Latin American sugar producers launch reports at UN showing sustainability practices in 12 countries

The Association of Latin American Sugar Producers (UNALA) has published 17 reports detailing the efforts of its members to promote sustainable development and advance the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Latin America. 

Over 85 case studies showing how sugar companies in 12 Latin American countries are achieving results on the ground towards the Sustainable Development Goals, were presented in 17 reports (one for each of the 17 SDGs) launched by UNALA at the United Nations on May 13. The reports were organized and launched in collaboration with the UN Global Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions Network.

Producing over 30 percent of the world's sugar and ethanol, the members of UNALA are creating a circular economy in which almost all waste is repurposed. The case studies showcase action on all three pillars of the SDGs:

• for the economy, generating some 6.5 million direct and indirect jobs, with inclusion programmes for women, youth and people with disabilities;
• for the environment, producing renewable electricity and ethanol from sugar cane residue; boosting sustainable irrigation and water reuse and management, including use of rain reservoirs for water harvesting; and working to decarbonize the industry; 
• for social development, supporting women's empowerment; child protection with zero child labour; and anti-poverty programmes including access to medical care, education and training.

Each case study includes important activities related to the SDGs, presented with objectives, descriptions, challenges, lessons learned, SDG relationships, and results. 

The integrated efforts of this sugar agroindustry serve as an example for other industries, demonstrating how private industries can advance sustainable development in alliance with state agencies, community members, and NGOs.

The Latin American Sugar Producers Association (UNALA) is a private, non-profit organization that brings together the sugarcane and sugar beet agribusiness sector of Latin America. Founded in 2017 and formally established in 2020, it includes representatives from 14 countries. All members are fully and consciously committed to the sustainable production of sugar, electricity, and ethanol, among other byproducts.

The members of UNALA include sugar producers in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru and Uruguay.

For more information about UNALA, contact: unala@unala.org

Canadian Sugar Institute comment:

UNALA’s recent announcement at the United Nations of progress in advancing sustainable development marks a significant milestone for Canadian sugar refiners who rely on UNALA countries for raw sugar supplies. UNALA’s commitment to environmental and social standards strengthens the long-term sustainability and ethical integrity of Canada’s sugar supply chain. The majority of refined sugar in Canada is produced from imported raw cane sugar, duty free, from UNALA countries. It is purified at Canadian refineries to extract pure sucrose to meet the Canadian food standard (at least 99.8% sucrose) for consumers and food processors.