Many companies often operate in isolation, with little or no engagement with local communities. This approach can lead to negative social and environmental impacts, limiting the company's long-term sustainability.

Tetra Pak, a leading food packaging and processing company, has implemented a range of initiatives to engage local communities in its operations, and particularly the communities most in need, whether it is indigenous people in our base material supply , the women, children and families dependent on informal waste collection or the communities surrounding their production sites. 

The company's community engagement program focuses on building relationships with local stakeholders, including community leaders, NGOs, and governments. The program aims to identify and address the needs and concerns of local communities, fostering sustainable development and resilience, and improving the company's social and environmental impact. Tetra Pak has mainly implemented school feeding programmes, emergency relief and the Dairy Hub Model, where income of smallholder farmers are improved through the long-term supply of locally sourced, high-quality milk. The latter creates jobs and increases incomes for local people along the Tetra Pak value chain.

The program has created opportunities for local communities to participate in decision-making processes, ensuring that their needs and concerns are addressed. Additionally, the program has provided education and training programs, promoting sustainable practices and raising awareness about environmental issues. By engaging local communities, the program has helped to build trust and mutual respect, creating a more sustainable and inclusive business model. Overall, Tetra Pak's community engagement program has contributed to the company's long-term sustainability.

Photo by Julian Hochgesang on Unsplash