Champions League-Level Sustainability: How Vandemoortele Leads in the Food Sector
From Carbon Accounting to EcoVadis Success
The Challenge
From voluntary initiatives to a data-driven strategy with Science Based Targets, without overwhelming internal teams.
The Solution
Comprehensive carbon accounting at group level, plus strategic and technical guidance for EcoVadis certification
Our Approach
Pragmatic and hands-on: from technical implementation at an operational level to strategic advice for management.
The Result
An EcoVadis score of 82 points, a successful CSRD audit by Deloitte, and a scalable system for future acquisitions.
“Mantis is a down-to-earth partner for our organization, thinking along with us in the short and long term. Pragmatic, efficient and with deep technical expertise. Their years of experience make the difference, both strategically and in the field.”
About this project
From non-committal actions to a leader in sustainability
The Belgian food group Vandemoortele Group wanted to deliver on its sustainability ambitions with solid CO₂ data and objective certifications. What started as a temporary search for a carbon accounting project manager grew into a strategic partnership.
Today, Mantis coordinates CO₂ data collection for over 30 European sites. At the same time, we guided them to an EcoVadis score of 82 points: earning them platinum in 2024 (top 1% worldwide), and gold in 2025 under the stricter criteria (top 5% worldwide). On top of that, we also play a leading role in the development and rollout of a climate transition plan.
About Vandemoortele
Vandemoortele is a leading European food producer specializing in bakery products and plant-based food solutions. The company supplies products to retail and foodservice customers worldwide. With over 30 sites in Europe and recent acquisitions, the family business continues to grow steadily. Vandemoortele thinks in generations: the fifth generation is currently building an organization with a clear long-term sustainability vision.
The Challenge
Taking a leading role in the food sector
In 2015, Vandemoortele launched its first sustainability strategy. A strong initiative, but at the time too non-committal to make a real impact. The real turning point came in 2021, when the fourth generation passed the torch to the fifth. The new generation sharpened its focus: they wanted to take on a leading role in sustainability within the sector.
This ambition translated into specific objectives: Science Based Targets in line with the Paris Agreement, full CSRD compliance, and an EcoVadis score among the world's best.
To achieve these goals, the foundation first needed to be in order: accurate CO₂ data from all production sites and a robust reporting system.
Complexity at scale
With dozens of sites spread across Europe, collecting reliable energy and emissions data was a significant logistical challenge. Each site had its own systems, measurement methods, and reporting habits. Add a few major acquisitions to that, and the complexity doubled.
“Implementing carbon accounting, coordinating EcoVadis, preparing CSRD reports... We had to consider what we still wanted to do ourselves, and what we could outsource.”
The Solution
Engaging external expertise where it counts
Vandemoortele was looking for a temporary project manager for carbon accounting but found much more in Mantis: a strategic partner who brought both the technical depth and the pragmatic approach it needed.
The collaboration was built on two main pillars:
Group-level carbon accounting. Implementation of a management system for CO₂ data capture that connects all European sites, compliant with GHG Protocol and ISO 14064. This forms the backbone for all sustainability reports.
EcoVadis certification. From correctly completing the questionnaire to strategic optimization: full guidance to climb from Silver to Platinum.
Our Approach
Hands-on Solutions with Measurable Impact
We immediately tackled the biggest pain points: eliminating bottlenecks and automating processes. This data capture served two purposes: accurate carbon accounting and the right data for the EcoVadis journey. Meanwhile, the internal team regained space for strategic priorities.
Dozens of hours saved per month through streamlined data collection
Bottlenecks in data streams resolved that had caused delays for years
New reporting software implemented that automatically consolidates data
Vandemoortele found what it was looking for: experts who worked independently, connected departments, and achieved tangible results. Without unnecessary reports or meetings. With direct lines of communication to senior consultants, not through intermediaries or junior staff.
“By simplifying and structuring our entire data narrative, Mantis uncovered many bottlenecks. They take the heavy lifting off our hands, making everything manageable for our teams.”
The Results
What is the CO2 Performance Ladder?
- Team spiritCollaborate on projects that matter
- LearnStay ahead in an evolving field.
- GrowMore expertise, more responsibility.
courses
• Sub-project 1: Carbon Accounting
Streamlined CO2 data capture across 30+ European sites
The mission: to implement an integrated monitoring and management system for energy and CO₂ data across more than 30 production sites.
The approach: we rolled out a data capture management system site by site. Each location received tailored work packages, training, and support.
The result: Vandemoortele can now monitor its CO₂ footprint in real-time, identify trends, and make investment decisions based on data.
• Sub-project 2: EcoVadis
Achieving the highest level in sustainability certification
The mission: not only to retain the Silver EcoVadis medal, but to significantly improve it to strengthen the competitive position.
The approach: comprehensive support throughout the process. From data collection to gap analysis, audit preparation, and optimization.
The result: in two years, the score increased from 65 to 82 points. In 2024, this earned a Platinum medal (top 1% worldwide). Due to stricter EcoVadis criteria from 2025, this score falls into the Gold category (top 5% worldwide).
The results
Measurable impact on all fronts
30+ sites automated. A robust data capture system replaces countless Excel sheets with one central platform.
High EcoVadis score: from 65 to 82 points. In 2024, the company achieved Platinum (top 1%), and under the stricter 2025 criteria, it maintains its position in the top 5% worldwide with Gold. This recognition went down well with major clients.
Successful CSRD audit. The external audit by Deloitte was passed smoothly. Years of data improvement paid off.
Competitive advantage. Vandemoortele consistently scores high on sustainability criteria in tenders, providing a strong competitive edge in the food industry.
Talent magnet. Their efforts are attracting new talent. At the same time, internal awareness of sustainability continues to grow.
Ready for your green transition?
From carbon accounting to certifications, from CSRD to acquisition integration: Mantis translates complex challenges into workable solutions that thoughtfully make your organization more sustainable.
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