Nomad Foods has announced plans to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with approved science-based targets, across its operations and supply chain. The targets are consistent with the reductions required to keep global warming to 1.5 °C, the most ambitious goal of the Paris Climate Agreement.
In addition to reducing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions in areas such as purchased goods, transportation and distribution by 25% in absolute terms over the next four years, Nomad Foods will provide vital support to its suppliers, ensuring that the top 75% by emissions, develop their own science-based targets by 2025.
The new targets have been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and build on significant progress already made under Nomad Foods “Eating for the Planet” sustainability strategy which includes timebound commitments on sourcing, nutrition and operations.
In 2020, Nomad Foods significantly reduced carbon emissions per ton of finished goods by more than 20% and absolute emissions by nearly 11%, despite dramatically increased production volumes as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. It also became a signatory of the 10x20x30 global initiative to halve food loss and waste in supply chains by 2030.
The company has already reduced edible food waste per ton of finished goods by 31% compared to a 2015 baseline, as well as preventing surplus edible food from being wasted by donating 1.7 million meals to food banks in 2020. It is on track to move to 100% renewable electricity across all its factories by this October.
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Nomad Foods Chief Executive Officer Stéfan Descheemaeker, says, “Every day, millions of households enjoy products from Birds Eye, Findus, igloo, and our other leading brands, and we want to ensure that when consumers choose our products it’s a positive choice for them and for the planet. As attention focuses on the COP 26 Climate Change Conference in November, we must all step up to the challenge of delivering a net-zero economy. We are excited that the SBTi has validated our emission reduction targets, and as we commit to the Business Ambition for 1.5 °C campaign and the UN’s Race to Zero we recognize that we cannot succeed on our own.
“We have a diverse supply chain that spans from fisheries to farming and accounts for almost 80% of our greenhouse gas emissions. I’m very proud of the work we are doing to collaborate with suppliers and deliver the wider change needed to help consumers eat sustainably.
“By focusing first on our 2025 milestones, we will almost halve emissions per ton of product and ensure the top 75% of our suppliers by emissions have science-based reduction targets in place. This will ensure we reach net-zero well before 2050, as we deliver on our promise of long-term sustainable growth for shareholders.”
