Del Monte foods sets 2050 net-zero target, applies for SBTi verification for emissions goals
Del Monte Foods has committed to achieving net-zero operations and supply chains by 2050, and has registered its intent to set interim science-based targets to cut emissions.
Published 7th April 2022
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Image: Del Monte Europe
The California-headquartered company, perhaps best known for its pineapples, has stated that it intends to “reduce or eliminate” the majority of its emissions rather than purchasing carbon credits to offset emissions. As such, it will develop 2030 goals in line with the Science-Based Targets initiative’s (SBTi) 1.5C trajectory and will work to align its 2050 goal with the SBTi’s net-zero standard.
Launched late last year, the net-zero standard will require participating companies to reduce and eliminate at least 90% of their baseline emissions. This ensures that they are not over-reliant on carbon offsetting. Other companies supporting the net-zero standard include AstraZeneca, CVS Health, Dentsu International, JLL, Holcim, Wipro and Ørsted.
For verification in line with 1.5C-aligned near-term targets and for the net-zero standard, companies need to draw up plans to address emissions across all scopes, including indirect (Scope 3) emissions.
“It’s exciting to be aligned with the most aggressive path to net-zero,” said Del Monte Foods’ senior manager for ESG Molly Laverty. “The food industry has an important role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and Del Monte Foods is committed to doing all we can to accelerate progress.”
Del Monte has not yet submitted dates and percentages to the SBTi. However, it has confirmed the key investment areas it will focus on to cut emissions. These are renewable energy, automation, transportation, packaging innovation and regenerative agriculture. These investments will build on existing progress to improve energy and resource efficiency across the business.
On renewable energy, Del Monte Foods has already installed a 3MW solar array at one of its largest manufacturing facilities in Hanford, California. That array generated 3.3 million kwh of electricity during the 2021 financial year, according to the company’s latest sustainability report. This helped to mitigate 749 million metric tonnes of Scope 2 (power-related) emissions.
