Better Health for All

Hershey's principal goods, chocolate and sugar confectionery products, have a net negative health effect, with unhealthy products still dominant in its portfolio. However, the company is actively engaged in nutritional improvement efforts, expanding its better-for-you snacking portfolio

, relaunching its Zero Sugar line with tripling sales since 2021 , acquiring Lily's no-added-sugar brand , and introducing plant-based confections . The company also addresses health externalities and promotes health through substantial initiatives. The Milton Hershey School Trust, with $17.4 billion in assets , funds education and health outcomes for over 2,000 lower-income children . The Heartwarming Project, launched in 2018 , has reached over 9 million children globally , directly benefiting more than 615,000 by enhancing social and emotional well-being and supporting youth-led projects . During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hershey demonstrated rapid resource mobilization, committing over $2 million in cash and product donations , expanding product donations to healthcare organizations , providing logistics space to a medical center , donating personal protective equipment , and investing over $1 million to establish a mask production line .

Fair Money & Economic Opportunity

Hershey has implemented several initiatives supporting economic opportunity. The company launched a $40 million Income Accelerator Program to improve cocoa farming households' income in Côte d'Ivoire by 20%, providing $500 annual cash transfers and supporting village savings and loan associations

. Through its Supplier Diversity Program, Hershey aims to spend $400 million with small businesses and those owned by disadvantaged populations by 2030 . Hershey ensures all full-time employees receive a living wage and supports fair income practices within its cocoa supply chain, contributing to the AIM-Progress Living Wage Working Group. In 2022, the company donated $73.5 million in cash and products to support education, economic development, and health services, with employees volunteering 108,794 hours .

Fair Pay & Worker Respect

The company incurred five substantiated OSHA violations for workplace safety or health in the past three years (2023-2025).

, with penalties totaling over $80,000. Additionally, the CEO's total compensation was 281 times the median employee compensation for the fiscal year ending in 2024. Workers at the Stuarts Draft, Virginia factory are seeking to unionize, and the company has created a website to discourage unionization. There are also accusations of mistreating workers at this plant, including a two-tier system where newer workers are paid less and have significantly fewer benefits.

Honest & Fair Business

Hershey was recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere in 2024.

The company also topped Fair360's Top 50 Companies list for diversity and inclusion in 2024. These recognitions reflect Hershey's dedication to operating with integrity, transparency, and ethical practices. Additionally, Hershey has invested 51% of its $500 million commitment to create a sustainable cocoa supply chain.

No War, No Weapons

Hershey Co is not involved in military activities or weapons manufacturing, indicating no revenue from arms contracts and no exposure to controversial weapons.

Consequently, the company has no defense assets to divest. Hershey implements its human rights strategy through due diligence processes based on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The company updated its Human Rights Policy and Supplier Code of Conduct in 2023. It maintains a zero-tolerance policy for the worst forms of child labor and expects suppliers to support efforts to eliminate such practices. Hershey sources 100% of ingredients from approved suppliers, with 97.4% of global suppliers being GFSI certified. The company demonstrated adherence to humanitarian procurement standards by reimbursing nearly $11,000 to 34 third-party recruited workers for incorrectly charged medical exam fees.

Planet-Friendly Business

Hershey's total Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions were 6.623 million tCO2e in 2024, with full Scope 1-3 reporting.

The company has SBTi-approved targets aligned with the most ambitious goals of the Paris Agreement. In 2024, 83% of its electricity was sourced from renewable and zero-emission sources. The company achieved a 69% company-wide waste recycling rate in 2024. In the same year, 12.6% of total water withdrawal was sourced from regions of high or extremely high baseline water stress. Hershey has a Deforestation and Conversion-Free policy, with 69% of palm oil and 88% of pulp and paper supply chains assessed as DCF, but only 42% for cocoa and soy status unknown. The company's approach to climate-related risks aligns with TCFD recommendations, and its climate scenario planning was being refreshed in 2024. In 2024, 78% of packaging was made from recycled and/or renewable materials.

Respect for Cultures & Communities

The company directed 74% of its procurement spending to local suppliers in 2024.

It maintains over 20 formal partnerships with various sustainability and community-focused initiatives, including AIM-Progress, Arbor Day Foundation, and the United Nations Global Compact. No cultural appropriation incidents have been reported. A Concern Line is available 24/7 in over 60 countries and more than 47 languages, and its Human Rights Policy and Supplier Code of Conduct are available in multiple languages, demonstrating strong local language support. Grievance mechanisms are available for employees, including a formal peer-review program in the U.S. for manufacturing employees.

Safe & Smart Tech

Hershey experienced a minor data breach in September (likely 2025) potentially affecting over 2,200 people, which was promptly detected.

The company stated it has no evidence that information was acquired or misused in this incident. For the year ended December 31, 2024, Hershey reported no material cybersecurity incidents. Its cybersecurity program is aligned with NIST standards, and it maintains a cyber insurance policy. Hershey uses custom algorithms and AI for media placements, and employees are regularly educated and engaged on Responsible AI Use. Users have extensive rights over their data, including access, correction, deletion, and the ability to opt out of data sale or targeted advertising, with clear channels to exercise these rights, and can challenge or opt out of automated decision-making. The company is a participating member of the CARU Safe Harbor Program. Hershey collects various categories of personal data and retains it as long as necessary. Hershey states its processes comply with all applicable data privacy laws in the U.S. and where it does business, and it has an EU representative.

Zero Waste & Sustainable Products

Hershey's company-wide waste recycling rate was 69% in 2024, an increase from 66% in 2023.

Product packaging by weight was 85% recyclable in 2024 , and 78% of packaging was made from recycled and/or renewable materials in the same year. Post-consumer recycled content in North American packaging totaled 32% in 2022. The company reduced the hazardousness of its waste by 37.51% since 2021, with a further 39.67% decline in 2023. Hershey has eliminated 17.8 million pounds of packaging cumulatively from 2021-2024 and increased waste diverted to animal feed by 9,500 metric tons compared to 2023. Initiatives include downgauging materials, reducing headspace, adopting reusable solutions for internal product moves, and improving distribution efficiency. The company targets eliminating an additional 25 million pounds of packaging materials by 2030 and aims for 100% of plastic packaging to be recyclable, reusable, or compostable by 2030. Hershey is converting to mono-material packaging to improve recyclability and is investing in new packaging with updated labeling for over 2,000 items to educate consumers on recyclable components.