sustainability policy

Purpose
Rescued Limited exists to make upcycled food mainstream. Our mission is to demonstrate a circular, economically viable and socially responsible food system that reduces waste, supports communities and regenerates resources. This Sustainability Policy outlines our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments across all operations.

1. Scope & Applicability

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, suppliers, growers, logistics partners, distributors and any third parties working with or on behalf of Rescued Limited, across all domestic and international operations.

A. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS

1. Circular Economy Leadership

We commit to accelerating circular economy transition by leading a circular and collaborative upcycled food ecosystem for the New Zealand food and beverage industry.

2. Waste and Resource Management

We will:

  • Recover, revalue, and return surplus commercial food to manufacturing to prevent it from being wasted.
  • Divert organic by-products to MyNoke to create vermicast returned to growers.
  • Recycle bread packaging and soft plastics.
  • Transition customers to reusable and returnable packaging where possible.
  • Prioritise water and energy efficiency across all operations.

3. Emissions Reduction & Climate Positivity

We commit to:

  • Developing a plan to achieve carbon-positive operations.
  • Investing in technology for transparent emissions reporting.
  • Measuring and reducing emissions across transport, logistics and processing.

4. Environmental Risk Management

Rescued will identify and manage risks related to water usage, energy consumption, packaging, waste handling, transport, contamination, spills and emergency situations.

Mitigation plans will be reviewed annually.

5. Sustainable Procurement

Our procurement decisions will prioritise:

  • Upcycled, recycled, regenerative, and low-impact ingredients.
  • Local suppliers who demonstrate strong environmental stewardship.

6. Environmental KPIs

We will track:

  • Tonnes of food upcycled
  • Emissions reductions
  • Packaging recycled
  • Renewable and energy efficiency performance
  • Progress toward carbon-positive operations

7. Transparency & Continuous Improvement

We will publicly report progress annually and commit to innovation through R&D, new technologies and scientific insights.

B. SOCIAL COMMITMENTS

1. Human Rights & Fair Labour

Rescued maintains zero tolerance for forced labour, child labour and modern slavery.
All employees and suppliers must comply with labour laws, fair wage practices and safe working conditions.

2. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)

We commit to equal opportunity employment, inclusive culture, anti-discrimination and diverse representation at all levels.

3. Empowering Communities and Partners

We work collaboratively with growers, customers, community groups and food system partners including charitable food rescue organisation to reduce food waste and advance circular solutions.

We return value to growers and maintain responsible, supportive supplier relationships.

 

4. Health, Safety & Wellbeing

We adhere to WorkSafe NZ and international requirements to ensure safe operational environments. We promote mental health, wellbeing and professional satisfaction.

5. Worker Training & Development

Rescued invests in training related to sustainability, safety, circularity, innovation, leadership and continuous improvement.

6. Education & Advocacy

We advocate for food system transformation by raising awareness about food waste, responsible consumption and the economic and social value of upcycling.

7. Data Ethics & Consumer Protection

We protect partner and customer data and ensure ethical data use across emissions reporting, traceability and operational systems.

C. GOVERNANCE & ACCOUNTABILITY

  • The owners and joint CEOs are responsible for implementation.
  • Sustainability metrics will be reviewed quarterly and reported annually.
  • Policies will be reviewed every 12 months or as required due to regulation, innovation or expansion.