Welcome to readers of the Tiger Brands sustainability report 2022. The sustainability report is aimed at stakeholders who are interested in Tiger Brands’ sustainability strategy, and how the company is performing in managing its positive and negative impacts on society. The social, ethics and transformation committee for which I am the chairperson, ensures that there is board-level oversight on sustainability management at Tiger Brands, so I am well-placed to offer a high-level overview of the company’s positioning and progress.

Over the last few years, social and environmental upheaval has become commonplace in our operating context, and we accept that volatility and uncertainty are here to stay. Tiger Brands needs to build new capabilities to remain resilient going forward, and this is top of mind within the company.

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations are featuring more strongly in board discussions, and there is increasing deliberation on the sustainability impacts of our decisions. We continue to ensure that Tiger Brands’ policies and strategies are updated, and reflect adequate responses to key contextual developments, legislative requirements, and the concerns of stakeholders. Sustainability and the concept of ESG are relatively new to most of us on the board, but we all agree that moving on sustainability is no longer optional. Training for the board is planned for early next year.

The company is fielding more ESG-related questions from stakeholders, including from shareholders and investors who show an interest in our response to emerging sustainability-related risks and opportunities, including those relating to climate change and water security. Sustainability disclosure is becoming both more demanding and more meaningful in driving investment, internally and externally. We aim to drive continual improvement in Tiger Brands’ disclosure and invite your feedback on this report.

Tiger Brands’ sustainability strategy is directly relevant to the core business and purpose of the company. It clearly frames the most material sustainability issues and responds to key stakeholder concerns. The immediate priority is to address public health and nutrition challenges through product innovation and social investment. The commercialisation of affordable healthier products has been a key focus, while investments in community food support and socio-economic development are ongoing. Covid-19 has become less of a risk, but key response measures remain and the company has settled into a flexible hybrid work model. There is a big emphasis on human capital, and inclusion and diversity are key principles in sourcing and developing talent, skills and leaders.

Tiger Brands’ social performance is currently ahead of its environmental performance, and much work is being undertaken to better entrench environmental stewardship, including through the development of a new strategy and standardising foundational site-level practices for safety, security, health and environment. Climate change was a hot topic with the SETCO this year, and we acknowledge that Tiger Brands’ strategic response is still in the starting blocks. Steps forward are being taken to ensure that the company achieves net zero by 2050 for scope 1 and 2 emissions, including the setting of science-based targets and the installation of site-level solar power.

A key disappointment this year was the recall of Purity Essential Baby Powder, especially when considering the KOO cans recall in 2021. However, the company rightfully applied the precautionary principle, and chose to protect consumers and Tiger Brands’ reputation by recalling all potentially affected product.

In closing, there has been much to keep us awake at night this year, yet there is also much to inspire confidence that the company is making progress to manage any emerging sustainability challenges.

Emma Mashilwane
SETCO chairperson

1 December 2022