GENETICALLY ENGINEERED INGREDIENTS
At Bean Supreme we have fought against the use of genetically engineered foods (aka foods produced using biotechnology). We vigorously source certified non-genetically engineered ingredients from all of our suppliers.
In 2008 we are increasing our efforts in this regard by:
1. We demand that our importers test all incoming shipments of soybeans and soybean based products for GMO traces. We feel that this is necessary to protect the consumer and our country from the risks of inadvertant GMO contamination in the food supply chain.
2. We support the position of the Green party and other environmental organisations that have ensured the mandatory labeling of any genetically engineered foods.
Currently genetically engineered foods are not required to be labeled in the United States or Canada. However in New Zealand, as with the 25 European Union nations along with Australia, Japan, South Korea, China, Russia and many other countries around the world, there are specific labeling requirements. In all of the countries that require labeling, companies have chosen to eliminate genetically engineered ingredients out of their products rather than labeling them.
ORGANICS
Bean Supreme has always used a mixture of non-GM conventionally grown soybeans and non-GM certified organic soybeans and grains wherever possible. Currently 80% of our entire line of Tofu Products are made with Certified Organics and we are soon to confirm a long-term contract with our organic growers that will see us converting to 100% certified organic soybeans and grains.
RECYCLING and WASTE Management
Recycling is very important to us, in 1995 we committed to a policy that sees us recycle:
- All of our paperboard and packaging
- All our office paper is recycled through Full Circle
- All our cans & metal are recycled through the city council
- We have installed high tech cooling systems that filter & recycle water in our product cooling baths, to reduce our water usage.
- We filter and trap wastes to minimize our load on waste water purification in partnership with Water Care Services.
- We try hard to produce products that support the health and vitality of all creatures and ecosystems of our "Island" home. For example our own iconic N.Z. Kiwi's in the Otorohanga Zoo have been dining daily on our tofu for over 20 years!
- In addition we financially support environmental groups that are encouraging healthy lifestyles and vegetarian vegan diets as a solution to world environmental concerns. Each year we donate a product and portion of our Tofu sales to a worthy group eg supplying the scientific research community in Antarctica, many of whom are vegetarian, and also contributing food to Green Peace and Sea Shepherd vessels conducting marine conservation research.