British American Tobacco targets carbon-neutral value chain by 2050

Last year, the company announced plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 for its business activities and eliminating unnecessary single-use plastics by 2025. At the time, the company noted that Scope 3 emissions accounted for 90% of its total carbon footprint and it was “engaging with [it’s] largest direct product materials suppliers and conducting climate change impact assessments for major tobacco leaf sourcing countries”.

The new commitment aims to also cut emissions across its value chain (Scope 3) to reach net-zero by 2050. BAT has also committed to recycling 30% of the water it uses by 2025 and to have 100% of its manufacturing sites certified by the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS).

BAT’s chief executive Jack Bowles said: “We are at a pivotal moment in our transformation and are committed to building the enterprise of the future. This report gives a transparent account of our progress and our heightened ambition. We continue to drive for excellence across all areas of ESG and we’re proud to announce our new commitment of expanding our carbon neutrality target to include Scope 3 emissions by 2050.”

“BAT is on track to build A Better Tomorrow for all, from enabling consumer choice and encouraging consumers to switch to scientifically-substantiated reduced-risk products to protecting the environment, respecting human rights and investing in talent. Ultimately, our ambition is to reduce the health impact of our business and to deliver a positive environmental and social impact.”

BAT’s latest ESG report also outlines progress against wider sustainability and social targets. BAT has increased renewable energy use to 26%, up 10% from last year and has recorded a reduction in carbon emissions of more than 30% since 2019. Water withdraws have also been reduced by 11% since 2019.

Specifically, the company has increased the use of non-combustible products amongst consumers by more than 10 million. More than 38,000 human rights training sessions have been held, with more than 390,000 attendances across its supply chain, and the company has reached 38% of female representation in management roles.

Matt Mace

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