Supermarket Tesco has included eliminating waste as one of its six science-based net zero targets.
Its net zero targets will be validated by Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), which is an official body that checks to ensure climate goals are met.
Tesco plans to become carbon neutral across its own operations by 2035 and its value chain by 2050.
To do this, it has set out six priority areas that are: Improve Products, Decarbonise Transport, Reduce Store Emissions, Support Sustainable Consumption, Eliminate Waste and Protect Nature.
In the Eliminate Waste section, Tesco plans to:
- Halve food waste in its own operations by 2025 – five years ahead of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal
- Encourage customers to waste less food at home through its ‘Use-up Day’ initiative
- Ensure all packaging will be fully recyclable by 2025
- Ensure all paper and board will be 100% sustainable by 2025.
Tesco Group chief executive Ken Murphy said: “With the effects of climate change now upon us, we’re absolutely committed to achieving our target of net zero by 2050. It will require us to transform the way we run our business, from how we produce our products in partnership with our suppliers, how we run our stores and transport network, and how we encourage our customers to make healthy and sustainable choices.
“We’ve led the way on action on climate change, from adopting 100% renewable electricity across the Group, to scaling innovations in our supply chains. We now must work even harder, in collaboration with our suppliers and partners, to achieve our goals. These ambitious targets, validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative, now provide us with a clear roadmap of action over the next ten years and beyond.”
