Horizon Organic Sustainability Review

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Horizon Organic qZERO® Sustainability Score

2.6 / 5.0

Active Sustainability Progress *

September 10, 2024

About Horizon Organic

12002 Airport Way 80021-2546 Broomfield Jefferson Colorado United States
Country: United States United States

Horizon Organic: Horizon Organic Dairy, LLC is renowned for its premium organic dairy products. Originating in 1991, the brand commits to sustainable farming, supporting local family farms, and ensuring animal welfare. Its product range includes milk, cheese, butter, and yoghurt, all free from antibiotics, added hormones, and artificial ingredients. The company is a leader in promoting eco-friendly practices and advancing the organic movement. Their products are certified organic, ensuring high quality and environmental responsibility. Horizon Organic aims to provide nutritious, delicious dairy options, making them a trusted choice for health-conscious consumers.

How does Horizon Organic focus on You?

Product Range

Horizon Organic, owned by Horizon Organic Dairy, LLC, offers a variety of dairy products made from organic ingredients. Their range includes:

  • Milk (whole, reduced fat, low fat, fat-free)
  • Flavoured milk (chocolate, vanilla, strawberry)
  • Yoghurt (regular and Greek)
  • Cheese (sliced, shredded, string cheese)
  • Buttermilk
  • Heavy whipping cream
  • Half & half
  • Butter
  • Eggnog (seasonal)

Affordability vs Sustainability

Horizon Organic places a significant emphasis on balancing sustainability with affordability. Organic farming practices, though often more costly, ensure the production of premium quality dairy products without compromising on environmental standards. To make their products accessible, Horizon Organic incorporates a few key strategies:

  • Efficient Supply Chain Management: By streamlining their supply chain, Horizon Organic reduces overhead costs, which helps in keeping product prices competitive.
  • Local Sourcing: Using local farms for sourcing milk reduces transportation costs, contributing to lower product prices and supporting local communities.
  • Scaling Production: Large-scale production helps in reducing per-unit costs, allowing consumers to purchase organic products at more affordable rates.
  • Promotions and Discounts: Regular promotions, discounts, and loyalty programmes assist in making their products more cost-effective for regular shoppers.

While Horizon Organic products may sometimes be priced higher than conventional alternatives, the brand strives to ensure that the additional cost reflects the value of sustainability and organic quality that shoppers are increasingly prioritising.

Horizon Organic Sustainability Rating is 2.6 out of 5.0

This means Horizon Organic are above average compared to other companies in the Meat, Poultry & Dairy.

Industry positioning

Horizon Organic
Industry average
5
4
3
2
1
0
Overall
Environmental
Social
Governance

Horizon Organic positioning within the Meat, Poultry & Dairy

Sustainability Issues in Meat, Poultry & Dairy Industry

The Meat, Poultry & Dairy industry faces significant sustainability challenges, including environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance practices. Key issues encompass greenhouse gas emissions, water use, animal welfare, labour rights, and ethical supply chain management.

Comparing Horizon Organic Dairy, LLC to Industry Standards

  • Environmental Impact: Horizon Organic demonstrates a relatively higher commitment to environmentally sustainable practices compared to industry averages.
  • Social Responsibility: Horizon Organic falls short in addressing social issues, such as labour rights and community welfare, compared to the broader industry.
  • Governance Practices: While Horizon Organic meets basic governance standards, it lags behind the stronger practices observed across the wider sector.

What makes Horizon Organic stand out in the Industry?

The Main USP of Horizon Organic

Horizon Organic Dairy, LLC stands out in the market due to its commitment to organic and sustainable farming. Their main unique selling proposition (USP) is the delivery of high-quality, certified organic dairy products that are free from antibiotics, growth hormones, and toxic pesticides. This dedication ensures a healthier choice for consumers and a better environment.

  • 100% Organic Certification: All Horizon Organic products meet stringent organic standards, providing peace of mind for health-conscious consumers.
  • No Artificial Ingredients: Their products contain no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives, ensuring natural goodness.
  • Animal Welfare Commitment: Horizon Organic highlights humane treatment of their cows, maintaining high standards for animal health and wellness.
  • Sustainable Practices: The brand employs environmentally friendly farming techniques to reduce their carbon footprint and support ecological balance.
  • Family-Friendly Products: From milk to cheese and yoghurt, Horizon Organic offers a wide range of products suitable for both children and adults.

By choosing Horizon Organic, customers can support sustainable agriculture while enjoying nutritious, delicious dairy products. Their dedication to organic purity and environmental responsibility makes them a trusted choice in the organic food market.

Horizon Organic Sustainability Rating Breakdown:

Horizon Organic Overall Sustainability Rating is 2.6 out of 5.0

Discover the unique sustainability approach of Horizon Organic:

  • Carbon Positive: Committed to being carbon-positive by 2025, absorbing more carbon than they emit.
  • Cow Well-being: Ensuring humane treatment and natural living conditions for their cows.
  • Eco-friendly Farming: Using organic farming practices to enhance soil health and protect biodiversity.
  • Renewable Energy: Implementing renewable energy sources to reduce dependency on fossil fuels.

Choose Horizon Organic for a sustainable and environmentally responsible choice.

Horizon Organic Environmental Rating is 3.4 out of 5.0

Environmental Practices Summary of Horizon Organic Dairy, LLC

Horizon Organic demonstrates notable strengths in energy management and environmental opportunities, indicating a proactive approach towards utilising renewable energy and pioneering innovative environmental practices. These efforts significantly contribute to a sustainable business model that minimises environmental impact. However, improvement areas include greenhouse gas emissions, which currently detract from the overall environmental score. Reducing emissions through advanced technology and more efficient practices would further enhance the company’s environmental sustainability. Overall, Horizon Organic shows a strong commitment to energy-related and innovative environmental initiatives, but needs to address issues related to its greenhouse gas emissions to boost its comprehensive environmental profile.

Horizon Organic Social Rating is 1.7 out of 5.0

Social Practices Summary for Horizon Organic Dairy, LLC (Horizon Organic)

Horizon Organic Dairy displays a balanced approach to social practices, with notable strengths and areas needing improvement. One of the company's strongest points is its commitment to diversity and inclusion, reflecting its efforts to cultivate a diverse workplace environment. However, there are significant opportunities for improvement in the areas of health and safety, indicating a need for better measures to ensure the well-being of employees. Additionally, their engagement with suppliers could be enhanced to develop stronger and more ethical supply chain relationships. These insights reveal that while Horizon Organic has made positive strides in certain social aspects, there is considerable room for growth in others.

Horizon Organic Governance Rating is 3.0 out of 5.0

Horizon Organic Dairy, LLC (Horizon Organic) Governance Practices Summary

Horizon Organic has demonstrated significant strengths and weaknesses in its governance practices. One of the company's strongest areas is Corporate Compliance Behaviours, showcasing a robust commitment to legal and regulatory adherence, which greatly augments its credibility and operational integrity. However, the company faces notable challenges concerning Business Resilience and Sustainability. The current strategies may lack the needed robustness to adequately adapt to market changes and sustainability challenges, indicating substantial room for improvement in this area. Overall, Horizon Organic exhibits a mixed performance in governance, balancing exemplary compliance with areas ripe for strategic enhancement.

So is Horizon Organic sustainable?

Understanding Horizon Organic’s Sustainability Efforts

Horizon Organic shows a strong effort in environmental sustainability and governance. However, there is noticeable room for improvement in their social impact. For shoppers dedicated to sustainability, it’s important to consider both the strengths and areas that need enhancement. This balanced perspective allows for a deeper understanding of where Horizon Organic stands on its sustainability journey.

Next time you pick up a Horizon Organic product, remember that while they are strong in some sustainability areas, there's still work to be done in others. This holistic view can help you make more informed choices that align with your values.

Horizon Organic Certifications List


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