Jiffy releases 2024 sustainability report

Jiffy Group has released its 2024 Sustainability Report, marking the fourth edition in the company's current five-year sustainability plan. The report combines clear visuals with data-driven insights to document progress toward key sustainability goals.

Progress under the five-year plan
As Jiffy approaches the conclusion of its five-year sustainability plan, the 2024 report provides an overview of the company's achievements to date. Over the past five years, Jiffy has focused on building a more responsible organization through defined goals, strong governance, and a shared commitment to sustainable growth.

The report outlines progress toward four core sustainability objectives: obtaining 50 percent of total raw materials from sustainable sources, reducing single-use fossil plastics by 50 percent, increasing contributions to the circular economy, and reducing production-related greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent. Independent certifications and internal management systems continue to support transparency and accountability across Jiffy's operations.

Strengthening the sustainability foundation
In 2024, Jiffy expanded its understanding of environmental and social impacts across its business and value chain. For the first time, the company mapped Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions for all group operations, identifying indirect emissions and creating a foundation for future reduction targets.

The company also advanced its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting in preparation for compliance with the European Union's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). These measures are designed to enhance visibility and tracking of key sustainability metrics.

Using raw materials responsibly
Peat remains a core raw material for Jiffy, which continues to prioritize sustainable sourcing while developing low-carbon alternatives. In Europe, 94 percent of Jiffy's peat bogs are Responsibly Produced Peat (RPP) certified, and 89 percent of the peat used in 2024 came from certified sources. In Canada, 77 percent of peat was Veriflora certified, an increase from 21 percent in 2023.

The company also advanced the development of peat-free plugs, which now consist of up to 100 percent sustainable raw materials and have a 35 percent lower carbon footprint. Additional sustainable substrate options, including bagasse fiber from India and wood fiber from Canada, are being introduced for global markets. Jiffy's Innovation Center continues to test new materials for biodegradability, compostability, and plant performance to ensure sustainable innovation without compromising quality.

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Energy, emissions and circularity
Jiffy has continued to reduce energy consumption, emissions, and material waste across its global operations. In Sri Lanka, solar panels now cover all available rooftop space, producing 1.3 million kilowatt-hours and supplying up to 70 percent of daytime electricity. In Europe, 36 percent of the company's vehicle fleet consists of plug-in hybrid or fully electric vehicles.

Efforts to reduce plastic use include incorporating post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials into key products. Growbags now contain 20 percent PCR, with a 40 percent content successfully achieved this year. Preforma pallet sheets contain 50 percent PCR in Europe and 20 percent in the United States, while PLA nets for Jiffy-7 and Growblocks are made entirely from renewable and biodegradable materials. Waste and water management have also improved, with 60 percent of pot production water now recycled.

Despite challenges in sourcing PCR materials, Jiffy continues to prioritize circular practices such as pallet reuse and repairs to reduce waste.

Water stewardship and biodiversity
The company completed its first global water stress and biodiversity assessments in 2024. Three locations were identified as medium-to-high risk, and one as extremely high risk. Mitigation measures already in place include rainwater collection, water reuse systems, and careful facility placement to avoid high-stress water regions.

Jiffy's peat extraction operations avoid protected and high-conservation areas, and the company maintains consistent land restoration practices to protect ecosystems and biodiversity.

People, communities and governance
Jiffy's sustainability commitments extend beyond environmental performance. In 2024, the company strengthened employee engagement through initiatives such as International Women's Day celebrations and workplace equality programs. Global Care Day events in Sri Lanka and Canada supported local communities through volunteer work and improvement projects.

A supplier compliance program was also implemented to cover human rights, labor conditions, and environmental performance, with regular audits of coir suppliers in Sri Lanka and India. Jiffy maintains multiple certifications—including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 22000, ISO 45001, RHP, RPP, and Veriflora—to uphold standards of quality, safety, and responsible operations.

Looking ahead
The 2024 Sustainability Report reflects Jiffy's strengthened foundation for the next phase of its sustainability journey. By improving emissions tracking, expanding the use of sustainable raw materials, and maintaining responsible peat management, Jiffy is preparing to set more ambitious targets beyond 2025.