Mondelēz Expands Emission Reduction Targets
Snacking giant joins Science Based Targets initiative
Snacking company Mondelēz International announced expanded sustainability goals, greenhouse gas emission targets, extending targets beyond its own operations and deeper into the company’s supply chain. Additionally, the company said that it is joining the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), an organization which promotes best practices in science-based target setting, and that it is setting its GHG reduction goals in line with requirements to keep global warming below 2 degrees C.
The maker of popular snacks, including Oreos, Chips Ahoy! and Ritz Crackers revealed that it is on track to meet its current goal of reducing absolute CO2 emissions from manufacturing by 15% by the end of 2020, compared to its 2013 baseline. Today the company added the goal of an additional 10% reduction across the Mondelēz value chain.
Food, beverage and snacking companies are often at the forefront of the sustainability spotlight, as consumers increasingly demand ESG-friendly policies from the brands they buy, particularly for discretionary purchases. Nestle recently announced it would invest billions to develop sustainable packaging, and several chocolate manufacturers, including Mondelēz and Mars publicly supported higher cocoa prices to support West African farmers.
Commenting on the expanded sustainability targets, Mondelēz VP of Sustainability and Global Impact, Christine Montenegro McGrath said:
“To date, Mondelēz International has focused on reducing emissions from company-owned operations and is on track to deliver against the commitment of reducing 15 percent absolute manufacturing emissions by the end of 2020 compared to a baseline of 2013.
“This new commitment addresses end-to-end greenhouse gas emissions reductions which include indirect emissions across the value chain and beyond the company’s direct control. This announcement is another indication of our company’s commitment to sustainable growth at scale alongside enhanced disclosure and reporting of progress in an effort to deliver meaningful change.”
Mondelēz Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dirk Van de Put added:
“We take climate change very seriously because of the negative impact it has on people and planet, including within our own value chain. Our sustainable snacking strategy puts us at the forefront of sustainable ingredient sourcing and continues our contribution to addressing climate change by reducing emissions. Setting science-based targets is an important step forward in further reducing our environmental impact, an imperative for sustainable growth as we live our purpose to empower people to snack right.”