporate this into our financial
nitrogen oxides, carbon and heavy metals. sparkling coconut water were sold in July
balance sheet: going forward, for every Total 56.38 100%
This can lead to smog, acid rain, toxins 2019. The shift has been slower than we
dollar we spend, we understand its true
Chia Sisters’ footprint in tCO2e as calculated by Ekos Ltd, in the environment, climate change and expected as it requires our customers to have
environmental cost including the impact for the financial year beginning 1 April 2019. numerous respiratory, cardiovascular and the space and equipment to serve kegged
on our carbon footprint. We believe
cerebrovascular effects. products. Despite this, we are committed
that all businesses should pay for the
Flights to helping our customers in cafes, hospitals
negative impacts they are having on the The outcome of switching to solar is
Outward freight
and grocery stores make this transition by
environment. Inward freight significant. It has been named, alongside
bearing the costs of installing infrastructure
Accommodation wind power, as the best future source of
Water such as fridges and taps, in order to make
energy to solve climate change. The sun
Waste
We have encouraged others, particularly the waste-free products an option. The outcome
Rental cars provides clean, virtually free energy, at a
businesses that are the biggest contributors of this will be a circular beverage economy.
T&D losses price that never changes. Climate science
of carbon emissions, to join us on the path Electricity In 2020 we launched our Fresh Pressed
Company cars
expert Paul Hawken has noted that ‘any
towards Zero Carbon. We have facilitated Orange and Mango Juice, Fresh Pressed
Aircon scenario for reversing global warming
workshops in conjunction with Bank of New Feijoa Juice, Crushed Fruit Berry Smoothie
Fuels includes a massive ramp-up of solar power
Zealand, New Zealand Trade & Enterprise and Crushed Fruit Tropical Smoothie in
by mid-century. It simply makes sense.’ 9
and the Nelson Chamber of Commerce, 0 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 25.00 30.00 35.00 40.00 750ml recycled glass bottles to further
and currently, we have assisted over 50 minimise Chia Sisters waste footprint.
businesses to become Zero-Carbon certified.
We are working with a team to fulfill two
goals. The short-term goal is to have 1000
businesses in Te Tauihu region measuring
and reducing carbon emissions by 2021. The
long-term goal is a Zero Carbon Te Tauihu
by 2030. You can learn more about this
project at businessesforclimateaction.co.nz
0 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 25.00 30.00 35.00 40.00
4 5
SDG 3 Good Health
and Well-being
We are proud to produce New Zealand’s
most nutritious beverages. We believe
health is about more than what is not in a
product. All Chia Sisters beverages are rich
in nutrition. Our current range consists of:
CHIA beverages, rich in protein, calcium,
natural electrolytes, selenium, antioxidants,
magnesium, omega 3, 6 and 9, and fibre. CHIA range
Hemp smoothies, rich in protein, calcium,
manganese, omega 3, 6 and 9.
Sparkling coconut water, rich in natural
electrolytes, magnesium and potassium.
Bottled by the Sun fresh-pressed fruit,
rich in fibre, vitamin C and antioxidants.
Hot Tonic made with immunity-boosting
local Mānuka Honey, Kerikeri Lemon and
Chloe and Florence Van Dyke, on launch of the Bottled by the Juice range to celebrate the company’s shift to solar power.
The juice went on to win Best Drink in New Zealand for 2019. (Photo: Stuff) ginger and turmeric. Sparkling range
Smoothie made with fresh fruit, rich in fibre,
vitamin C and antioxidants.
Bottled by the Sun
To celebrate our shift to solar, we created a Sisters won the Sustainable Business Network Chia Sisters beverages have no added
fresh-pressed juice range called ‘Bottled by Transforming Food Award for transforming sugar and no artificial colours, flavours or
the Sun’. Bottled by the Sun won Best Drink in the food system to create a positive impact on preservatives. All are made entirely from
New Zealand for 2019 and later that year Chia people and the environment.
plants. In a sector where ‘energy’ drink has,
on average, six teaspoons of refined sugar,11
we are proud to be one of the exceptions in
contributing to a healthier planet.
Bottled by the Sun range
SDG 8 Decent Work
and Economic Growth
Our team is our most important asset. We believe that our team is our most
One way we value them is by paying each important asset. Paying them well means
employee above Living Wage. This is the that they havae more money to spend
amount needed to provide workers and their on creating a quality lifestyle. We know
families with basic necessities and to live that the majority of this excess is spent in
and participate as active citizens in society. Nelson, helping our community to thrive.
We decided to become accredited with It also means our team have less financial
Living Wage Aotearoa, an organisation that stress and feel more committed as valued
tackles poverty and inequality. members of the Chia Sisters company.
Smoothie range Hemp protein smoothie range Hot Tonic
6 7
Endnotes
1 World Economic Forum, 2019, ‘We need to protect 30% www.statista.com/statistics/387318/market-share-of-leading-
of the planet by 2030. This is how we can do it’, viewed 22 carbonated-beverage-companies-worldwide.
November 2019. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/04/
Concluding Remarks why-protect-30-planet-2030-global-deal-nature-conservation;
6 New Zealand Beverage Council 2019, ‘About the Industry’,
NZ Beverage Council https://www.nzbeveragecouncil.org.nz/
See also: World Economic Forum 2017, ‘Global Risk Report
consumer-information/about-the-industry/; see also: ‘A look
2017’, www. weforum.org/reports/the-global-risks-report-2017
inside NZ Fridges’ – Beverage Consumption in New Zealand,
People are having a negative impact on Please be in touch if you would like to
2 The Guardian, ‘A million bottles a minute: world’s plastic viewed 22 November 2019 https://www.nzbeveragecouncil.
the natural environment, and most of this piggy-back off our ideas, give feedback binge as dangerous as climate change’, viewed 10 November org.nz/consumer-information/about-the-industry/; see also:
is caused by the actions of businesses. We or are interested in our commitments to 2019, https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jun/28/ Recycle 2019, ‘Waste Starts With Us’, viewed 1 November
a-million-a-minute-worlds-plastic-bottle-binge-as-dangerous- 2019, https://www.recycle.co.nz/problemsize.php; see also:
firmly believe it is possible for businesses to sustainability: hello@chia.co.nz. as-climate-change Emma Russell, ‘New Zealanders biggest consumers in favour
act ethically while still being profitable. of sugary drinks tax, poll reveals’, New Zealand Herald, 10
Most importantly, we acknowledge that 3 Mullee A, Romaguera D, Pearson-Stuttard J, et al.
November 2018, www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.
‘Association Between Soft Drink Consumption and
Although we are trying hard to make a Chia Sisters is one small player in an cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12157492; see also: OECD, ‘Obesity
Mortality in 10 European Countries’. JAMA Intern
Updates 2017’, OECD, viewed 20 October 2019, https://www.
difference, we also acknowledge that interconnected world. Our true impact will Med. 2019; 179(11):1479–1490 doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/
oecd.org/els/health-systems/Obesity-Update-2017.pdf
Chia Sisters has work to do. Given our come by sharing our stories and lessons with jamainternmed.2019.2478
7 Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, ‘New Zealand Parliament,
commitments to sustainability we feel it is others, inspiring them to follow suit, and by 4 Statistista 2017, Market Share of carbonated beverages
Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Bill
important to hold ourselves accountable. us being inspired by others working on their worldwide as of 2017, by company, Statista Research
— Third Reading, New Zealand Parliament’, 7 November
Department, viewed 10 October 2019, https://www.statista.
Transparency plays an important role in impact on the planet. com/statistics/387318/market-share-of-leading-carbonated-
2019, https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/
rhr/combined/HansDeb_20191107_20191107_16; see also: The
this. We recognise that it is near impossible beverage-companies-worldwide
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, ‘Special Report,
To make the planet a better place, we need
to run a perfect business. We need to be 5 The Guardian 2017, ‘A million bottles a minute’, viewed Warming of 1.5 degrees, United Nations’, viewed 20 September
to work collectively. 2019, https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/.
continuously analysing our values, systems 10 November 2019; see also: World Economic Forum,
Ellen MacArthur Foundation and McKinsey & Company,
and processes in all areas, to set standards 8 Dr James Renwick and Joel MacNamus, ‘407 and Rising’,
‘The New Plastics Economy — Rethinking the future of
July 2019, viewed 20 August 2019, https://interactives.stuff.
for future improvement. plastics’ (2016, http://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/
co.nz/2019/07/407-and-rising
publications); see also: Hashem KM, He FJ, MacGregor GA,
Our goal is to have a waste-free company by ‘Cross-sectional surveys of the amount of sugar, energy and 9 Stats New Zealand, Tatauranga Aotearoa environmental-
2025. This is an area that will require shifts caffeine in sugar-sweetened drinks marketed and consumed economic accounts: 2019; page 30.
as energy drinks in the UK between 2015 and 2017: monitoring
in our outlook and policies over the coming reformulation progress BMJ’ Open 2018;7:e018136. doi: 10.1136/
10 Paul Hawken, Drawdown The Most Comprehensive Plan
Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming, 2017, p.67, p.8 & p.9.
months. We also know that this report is not bmjopen-2017-018136; https://www.who.int/elena/bbc/
Florence Van Dyke ssbs_childhood_obesity/en/; see also: ‘Market Share of
complete, but we believe we are doing the 11 Hashem KM, He FJ, MacGregor GA,
carbonated beverages worldwide as of 2017, by company’, Open 2018;7:e018136. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018136
best job we can with the resources at hand. CEO and Co-owner of Chia Sisters Statista Research Department, viewed 10 October 2019, https://
8
A Certified Carbon Emissions Trading Scheme Carbon Sink. Image: Ekos Ltd.
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