Zoetis shared a renewed commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) topics in the company’s 2020 Sustainability Report.
ESG represents a shift from corporate social responsibility to a business strategy based on long-term financial relevance. Besides sustainability, ESG evaluates social concerns including diversity, employee relations, consumer protection and animal welfare.
“The events of the past year reaffirmed our purpose to nurture the world and humankind by advancing care for animals, and strengthened our resolve to champion a healthier, more sustainable future for people, animals and the planet we share,” said Kristin Peck, Chief Executive Officer of Zoetis.
Zoetis donated over $6 million to support animals and those who care for them in 2020, with 9.6 percent of all investments aimed at supporting COVID-19 relief efforts worldwide. In addition, the company provided over $934,000 in scholarships to more than 400 veterinary students and announced a continued commitment to invest in sustainability and research on emerging infectious diseases through the Center for Transboundary and Emerging Diseases.
The report also reaffirmed a pledge to source 100 percent renewable energy by 2050. Eight Zoetis manufacturing sites already operate with 100 percent renewable energy.
Formation of the Zoetis Foundation
Zoetis also guaranteed $35 million over the next five years to advance opportunities for veterinarians and farmers through the formation of the Zoetis Foundation in 2020.
“Zoetis has a long history of addressing important challenges faced by veterinarians and farmers. Our new charitable foundation represents the next chapter in extending and driving forward these commitments,” said Jeannette Ferran Astorga, Head of Sustainability at Zoetis and President of the Zoetis Foundation.
The Foundation will primarily focus its grantmaking on strategic priority areas related to enabling veterinarians and farmers, with a short-term goal of scholarship and diversity initiatives to create a more inclusive veterinary community in the U.S.
In 2022, the Zoetis Foundation will expand to include veterinary debt relief, additional diversity and inclusion programming and mental wellness for farmers and veterinarians located in the U.S., Africa, Australia, Brazil, China and Europe.
Like what you just read? Sign up now for free to receive the Poultry Future Newsletter.
