Tyson Foods’ honored by Arkansas Wildlife Federation

Tyson Foods Inc. was recognized by the Arkansas Wildlife Federation (AWF) as Corporate Conservationist of the Year at the Governor’s 2012 Conservation Achievement Awards Banquet held Saturday (Aug. 25) in Bryant.

AWF noted Tyson Foods’ commitment to people, planet, profit and products, as outlined in the company’s sustainability report, as the reason Tyson was chosen for the honor.

The Springdale-based meat giant was recognized for its ongoing efforts in sustainability that include: Packaging changes that are expected to save 2.1 million truck miles annually; recycling efforts in 2011 for 26,434 tons of corrugated containers and plastics; a 21.7% water reduction used per finished product since 2004; and shared environmental efforts, which resulted in a 43% reduction in waste materials sent to community landfills by one of its major customers.

“Tyson has gone above and beyond what a lot of companies have done,” said Wayne Shewmake, president of AWF. “Being an Arkansas company they’ve done what they can to conserve our natural resources through conservancy, energy use and recycling programs. Those were all factors in our decision process.”

“It’s an honor to receive accolades and we believe our team members deserve the recognition from the AWF,” said Kevin Igli, senior vice president and chief environmental and health officer. “But we don’t do these things for mere recognition, we do them because they’re the right things to do as a responsible company.”