Bel Group and SIAL for Change inspire a more responsible food sector

At the 2024 edition of SIAL Paris, Bel Group was among the outstanding companies recognised by the jury at the SIAL for Change awards, affirming the French multinational’s position as a sustainability leader in the global food sector.

Launched in partnership with CSR consultancy Hyssop, SIAL for Change is the first award competition of its kind at the show, spotlighting companies that embed Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into their core business strategy.

For Bel Group, CSR is not an afterthought—it is ingrained in the company’s DNA. Known for cheese brands such as The Laughing Cow®, Babybel®, and Boursin®, the Group has consistently aligned its growth model with strong environmental, social and societal commitments. Their recognition by the SIAL for Change jury is a testament to this long-standing engagement.

Bel’s CSR roadmap is shaped by five key areas of action that touch every part of its operations—from farm to consumer. The first is promoting sustainable agriculture. Bel works directly with its milk producers and partner farmers to implement regenerative practices that preserve biodiversity, improve soil health and reduce environmental impact. These collaborations also include commitments to animal welfare and long-term support for local farming communities.

Secondly, the Group is actively working to contribute to healthier food. As a major dairy and snacking company, Bel is focused on improving the nutritional quality of its products while maintaining their accessibility and affordability. Reformulation efforts have reduced levels of sugar, salt and saturated fat across several key brands. At the same time, Bel is expanding into plant-based alternatives to meet evolving consumer preferences and dietary needs, ensuring that healthier choices are available to all.

A third pillar of their action is fighting climate change. The Group has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 25% across its value chain by 2035, using 2017 as the baseline year. To achieve this, Bel is working on energy efficiency across its industrial sites, switching to renewable energy sources, and rethinking logistics to reduce transport-related emissions. These actions are underpinned by science-based targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), reflecting the company’s serious approach to climate accountability.

Bel also places a strong emphasis on designing responsible packaging. The company is working towards making all its packaging 100% recyclable or biodegradable by 2025. Progress is already visible in its reduction of plastic use and the introduction of materials that are easier to recycle, alongside initiatives to promote circular economies and reduce overall packaging waste.

Finally, increasing accessibility to its products remains a core part of Bel’s social mission. This means offering nutritious, affordable food to families in a wide range of geographies, particularly in regions where food insecurity remains a pressing issue. Bel runs outreach and education programmes to promote healthy eating habits and works with local stakeholders to strengthen distribution networks in underserved areas.

The SIAL for Change initiative highlights companies like Bel that have managed to embed CSR into their business model—not as a secondary consideration, but as a driver of innovation and long-term value. Far from being a simple award, SIAL for Change is a platform for companies to share best practices and present themselves as inspiring agents of transformation within the global food industry.

Bel Group’s recognition in 2024 reflects a growing movement within the industry—one that will gain further visibility at SIAL Paris 2026. Exhibitors from around the world will once again have the opportunity to highlight how their products and services support a more inclusive and environmentally conscious food ecosystem. As CSR becomes an essential pillar of business strategy, SIAL Paris is evolving beyond its role as a trade show to become a global platform for dialogue, innovation, and leadership in building the food systems of the future.

Bel’s journey, rooted in environmental integrity, social impact, and inclusive growth, offers a clear roadmap for other companies striving to make meaningful changes. Through recognition at events like SIAL for Change, these efforts are not only validated but also amplified—setting new standards for what it means to be truly committed to sustainability in the food industry.

Image credit: Matthias Zomer – Pexels

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