Environmental responsibility: Mondelez invests in climate, recycling, community startups

Environmental responsibility: Mondelez invests in climate, recycling, community startups

By Abdullahi Lukman

Mondelēz International has announced new investments through its Sustainable Futures Impact Investment platform, supporting innovative ventures addressing climate change, recycling, and community development challenges.

The global snacking company confirmed that the latest funding round aligns with its Snacking Made Right mission and Vision 2030 strategy, both of which emphasize environmental responsibility and long-term sustainability.

These investments were highlighted following the company’s successful showcase at the 2025 Sweets & Snacks Expo in Indianapolis, where core brands like Oreo, Swedish Fish, and Sour Patch Kids featured prominently.

The company follows a three-pronged investment strategy—direct investments, fund participation, and technical assistance—focused on scaling solutions with measurable impact.

Among the latest additions to its portfolio is eAgronom, an ag-tech firm advancing regenerative agriculture by improving soil health, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing farmers’ financial resilience.

With over 1 million hectares under sustainable cultivation, eAgronom delivers on-the-ground support, financial access, and technological tools to farmers.

Another supported startup is ZIRO, a fintech platform that offers affordable inventory financing to small merchants.

With a goal of reaching 100,000 small businesses in three years, ZIRO aims to help boost sales, stabilize inventory, and promote financial growth in underserved retail communities.

The platform has also backed Pack2Earth, a materials science company developing home-compostable, bio-based packaging.

The goal is to help Mondelēz replace up to 60,000 metric tons of plastic packaging by 2028, as part of its push toward eliminating single-use plastics.

In addition to direct investments, Mondelēz continues to support initiatives like the Circulate Capital Ocean Fund—a coalition effort targeting plastic waste reduction in Latin America and the Caribbean.

In 2024, this fund helped divert over 7,600 tonnes of plastic and cut 10,700 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions while expanding recycling infrastructure in South Asia.

The company also provides technical assistance to early-stage startups.

One example is a pilot project with Germany-based SAM-DIMENSION GmbH, which tested agri-tech solutions in real-world large-scale conditions, following strict scientific protocols to quantify impact.

“Sustainability is embedded as the fourth strategic pillar of Mondelēz International’s growth strategy,” said Christine Montenegro McGrath, Chief Impact & Sustainability Officer.

“These Sustainable Futures investments are part of our commitment to scalable solutions that address global challenges and strengthen business resilience.”

The company’s impact-first investment model continues to focus on innovation that serves both planetary health and economic inclusion, positioning sustainability as a driver of growth and long-term value.