Products that earn the attribute have demonstrated to produce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that are lower than 70% of the 33,000+ ingredients, chemicals and materials assessed by the independent research company.
HowGood’s methodology was developed in accordance with the GHG Protocol. Data collection sources include the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2013 global warming potential estimates where available and crop-specific LCAs, along with other vetted sources.
Once analysed, HowGood conducts a proprietary process of mapping each ingredient to its source (crop, animal or mineral) and corresponding geographic location to create a unique level of granularity that accounts for specific on-the-ground practices, impacts and risks in each locale. Through this process, HowGood has developed industry-average impact profiles for CO2e across nearly every ingredient in the food system.
The Climate Friendly label empowers shoppers to make decisions toward reducing their own carbon footprint.
“The attribute provides consumers with a clear indicator of how sustainable a product is with respect to carbon emissions. It’s easy-to-understand and guides consumers toward more sustainable purchases,” said Christina Lampert, HowGood’s director of Growth & Innovation.
“We’re excited to be powering a full suite of sustainability attributes amidst the growing call from consumers for products in line with their values and preferences. Labels like Quinn’s will empower shoppers to take a critical step in reducing their carbon footprint.”
Using snacks as a source for good
Since founding over a decade ago, Quinn has maintained its trailblazer role in making real change to the food system. The producer uses only ingredients from its network of farmer partners that adopt practices to support soil health and reduced carbon emissions. This info is shared with stakeholders and consumers through its online Ingredient Transparency Policy.
Such as organic yellow butterfly popcorn from Grain Place in Nebraska. Founded in 1953 by Don Vetter, the company is run by his son Dave who has a deep knowledge of agronomy and soil science. Organic cocoa powder is sourced through Barry Callebaut's Cocoa Horizon Foundation, which is working to shape the future through the promotion of sustainable entrepreneurial farming, improved productivity, and community development in key cocoa regions, like Ghana, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Brazil and Peru.
“When you know where your food comes from and how it’s grown, you make food differently, you make it better,” said founder Kristy Lewis.
“Regenerative agriculture can drastically reduce emissions and make farms more resilient to the effects of climate change. We’re excited to have HowGood’s Climate Friendly label to communicate our commitment to the environment and responsible sourcing.”
Industry benchmark
Quinn will begin rolling out the label on-pack in 2023. The attribute, however, is not a once-off award. Products that qualify receive access to for public-facing communications for one year. At the end of the annual contract, products are reassessed based to ensure they continue to meet industry benchmarks.
“HowGood is a key and trusted partner for our team, facilitating our continued emphasis on regenerative agriculture practices and allowing us to maintain the ingredient transparency our customers look for from us,” said Grace Dennis, Quinn’s sustainability and sourcing manager.
Quinn is known for its industry firsts, such as microwave popcorn in a patented Pure Pop Bag made of compostable paper with no chemical or plastic coatings; whole grain gluten-free pretzel; and the to-date only gluten-free filled pretzel nuggets. Available in over 20,000 stores across the US, Quinn is one of the fastest growing Natural & Specialty Pretzel brands.