In the evolving landscape of sustainable business practices, Squiby Foods, based in the Netherlands, is taking valuable steps in carbon management. As a supplier of European food products across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, Squiby Foods has strategically integrated carbon units into its sustainability framework, demonstrating how innovative environmental strategies can align with business growth.
Close-up of a person harvesting strawberries in a field. AI generated picture.
By measuring and compensating for its carbon footprint with DGB Group, Squiby Foods is not only taking decisive steps to become more sustainable but also making a positive impact through its investment in nature-based solutions. This case study explores how a food distribution company can turn sustainability from a challenge into a competitive advantage, creating a blueprint for responsible business practices in the global food supply chain.
Our collaboration with Squiby Foods highlights the critical role of nature-based solutions in helping businesses achieve meaningful carbon reduction targets while maintaining operational excellence. Read below an interview highlighting Squiby Foods’ sustainability journey and achievements.
Interview with Squiby Foods
Can you tell us more about Squiby Foods and why sustainability is important to your company?
Squiby Foods has more than 25 years of experience in the food industry. We specialise in the import and export of European food products. We offer a wide range of products to customers in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, where we are known for our logistical expertise, service excellence, and flexibility. The international scope of our business necessitates reliance on road transport for imports, while exports are predominantly facilitated through air and sea transport.
In these types of transportation, the transition to electrification is not swiftly attainable, resulting in comparatively high emissions levels. Nevertheless, in the supply chain, we all bear individual responsibility when it comes to sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint—to give back to society, nature, and the environment in general. This approach is rewarding both for the company and its employees. We have taken our first steps towards sustainability by measuring our carbon footprint and compensating for 10% of our total emissions. We will also continue to strive to improve our environmental impact.
What sustainability targets have you set, and how are you working towards achieving these sustainability targets?
2023 was the first year in which we started to map our emissions. Scope 1 and Scope 2 had to be charted, and we examined the most impactful components from Scope 3. Through this exercise, we have mapped the majority of our emissions. Our goal is to continue this annually and to develop an increasingly comprehensive picture, ultimately achieving an exact overview of our total emissions.
All company vehicles are already electric, and all business flights are offset by tree planting. Additionally, all electricity used for the company premises is generated through green energy, contributing to our overall sustainability efforts. However, our decision to start mapping our emissions has served as a foundation for our future pathway to even more impactful sustainability strategies.
We believe that Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, as well as business travel, should be compensated for annually. Moreover, we have set an initial goal to compensate for at least 10% of our total mapped emissions and are working towards a 25% reduction target if feasible.
Read more DGB client case studies: Driving sustainability: How Beauchamps LLP leads with purpose in the legal industry
What motivated Squiby Foods to calculate and compensate for its carbon footprint with DGB Group?
Everything related to carbon footprints is becoming an increasingly important topic, which is why we chose to map the carbon footprint of our business. After learning about DGB’s services and expertise, we found working with DGB to be both highly beneficial and enjoyable, further reinforcing our desire to collaborate with DGB. Seeing their incredible projects only deepened our appreciation and enthusiasm for this partnership.
Local community during a cookstove distribution in Kenya. Hongera Energy Efficient Cookstoves Project, DGB.
What were your key considerations when selecting the Hongera Energy Efficient Cookstoves Project for your carbon compensation?
While cost is always a factor, this project stands out as one of the more affordable options for compensation. More importantly, its connection to cooking aligns perfectly with our company’s values and mission. The high-quality verified carbon units from this project also make it the stand-out option for addressing our carbon footprint. From the start, we knew this project was an ideal fit for us.
Discover DGB’s Hongera Energy Efficient Cookstoves Project
How does this initiative align with Squiby Foods’ broader sustainability goals and values?
For us, it is particularly gratifying to reduce our carbon footprint through projects like the Hongera Energy Efficient Cookstoves Project that align with food in general. This project mitigates emissions and improves living conditions by providing rural Kenyan families with energy-efficient stoves that reduce indoor air pollution and save women time and costs in firewood collection. The project also decreases deforestation by reducing the amount of firewood needed for cooking.
In short, supporting local projects like DGB’s cookstoves project that improves living conditions and reduces emissions is a wonderful combination, especially when these initiatives are aligned with our business values.
Read more DGB client case studies: The Bar Company: the sustainable caterer committed to environmental and social impact
What message would you like to share with other businesses considering similar actions?
It is clear that everyone must do their part. Ultimately, we want all generations around the world to experience good living conditions. A greener planet is something everyone would desire. We would encourage everyone to take small steps that align with their organisation.
It is impossible to achieve everything at once. Mapping your total emissions and considering ways to reduce your carbon footprint is a good starting point. Thereafter, aim to set collective goals and see what improvements can be made year after year. It sets a positive example for employees and all other stakeholders.
Read more: Overcoming sustainability challenges: practical solutions for your business
A DGB team member with the local community in Kenya during cookstove distribution. Hongera Energy Efficient Cookstoves Project, DGB
Squiby Foods' sustainability journey demonstrates that environmental responsibility is not just a corporate obligation, but a strategic opportunity for businesses to create meaningful impact. By methodically mapping its carbon footprint, investing in nature-based solutions like the Hongera Energy Efficient Cookstoves Project, and setting progressive emissions reduction targets, Squiby Foods exemplifies how food distribution enterprises can transform sustainability challenges into competitive advantages.
Squiby Foods’ approach—characterised by incremental progress, transparent goal-setting, and a commitment to holistic environmental stewardship—offers a compelling blueprint for organisations seeking to integrate carbon management into their core business strategy. As Squiby Foods continues to evolve its sustainability framework, it stands as a testament to the power of purposeful corporate action in addressing global environmental challenges.
