Sustainability - Great Lakes Cheese

Win-Win-Win Solutions

As a family—and employee-owned company—we focus on long-term thinking. Our Vision, Together for generations to come, naturally puts sustainability at the forefront. We pursue solutions that are win-win-win, for our people, products, and planet.

People

People are at the heart of our business — they have been for 65+ years since our founder emigrated from Switzerland and started Great Lakes Cheese. Our employees together own 20% of the company, through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. We strive to be an employer of choice in our communities by actively being involved and showing support.

Product

Dairy products offer affordable, convenient nutrition that is essential for people of all ages. We process, package and deliver safe products with intention and care. With our partners, we work hard to ensure our sourcing and packaging choices drive minimal environmental impact and maximum customer satisfaction.

Planet

With nine facilities and one under construction, we seek to optimize our infrastructure by continuously improving the intensity of our energy, water, and materials use through design and employee-owner engagement. As a signatory to the U.S. Dairy Stewardship Commitment, we are taking proactive measures to achieve neutrality on our greenhouse grass emissions by 2050.

We’re taking action.

Renewable Energy

We are on track to purchase 30% wind power by the end of 2023 through a Power Purchase Agreement that will help green the grid.

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Packaging Design

We are partnering with customers and suppliers to create more sustainable packaging.

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Employee Wellness

We have an on-site Wellness Center with Health Clinic and Fitness Center at our largest facility in Hiram and occupational health services at two additional facilities.

Committed to Dairy’s Future

Great Lakes Cheese is a member of the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy and proudly adopted the U.S. Dairy Stewardship Commitment, along with dozens of other dairy companies. The Stewardship Commitment is our pledge to continue to produce food in a responsible way and support the needs of our communities and the planet for generations to come.

Responsible Sourcing

Though Great Lakes Cheese does not own or operate any dairies, we are inherently connected to the farms through our sourcing, manufacturing and packaging of cheese. All of the farms we source from comply with FARM (Farmers Assuring Responsible Management) standards. Learn more about how dairy farmers take care of their herds.