Chain of custody

DEFINITION: An unbroken and documented chain of ownership all the way from the supplier to the end user.

See also: Supply chain

 

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Taking place tomorrow: Last chance to register for edie's biodiversity and business webinar featuring Kering and Unilever

Speakers from Kering, Unilever and the Woodland Trust have been confirmed to discuss the role of biodiversity in shaping and assisting sustainability strategies on a webinar taking place on Wednesday 21 April.

Mars and PepsiCo launch new supply chain climate programme

Food and beverage giants Mars, PepsiCo and McCormick have teamed up to launch a new coalition aimed at encouraging suppliers to reduce carbon emissions in alignment with climate science.

Diageo's low-carbon bottles and Michelin's carbon-neutral goal: The sustainability success stories of the week

As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.

Bank of America commits $1trn to global sustainability initiatives

The Bank of America has increased an existing $300bn sustainable business initiatives fund to attempt to mobilise $1trn by 2030 for initiatives that will support the net-zero transition.

The coronavirus 'white swan': Companies and investors ramping up sustainability commitments

The coronavirus pandemic is acting as a "white swan" moment that is accelerating corporate focus on long-term sustainability strategies, but better disclosure and communication is needed for investors to unlock new finance to spur the green transition.

More than 100 Apple suppliers to switch to 100% renewables

Apple has revealed that more than 100 of its manufacturing partners across the supply chain have agreed to source 100% renewable electricity for the production of Apple products, a move that looks set to avoid more than 15 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

Danone-owned dairy giant unveils lifetime carbon emissions for its products

Horizon Organic, the largest USDA certified organic dairy brand in the world, has publicly disclosed the summary of life cycle assessments (LCA) for its whole milk half gallons, in a bid to outline areas of improvement as it strives to become "carbon positive" by 2025.

Consumer goods giants plot course to deforestation-free supply chains

A coalition of 20 multinational consumer goods firms have developed a roadmap to eliminate commodity-driven deforestation, after pledging last year to deliver a 'forest-positive' impact.

Bombay Sapphire set to meet sustainably sourced ingredients target four years early

Gin brand Bombay Sapphire has announced that it is on track to certify all of its key ingredients as sustainable by the end of 2021. It had originally been striving to achieve this milestone in 2025.

Tesco unveils climate manifesto to assist net-zero target

Tesco has unveiled a new "climate manifesto", pledging to help customers eat more sustainable diets, reducing food waste from farm to fork, and ramping up its efforts to become a net-zero business by 2035.

Why the circular economy is primed to improve social sustainability and value chain resiliency

EXCLUSIVE: The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the fragility of both society and the sprawling value chains that the economy relies on. Shifting nations to a circular economy could be key in delivering a green recovery that champions sustainable income and environmental stewardship.

Meat giant JBS commits to net-zero emissions and zero deforestation

Brazilian meat producer JBS has ringfenced $1bn to reaching net-zero emissions across its value chain by 2040, while also aiming to eliminate illegal deforestation.

'Outrageous hypocrisy': Government condemned over £16bn oil and gas sector 'bailout'

Green groups have expressed their anger at the Government's new £16bn sector deal that pledges to align the oil and gas sector with the national net-zero target, while also ending financing for overseas fossil fuel projects, with many frustrated by a refusal to end oil and gas licensing.

Just 1% of businesses taking strong action on deforestation, despite risks totalling $53bn

An analysis of the anti-deforestation work of 553 of the world's largest businesses has found that just 1% are taking 'best practice' action. This is despite the multi-billion-dollar risks associated with inaction.

Birds Eye owner Nomad Foods launches nature-positive partnership with WWF

Nomad Foods, which owns brands such as Birds Eye, Findus and Green Cuisine, has unveiled a new strategic partnership with WWF that will deliver "nature-positive" farming practices to protect and promote biodiversity while tackling the climate crisis.

VW aims to double EV sales in 2021

Volkswagen (VW) has committed to selling more than 450,000 electric vehicles (EV) globally in 2021 - more than double the amount it sold in 2020 - as part of its Covid-19 recovery efforts.

Cutting through complexity: Can biodiversity be embedded into corporate strategies?

In recent months, the importance of biodiversity in combatting the climate crisis has reached a new level understanding, with policymakers and academics peering into this complex topic to try and outline how the private sector can champion it. Here, edie hears from the businesses that have already enshrined regenerative practices into their business model.

'Another vital step to net-zero': Green economy reacts to the Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy

The UK Government has unveiled a new Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy that will spur rapid decarbonisation across industry, the public sector, construction and manufacturing. But do green groups believe the strategy will put the nation on course for net-zero by 2050?

Dixons Carphone plots path to net-zero supply chain emissions

After pledging to become a net-zero business by 2040, Dixons Carphone has announced plans to help its 10,000 suppliers measure and reduce their climate impact.

#SustyTalk​: Weetabix's John Petre on sustainable sourcing and leadership on plastic

edie's #SustyTalk interview series continues with an exclusive discussion with Weetabix's supply chain & technical director John Petre, who also heads up the business's sustainability work.

Iceland Foods pledges to tackle abandoned plastic fishing gear

Supermarket Iceland Foods has joined a scheme connecting businesses, non-profits, scientists and public sector bodies in a bid to tackle the 640,000 tonnes of fishing gear abandoned in the world's oceans each year.

P&G brand Ariel targets completely decarbonised laundry value chain by 2030

One of Procter & Gamble's (P&G) biggest brands, Ariel, has unveiled a new brand ambition headlined by a vision to "reinvent" for decarbonisation at all parts of the laundry value chain.

British American Tobacco targets carbon-neutral value chain by 2050

British American Tobacco (BAT) has updated an ambition of becoming carbon neutral across its business by 2030 to now account for its entire value chain by 2050.

Goldman Sachs pledges net-zero supply chain by 2030, financed emissions by 2050

Goldman Sachs' chairman and chief executive David Solomon has updated the firm's sustainable finance commitments to target net-zero financed emissions by 2050.

Boohoo could lose right to export to US over forced labour claims

US authorities have reportedly launched an investigation into online fast-fashion giant Boohoo Group's supply chain practices, following allegations of worker exploitation at supplier factories in Leicester.

Henkel targets climate positivity as Nokia unveils 1.5C science-based targets

Persil and Schwarzkopf owner Henkel has committed to delivering a positive climate impact by 2040, in the same week that Nokia unveiled new science-based emissions targets.

WeTransfer turns to offsets to achieve carbon-neutral certification

Digital file transferring service WeTransfer has confirmed it has achieved carbon neutral status, following a pledge to reduce emissions by 30% by 2025 that was set last year.

Big businesses failing to protect human rights amid Covid-19, study reveals

A study of the measures taken by more than 200 large businesses to safeguard human rights during the Covid-19 pandemic has found that most are taking little to no action.

Nestlé and Mondelēz among chocolate giants facing child slavery lawsuit over supply chain practices

A human rights firm has filed a lawsuit against major chocolate companies Nestlé, Cargill, Barry Callebaut, Mars, Olam, Hershey and Mondelēz, following allegations of child slave labour in their cocoa supply chains.

Bank of America targets net-zero financed emissions and supply chains by 2050

After being accused by investors and green groups of continuing to finance high-carbon projects, Bank of America has pledged to reach net-zero emissions across the projects it finances and its supply chain by 2050.

Poor environmental disclosure to add $120bn to supply chain costs

Businesses could face up to $120bn in additional costs across their supply chains from the impacts of climate and environmental breakdown in the next five years, new research from CDP has warned.

Solar power and blockchain: BMW and Rio Tinto make major moves on sustainable aluminium

BMW has announced plans to begin sourcing aluminium produced using solar-powered manufacturing, in the same week that Rio Tinto launched a new blockchain-based sustainability standard for the material.

Smart Pension commits to net-zero emissions ahead of Government deadline

Workplace pension provider Smart Pension has joined an initiative led by Comic Relief co-founder Richard Curtis that will see the company commit to net-zero emissions "well ahead" of the Government's 2050 deadline.

What makes a sustainability leader? Meet Business of the Year, Barry Callebaut

With the 2021 Sustainability Leaders Awards taking place on Wednesday (3 February), this feature series showcases the achievements of the 2020 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: The winners of the Business of the Year award, Barry Callebaut.

PepsiCo and Beyond Meat launch 'planet partnership' for plant-based proteins

PepsiCo is the latest food and drink giant to strike up a working partnership with Beyond Meat, with both firms producing a new joint venture to increase production of plant-based protein.

Last chance to register: COP26 business champion Andrew Griffith to deliver keynote at the Sustainability Leaders Forum

edie has today (29 January) confirmed a final addition to the Sustainability Leaders Forum speaker line-up in the form of Andrew Griffith MP, who will deliver a keynote speech about the business opportunity of COP26 on the second day of the virtual event, which runs from 2-4 February.

Microsoft turns to Climeworks to deliver carbon capture techology

Microsoft has turned to Climeworks' carbon dioxide removal technology as one of the key measures that will help with a mission to reach negative emissions by 2030 and remove the company's historic emissions by 2050.

General Motors aims to become carbon neutral by 2040

General Motors (GM) will target carbon neutrality across its operations and products globally by 2040, while also committing to set science-based targets that would deliver net-zero emissions ten years later.

Mastercard commits to net-zero carbon by 2050

Mastercard has pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, aiming to expand the use of onsite solar technology while also decarbonising its supply chain.

Jaguar Land Rover targets emissions reductions through faster, lighter electric vehicles

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) will steer a consortium-led initiative to make electric vehicles (EVs) lighter while also enabling larger batteries to be fitted to increase range.

'A game-changing opportunity to fight climate change': WEF pushes businesses on supply chain decarbonisation

The World Economic Forum (WEF) is urging businesses to do more to tackle their supply chain emissions, which often represent the bulk of their total climate footprint, and has published new advice on how to do so.

Unilever sets supply chain living wage aim and €2bn diversity commitment

Unilever has today (21 January) unveiled a raft of new commitments aimed at building a more equitable and inclusive society by vowing to ensure the people across its value chain earn at least a living wage by 2030 and spending €2bn annually with suppliers consisting of under-represented groups by 2025.

Five ways to ignite behavior change on energy use

This report showcases the output of edie's SPARK! event, where expert energy professionals from a range of sectors shared experiences driving engagement to change behaviours around energy use.

PepsiCo targets net-zero by 2040

PepsiCo has committed to reducing emissions across its value chain by 40% by 2030 before reaching net-zero by 2040, as part of new climate plans it claims are Paris-Agreement-aligned.

#SustyTalk: Suntory Beverage & Food's Michelle Norman on net-zero, plastics and the green recovery

edie's #SustyTalk interview series continues with Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I's Michelle Norman revisiting the company's key climate and plastics milestones from 2020 and looking ahead to what this year will hold for corporate sustainability.

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2020: Marta Perricone, Unilever

This new series profiles the members of edie's 30 Under 30 - a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Up next: Unilever's global supply chain manager Marta Perricone.

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2020: Amy Oroko, Matthew Algie

This new series profiles the members of edie's 30 Under 30 - a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Up next: Matthew Algie's sustainability manager Amy Oroko.

Funding allocated to six projects aiming to develop world's first net-zero industrial cluster

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has selected six projects across the UK that will receive a share of £8m in funding to drive progress towards creating the world's first net-zero emissions industrial zone by 2040.

IBM to launch new data platform to map plastics waste

IBM has partnered with the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW) on a new data platform to help track plastic waste and recovery globally.

Jaguar Land Rover invests in blockchain for sustainable materials sourcing

Jaguar Land Rover's (JLR) venture capital and mobility services arm has invested in a blockchain technology scale-up that will help it to make supply chains for battery materials more sustainable.

Lendlease outlines roadmap to reach zero carbon emissions in Europe

International property and investments group Lendlease has launched a new roadmap which outlines how eliminating diesel use on construction sites and procuring 100% renewable electricity will help the company reach net-zero emissions by 2040.

Telefónica, Nestlé and Ragn-Sells commit to net-zero supply chains

Technology giant Telefónica, food manufacturer Nestlé and waste management firm Ragn-Sells are the latest businesses to sign up to a collaborative movement to reduce value chain emissions in line with the 1.5C ambition of the Paris Agreement.

M&S to relaunch Plan A sustainability strategy

M&S is planning to relaunch its industry-leading Plan A sustainability programme in 2021 to reflect on the changing environmental and social needs globally, with a new ESG Board Sub-Committee to be set up to scrutinise the strategy.

An 'undisputed urgency to act': Green economy reacts to the Energy White Paper

The Government has unveiled the long-awaited Energy White Paper today (14 December), with green groups welcoming the focus it provides to both job growth and rapid decarbonisation in order to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

Jacobs reaches 100% renewables and net-zero emissions for business operations

Engineering firm Jacobs has revealed it is now powered by 100% renewable energy and has reached net-zero emissions for its operations and business travel, pledging to become carbon negative by 2030.

Gap targets 100% sustainably sourced cotton by 2025

Fashion giant Gap Inc has pledged to only source cotton which is certified as sustainable within five years, through the US Cotton Trust Protocol.

SDG Spotlight: How Businesses Can Achieve Goal 12; Responsible Production and Consumption

edie's latest SDG Spotlight report, produced in association with Rio, looks at how businesses can transform operations, services, supply chains and strategies to help deliver Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption.

Coca-Cola's largest European bottler targets net-zero by 2040

Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) has committed to reducing net emissions across its value chain by 30% by 2030, before bringing them to net-zero by 2040.

Sustainability leaders craft 10-point plan to revamp corporate purpose

Businesses in the vanguard of sustainability, including Unilever, Interface, Ikea and DSM, have come together to craft a new set of recommendations as to how the wider corporate community can embed a purpose aimed at tackling the climate crisis and social inequalities across the business.

CDP: Food giants are greenwashing, not addressing their climate impact

While many major food brands are launching "green" or plant-based products, less than two in ten are measuring and disclosing emissions from their supply chains - which are likely to be the most-emitting parts of their business.

What makes a sustainability leader? Meet water management champions The Coca-Cola Foundation and WWF UK

With the 2021 Sustainability Leaders Awards approaching, this new feature series showcases the achievements of the 2020 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: The winner of our Water Management Project of the Year award, The Coca-Cola Foundation and WWF UK.

Vodafone sets net-zero target for 2040

Vodafone has committed to reducing its carbon emissions to net-zero by 2040 and will eliminate emissions from its activities and energy and halve scope 3 emissions by 2030.

Diageo targets net-zero operations by 2030

Brewing giant Diageo has committed to achieving net-zero operational emissions within a decade and to halving its indirect (Scope 3) emissions within the same timeframe, as part of a new ten-year strategy.

Podback: Coffee brands join forces on UK pod recycling scheme

Brands such as Nespresso, Nescafé Dolce Gusto and Tassimo have launched a new recycling initiative that aims to get the coffee sector collaborating on a simplistic way to enable consumers to recycle coffee pods in the UK.

The Great Reinvention: Cracking the code for circular economy business model innovation

After participating in edie's 'Business Model Innovation' open roundtable at Net-Zero Live earlier this month, sustainable business expert and commentator Mike Townsend explores four key shifts in search of the 'holy grail' - how we can transition to circular business models that are sustainable and profitable, yet also attractive for customers and suppliers.

edie scoops another prestigious award for Sustainability Leaders Forum

edie's flagship Sustainability Leaders Forum has built on consecutive Bronze accolades at the annual Conference Awards by being awarded Silver in the coveted Conference of the Year category.

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2020: Amali Bunter, Lidl GB

This new series profiles the members of edie's 30 Under 30 - a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Up next: Lidl GB's senior responsible sourcing manager Amali Bunter.

What makes a sustainability leader? Meet employee engagement champions Barry Callebaut

With the 2021 Sustainability Leaders Awards approaching, this new feature series showcases the achievements of the 2020 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: The winner of our employee engagement initiative of the year, Barry Callebaut.

Half of corporates unable to prove they are protecting human rights, report reveals

A new analysis of 229 of the world's largest companies has found that almost half are unable to prove they are protecting human rights in line with the UN's requirements - with more than one-third scoring zero on due diligence.

Environment Bill: UK businesses to be banned from sourcing through deforesters overseas

New measures designed to stop UK-based businesses from importing products or materials linked to deforestation abroad have been added to the Environment Bill - but some green groups argue that loopholes will remain.

UK retail sector pledges to reach net-zero emissions by 2040

More than 60 leading retailers, including Pret UK, Burberry, Sainsbury's and Missguided, have pledged to support a new collaborative roadmap to transform the sector and its supply chain to net-zero emissions by 2040.

What makes a sustainability leader? Meet supply chain champions Ella's Kitchen

With the 2021 Sustainability Leaders Awards entry deadline approaching, this new feature series showcases the achievements of the 2020 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: The winner of our Supply Chain Excellence award: Ella's Kitchen.

Can business models act as carbon sinks to reach net-zero?

To kickstart edie's Net-Zero November, carpet manufacturer Interface's head of sustainability Jon Khoo reflects on the company's own ambitious Climate Take Back strategy, as well as discussing how business mindsets and models can "act like carbon sinks" to transform corporates into zero-impact organisations.

Primark commits to deliver net-zero value chain by 2050

Fashion giant Primark has signed the UN's Fashion Charter, committing it to reducing emissions by 30% by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2050.

Banks and agribusiness linked to biodiversity loss

Some of the world's largest banks have been linked to industries that are causing mass deforestation and biodiversity loss, with some in the finance sector providing loans and underwriting worth more than $2.6trn to climate-wrecking initiatives.

'From barley to bar': AB InBev pilots blockchain to boost transparency and traceability

The world's largest brewer is piloting blockchain technology to trace barley throughout its European supply chains and to provide customers with more sustainability-related information.

The Estée Lauder Companies turns to blockchain to boost supply chain traceability

The Estée Lauder Companies will introduce vanilla that has been traced throughout the supply chain using blockchain technology to more than 125 of its Aveda-brand products next spring.

edie explains: Science-based targets

What makes emissions targets "science-based"? How can businesses go beyond 2C alignment and strive for 1.5C? And what role do these targets play in the net-zero movement? This free edie explains guide answers all of these questions and more.

How sustainable is the new iPhone 12?

When the iPhone 12 launched earlier this week, all eyes were on the tech specs and the price. But what about the cult smartphone's impact on the environment and society?

Burberry and IBM collaborate on blockchain initiative to boost fashion supply chain traceability

Burberry has revealed that it has supported IBM interns to develop a prototype cloud and blockchain tool aimed at tracing materials and products across the fashion supply chain, including information about their environmental and human impact.

Mars achieves deforestation-free supply chain for palm oil

Mars has confirmed it is now operating with a deforestation-free supply chain for palm oil, following a year-long process to streamline the number of mills that it sources from.

Plans to halt deforestation not strong enough, Tesco, Nestle and Nandos tell UK Government

McDonald's, Nandos, Nestle, Mondelez and all of the UK's 'big seven' supermarkets have urged the Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) to bolster its proposed legislation for tackling deforestation in supply chains.

What makes a sustainability leader? Get to know Willmott Dixon's award-winning team

With the 2021 Sustainability Leaders Awards entry deadline approaching, this new feature series showcases the achievements of the 2020 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up first: The winner of our Team of the Year award, Willmott Dixon Group.

Investors 'failing to act on zero-deforestation commitments'

Just 14% of the 235 investor signatories of a statement asking the companies in their portfolios to stop deforestation in the Amazon rainforest have followed through by introducing their own zero-deforestation policies.

How are manufacturers approaching net-zero and the green recovery?

The manufacturing sector has a rich history of innovating to overcome persistent challenges. But the twin disruptions of the net-zero transition and the Covid-19 pandemic have made the sector's green efforts paramount to business prosperity. Here, edie explores how manufacturers are navigating these challenges.

Willmott Dixon to become zero-carbon business by 2030

Construction firm Willmott Dixon has committed that all new build and refurbishment projects it delivers from 2030 onwards will be net-zero carbon in operation, as part of a new sustainability strategy that will see the company become zero-carbon in its own operations over the next decade.

Sustainable MacFries Fund: McDonald's to invest in climate-friendly farming practices

McDonald's has launched a "Sustainable MacFries Fund" in partnership with McCain to improve the resilience of British potato farmers, while also collaborating with the Walmart Foundation, WWF and Cargill in the US to improve land use practices.

Consumer goods giants worth $1.8trn team up to tackle deforestation

Nestle, Mars and Unilever are among the 17 multinational consumer goods firms leading a new corporate coalition dedicated to tackling deforestation, forest degradation and land conversion in supply chains.

Princes turns to QR codes and blockchain for sustainability storytelling

Princes is printing QR codes on its Napolina brand tomato products which, when scanned, will provide consumers with information about supply chain sustainability.

Microsoft to become water positive by 2030

Microsoft has built on its ambitious emissions reduction targets by committing to becoming a "water positive" business by 2030, pledging to replenish more water than it uses.

Big businesses face mandatory digital modern slavery reporting

The UK Government has made the first major changes to the Modern Slavery Act since its introduction in 2015, extending requirements to public bodies including local authorities and tightening rules for big businesses.

Ikea, Unilever and BT spearhead net-zero supply chain initiative

Ikea, Unilever, BT, Ericsson and Telia are among the founding corporate members of a new initiative designed to help multinational supply chains align with the Paris Agreement's 1.5C trajectory.

Walmart targets zero emissions by 2040, won't rely on offsetting

US retail giant Walmart has committed to becoming a zero emissions business by 2040 by pledging to become carbon neutral across its global operations without relying on carbon offsets.

Tate & Lyle has carbon goals approve by Science Based Targets initiative

Food and drink ingredient supplier Tate & Lyle has had goals to reduce operational and value chain emissions approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Nespresso targets carbon neutrality by 2022

Nespresso has outlined plans to reduce supply chain emissions, invest in insetting at coffee farms and purchase carbon offsets to reach carbon neutrality by 2022.

Patagonia: Regenerative agriculture is the next sustainability frontier for fashion and food

EXCLUSIVE: Patagonia's vice president for social & environmental responsibility has told of how she witnessed a "groundswell" in regenerative farming in recent months, of a scale that has been unprecedented during her 10+ years working across supply chains.

HolyGrail 2.0: Major brands sign up to explore digital watermarks to improve packaging recycling

More than 80 major European brands, including P&G, PepsiCo and Mondi will collaborate to explore the feasibility of using "digital watermarks" to improve the sorting of recyclable packaging across the European Union (EU), as part of the HolyGrail 2.0 project spearheaded by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

Report: Circular economy can halve emissions of UK infrastructure projects

Transitioning to a circular economy can assist in the net-zero transition, with a new report supported by AECOM stating that carbon reductions of up to 50% can be delivered and £35bn generated for the UK economy by using closed-loop materials throughout the design process of infrastructure projects.

EU to launch raw materials industry alliance

The European Commission will announce the launch of a new industry alliance this week, with a view to building a complete EU supply chain for raw materials like lithium, which are seen as critical for the bloc's digital and green transitions.

Manufacturers aim for carbon-neutral cement by 2050

A group of the world's leading producers of cement have issued a new industry commitment to deliver carbon-neutral concrete by 2050.