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KP Snacks to scale regenerative farming, Morrisons turns to insect-based chicken feed
In two positive sustainability moves in the UK's farming sector, KP Snacks has outlined plans to scale regenerative potato farming and Morrisons will begin decreasing the use of soy - a commodity linked to deforestation - in chicken feed.
Carbon Innovation Fund: Co-op to allocate £3m to projects creating low-carbon food systems
Retailer the Co-op and its charity, the Co-op Foundation, are launching a £3m innovation fund that will support projects that slash greenhouse gas emissions and improve social sustainability across the food value chain.
EU proposes mandatory due diligence to stop deforestation in supply chains
The European Commission tabled its plan on Wednesday (17 November) to introduce mandatory due diligence for products sold on the EU market to make sure they are not linked to deforestation or forest degradation.
Starbucks and Arla to trial new sustainable dairy sourcing blueprint in the UK
Starbucks has partnered with Arla UK to support dairy farmers in reducing emissions, as the coffee chain strives to halve carbon emissions across its value chain by 2030.
Glasgow Climate Pact: How can businesses keep 1.5C alive?
The UK Government wanted COP26 to keep the 1.5C trajectory of the Paris Agreement "alive" and the verdict is that it has, but just barely. But with some nations set to renegade on mechanisms included in COP26's Glasgow Climate Pact, it is clear that businesses need to become a unified driver of the net-zero movement.
The first week of COP26: The 10 biggest stories
It's half-time on the two-week push to move the world towards the 1.5C ambition of the Paris Agreement, with negotiations set to continue following a rest day on Sunday (7 November). Here, edie summarises all the key development from the first week of COP26.
8 things you need to know from Nature Day at COP26
Saturday (6 November) here at COP26 was Nature and Land Use Day, with a flurry of major announcements coming from nations, the finance sector and consumer goods companies. Here, edie rounds up eight key headlines from the day.
COP26: Nations collectively agree to sustainable food systems policies and pledge to accelerate green agriculture innovation
To mark Nature and Land Use Day at COP26, 150 organisations have agreed to accelerate the deployment of green innovations for the agriculture sector, while 45 nations have agreed to reform policies to support a sustainable food system.
COP26: Asset managers representing $87.trn in assets vow to stop financing deforestation
Building on national and international commitments made at COP26 to mark Nature and Land Use Day, major financial institutions have pledged to stop financing agri-food firms linked to deforestation by 2025.
UN: World facing 'gathering storm' with tenfold increase needed in climate adaption finance
As world leaders champion new decarbonisation strategies at COP26, a new report from the UN has called for an urgent increase in finance that is focused on adapting to the impacts of the climate crisis, with current economic flows requiring a "step change" to protect developing countries.
Scotland outlines plans to double onshore wind capacity by 2030, ramp up regenerative agriculture
On the eve of COP26, the Scottish Government has launched a consultation on a new onshore wind generation target for 2030 and provided new funding for restoring nature on farms.
Unilever-owned Knorr outlines plans to start 50 regenerative agriculture projects within five years
Unilever's largest food brand Knorr has revealed plans to initiate more than 50 regenerative agriculture projects by 2026, with schemes planned that cover 80% of its key ingredients.
Net-Zero Strategy 'achievable and affordable' but policy gaps need addressing, CCC notes
The Government's Net-Zero Strategy is an "achievable and affordable" means to reaching its legally binding climate target, but some policy gaps still need to be addressed, according to the Climate Change Committee (CCC).
Plant-based food and beverage firms team up in bid to accelerate diet shifts
Alpro, Oatly, ProVeg UK and Upfield have formed a new coalition for the UK's plant-based food and drinks sector, in a bid to engage other businesses, policymakers and individuals with the transition to more sustainable diets.
Moving further, faster, towards a future-proofed food sector
Recurring extreme weather events and the latest research, have all served to highlight that climate change is the biggest threat facing our planet and the species that live here. World Food Day can bring to life the role the sector can play in combatting this threat.
UK brewers launch food waste beer and call on world leaders to strengthen climate action
A group of 25 UK breweries has called on world leaders to seize a "once in a lifetime opportunity" to combat the climate emergency at COP26, as they launch a limited-edition collection of beers that combat food waste and improve conservation.
What makes a sustainability leader? Meet circular economy innovation champions AeroFarms
With the entry deadline for edie's 2022 Sustainability Leaders Awards on Friday (8 October), this series showcases the achievements of previous winners. Up next: Winner of our 'Circular Economy Innovation' award, AeroFarms.
UK businesses should be banned from sourcing and investing in goods that cause deforestation, MPs argue
The UK Government has been implored, once again, to strengthen its plans for eliminating deforestation from international supply chains, with MPs arguing for a clampdown on deforestation deemed legal overseas.
What makes a sustainable business leader? Meet Bakkafrost CEO Regin Jacobsen
With the entry deadline for edie's 2022 Sustainability Leaders Awards on Friday (1 October), this series showcases the achievements of previous winners. Up next: Winner of our 'Sustainable Business Leader of the Year' award, Regin Jacobsen.
The Business Guide to Net-Zero Carbon Buildings
With buildings now accounting for more than half of total city emissions on average, it’s clear that urgent and dramatic action is required to accelerate the decarbonisation of the built environment. In addition, the devastating impacts of the coronavirus pandemic has seen those that are able to work from home, creating a new dynamic for the energy use and management of corporate buildings.
World's biggest food companies accused of failing on climate action, human rights protections
Less than 10% of the world's largest food companies are aiming to reduce their emissions in line with climate science, while less than 13% are taking sufficient action to eliminate forced labour.
Big-name businesses boost nature targets at global conservation congress
A string of businesses are using the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Congress this week as a backdrop for updating biodiversity strategies, with new announcements from the likes of L'Occitane, Walmart, Pernod Ricard and Kering.
EU lawmakers slam flagship forest strategy as 'vague' and 'overstepping EU remit'
European lawmakers from across the political spectrum have united in criticism against the European Commission's new flagship Forest Strategy, describing it as vague and superficial while flagging concerns that it goes beyond the remit of EU competences.
edie Explains: Sub-metering
What is sub-metering? What are the different ways an organisation can use submetering? What are the business benefits of sub- metering? What is the cost of installing sub-meters? And, how can sub-metering support other aspects of a business’ net-zero journey? This new Explains guide from edie answers all of these questions and more.
US food giants including Costco and JBS accused of failing to tackle Scope 3 emissions
An analysis of how 50 of North America's largest food companies' climate efforts has found that less than half (38%) disclose their indirect (Scope 3) emissions.
Tesco to subsidise more sustainable livestock feed for dairy farmers
Tesco is piloting a new scheme for UK-based dairy farmers, whereby they receive subsidies for growing more sustainable feed.
COP26 Action Tracker: Nations urged to respond to IPCC report as Cambo oilfield row rolls on
With less than 100 days to go until COP26, this new series from edie will provide a regular temperature check of global climate action from nations and businesses.
#SustyTalk: Danone's Yann-Gael Rio on scaling regenerative agriculture
edie's #SustyTalk interview series continues with an exclusive discussion with Danone's vice-president for agriculture procurement and sustainability, Yann-Gael Rio.
World’s largest meat company JBS joins Race to Zero initiative
The world’s largest meat company, JBS, met with COP26 President Alok Sharma to formally join the Race to Zero campaign, building on a net-zero commitment set earlier this year.
#SustyTalk: Purina's Jeff Hamilton on alternative proteins and regenerative agriculture
edie's #SustyTalk series of sustainability-related interviews continues with an exclusive discussion with Purina EMEA's chief executive Jeff Hamilton.
Dairy giants and UN to jointly plot global course to net-zero by 2050
A swathe of businesses, research hubs and other organisations within the livestock and dairy sectors are supporting a new UN-backed initiative plotting a course to net-zero emissions.
Cranswick to halve emissions by 2030 under new 1.5C science-based targets
Cranswick has achieved verification from the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) for new climate targets that will require the firm to halve emissions by the end of the decade.
Sustainable Business Covered podcast: How can we change food systems for the better?
With the UN's pre-event for the Food Systems Summit taking place this month, episode 105 of the Sustainable Business Covered Podcast explores how food systems can be transformed for better outcomes for planet and people.
#SustyTalk: Model and activist Arizona Muse on restoring soil and nature
edie's #SustyTalk interview series continues with an exclusive discussion with model and environmental activist Arizona Muse.
Is protein diversification the next clean energy for the net-zero economy?
Helena Wright, policy director at FAIRR looks at how nature-based solutions and and change in the global food system can drive progress towards net-zero emissions.
Liz Truss's advisers urge UK to reject 'green protectionism' in international trade deals
Government trade advisers led by Trade Secretary Liz Truss have called for greater free trade for low-carbon technologies amid the net-zero transition, but green groups argue that poorly regulated free trade has been a major driver of the climate emergency in the first instance.
Circular economy attracting $1.3trn in annual investments, but dwarfed by linear spending models
Governments, investors and corporates collectively funnel more than $1.3trn annually into circular economy initiatives, but this is just a fraction of the money that is currently spent on linear methods of consumption and resource use.
Six UK green policy stories you need to know about
The past few days have seen the UK Government making a flurry of announcements on green policy packages and spending pots. Here, edie rounds up the major headlines in brief.
National Food Strategy presses UK Government to clarify environmental incentives for farmers post-Brexit
With the food system accounting for 20% of the UK's domestic emissions and driving biodiversity loss, the Government must urgently clarify plans for implementing the Agriculture Bill and for preventing imports produced using lower environmental standards.
How sustainable is Wimbledon 2021?
With the summer's biggest tennis event set to conclude on Sunday (11 July), edie explores whether the Wimbledon organisers have aced their environmental sustainability efforts for 2021.
Global beef sector sets out biodiversity and climate commitments
A coalition of global beef producers, including JBS, Rabobank and Cargill, have collectively agreed to reduce the sector's contribution to climate change by 30% by 2030, as part of a new sustainability roadmap that also aims to improve biodiversity and animal welfare.
COP26 Primer: Climate Finance
edie’s COP26 Primer Reports are about seizing the green opportunity. Produced in the run-up to the official talks, this mini-series of reports are based on the five key themes of COP26: Clean Energy, Clean Transport, Climate Resilience, Nature-Based Solutions, and Climate Finance.
Tasmania's 200% renewables goal and Toast Ale's B-Corp recertification: 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.
Biogas sector spells out role in helping UK reach net-zero emissions
Almost 50 organisations have supported a declaration sent to the Prime Minister outlining how the biogas sector can support the net-zero ambition, provided clear and enabling policies are introduced.
Addo Food Group targets net-zero emissions by 2035
The owner of food brands such as Wall's, Bowyers and Pork Farms has announced its intention to reach net-zero emissions by 2035 by setting science-based targets across its whole value chain in line with the 1.5C ambition of the Paris Agreement.
Cost of climate damage to UK could triple without better adaptation plans, CCC warns
Climate risks to the UK are increasing in number and magnitude more rapidly than expected, with billions of pounds worth of infrastructure at risk in the coming decades.
Tyson Foods sets global net-zero target for 2050
The world's second-largest meat processor and marketer, Tyson Foods, has set a 2050 net-zero deadline covering all global operations and the supply chain.
Burberry to become 'climate positive' by 2040
Luxury fashion firm Burberry has updated its science-based targets in a bid to become "climate positive" by 2040, a move that will aim to decarbonise the value chain and utilise a bespoke carbon insetting fund.
McCain commits to regenerative agriculture across all farms by 2030
The UK's largest manufacturer of frozen potato products, McCain, has today (7 June) committed to ensuring that every potato grown across its 370,000 acres worldwide is done so using regenerative agricultural practices by 2030.
$8trn funding gap: UN report calls for four-fold increase in nature-based solutions investment
The world is facing an $8.1trn financing gap into nature to help combat the climate crisis and ecological breakdown, according to a new UN report that warns that annual investments into nature-based solutions (NbS) need to increase fourfold by 2050.
ENCORE: UN-backed biodiversity module to help investors factor nature into spending decisions
A new UN-back module has been launched today to enable financial institutions to map their exposure to biodiversity risks based on sectoral activities, in a bid to push the economy towards a nature-positive future.
Investors and businesses urged to address $700bn nature-based solutions finance gap
A new report has warned that a $700bn investment gap into "Nature-based Solutions" needs to be addressed in order to meet wider net-zero goals and combat the climate crisis.
Lidl unveils carbon-neutral cheddar cheese
In what it claims is a first in the UK's supermarket sector, Lidl GB has announced plans to begin selling cheddar certified as carbon neutral this year.
Food services firm Compass targets net-zero emissions by 2030
The UK's largest food services company, Compass Group UK & Ireland, will switch to 100% electric vehicles (EVs), move 40% of its food offerings to plant-based proteins and will launch a £1m carbon reduction fund in a bid to reach net-zero emissions by 2030.
Iceland boss Richard Walker: Collective business activism required to hold politicians to account
EXCLUSIVE: Iceland Foods' boss Richard Walker believes that 'collective business activism' is essential in driving policymakers to align with the sustainability movement, following a recent letter sent by food retailers to the Brazilian Government urging them to reconsider a new land bill that could increase deforestation.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2020: Faye Hyslop, SGN
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: Faye Hyslop, environment manager at SGN.
Arla unveils new measures to help farmers self-generate renewable energy
After pledging to become a net-zero business, dairy major Arla Foods has outlined new measures to help farmers across the supply chain generate their own renewable energy and sell any excess.
Timberland, Vans, The North Face to develop regenerative rubber supply chain
The VF Corporation, which owns brands such as Timberland, Vans and The North Face, is partnering with a Thailand-based design consultancy to create the fashion industry's first regenerative rubber supply system.
Six top tips for developing a leading business biodiversity strategy
Biodiversity is steadily rising up the business agenda in the run-up to COP26. But how can the private sector go beyond greenwashing to deliver meaningful, engaging, science-based strategies?
Arla completes 'big data' Scope 3 emissions footprint on road to net-zero
Dairy major Arla Foods has completed what it claims is one of the biggest analyses of data on Scope 3 (indirect) carbon emissions in the sector, as it strives to deliver net-zero carbon by 2050.
Available to watch on-demand: edie's biodiversity webinar featuring Kering and Unilever
Speakers from Kering, Unilever and the Woodland Trust discussed the role of biodiversity in shaping and assisting sustainability strategies on a webinar that took place on Wednesday (21 April). A recording of the sessions is available to watch on-demand.
Green Alliance: Government 'complacency' risks UK's net-zero transition
Despite strong progress in decarbonising electricity generation, the UK Government is not doing enough to support the low-carbon transition in hard-to-abate sector like agriculture and transport.
Heineken targets carbon-neutral value chain by 2040
Global brewer Heineken has unveiled a new corporate strategy to become carbon-neutral across its operations by 2030 and then across its entire value chain by 2040.
British farmers 'planning to ramp up net-zero investments as part of Covid-19 recovery'
A survey of hundreds of UK farmers has found that record proportions are planning to invest in measures to improve energy efficiency, increase renewable energy sourcing and boost carbon sequestration.
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.
Carbon-neutral coffee and water-efficient farms: Starbucks plots path to 'resource positivity'
Starbucks has announced new measures to deliver carbon-neutrality across parts of its coffee supply chains and to boost water stewardship in coffee-growing communities, as part of its vision to become 'resource positive' by 2030.
How businesses are enhancing water stewardship using circular economy principles
To mark World Water Day 2021, edie explores how businesses regarded as leaders in corporate water stewardship have put circular economy principles into practice in supply chains and operations.
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.
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.
Morrisons to source exclusively from net-zero British farms by 2030
Morrisons has revealed an ambition to become the first UK supermarket to use only farms certified as net-zero when sourcing products and ingredients from British suppliers.
EU unveils data-driven climate adaptation strategy, drawing green criticism
More and better data is needed to improve knowledge of how to adapt to climate change, according to the European Commission's new adaptation strategy, which immediately came under fire from green activists for missing binding targets.
Nestle on regenerative agriculture and the climate crisis
Andy Griffiths, Head of Value Chain Sustainability, writes on the importance of Nestlé's focus on climate change including regenerative agriculture and protection of water.
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.
Biodiversity loss: Agriculture 'threatening 86% of at-risk species', says major UN-backed report
Global food systems are the world's biggest driver of nature loss and urgent systemic change to address this will result in an uptick of plant-based diets, according to a major new report.
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.
Trade Bill: UK Government votes to allow food imports with lower environmental standards
The UK Government is being accused of backtracking on non-regression pledges around post-Brexit food standards, after MPs voted against amendments to the trade bill this week.
EU lawmakers raise concerns about UK 'regression' on pesticides
Lawmakers in the European Parliament have raised concerns about possible UK regression on pesticides and gene editing at a meeting on the new EU-UK trade agreement.
Banks urged to set time-bound targets to tackle deforestation
A new report has outlined how banks can take proactive steps to improve traceability and accountability of contributions to deforestation, as part of a first step to accelerating action towards a forest-restorative economy.
Report: More farmland must be converted to forests and meadows if UK is to reach net-zero
Land use in the UK must be dramatically transformed by the end of the decade if the UK is to meet its 2050 net-zero target, with space re-allocated from livestock to vegetables, meadows and hedges. This will result in all of us eating less meat and more plant-based foods.
Horizon scanning: Eight green innovations set to shake-up sustainability in 2021
Over the past 12 months, countless innovations which could help businesses and nations deliver a green recovery. Here, edie rounds up nine key products and concepts that could transform sustainability in 2021.
Starbucks outlines next steps on renewable energy and regenerative agriculture
Starbucks has outlined the first steps it will take to meet the 2030 sustainability targets it launched earlier this year, headlined by commitments to halve emissions, water use and waste sent to landfill.
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.
Walkers turns to beer-based carbon capture for low-carbon potatoes
Crisp brand Walkers is scaling up efforts to repurpose potato peelings and captured carbon for use as fertiliser - a system which can reduce emissions associated with potato growing by 70%.
Nestle outlines roadmap to net-zero by 2050, backed with more than £2bn of investment
Nestle has committed to halve its absolute emissions by 2030 and bring them to net-zero by 2050, and outlined plans for new investments in renewable electricity, carbon offsetting and regenerative agriculture.
'Fraught with risk': Government's sustainable farming plan sparks concern amongst green groups
The UK Government has unveiled plans to deliver the most significant change to land management and farming practices in 50 years as a replacement to the EU's Common Agricultural Policy, a move that has sparked widespread concern amongst green groups due to a lack of detail.
Unilever to halve food waste, sets €1bn sales target for plant-based food alternatives
Consumer goods giant Unilever has unveiled a new "future foods" strategy that will see the company commit to halving food waste, improving nutritional standards and set a €1bn sales target for plant-based meat and dairy alternatives.
Common Agricultural Policy to remain part of EU's biodiversity funding, despite criticism
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), voted on this week in the European Parliament and Council, will remain by far the biggest funding source for biodiversity protection schemes at EU level, despite claims that it has encouraged intensive and damaging farming.
Governments urged to reform food systems as part of Covid-19 green recovery efforts
World leaders "know" they must help reform food systems to protect the environment and improve public health and should use their Covid-19 recovery plans to raise ambitions and accelerate action in this area.
Agriculture Bill: Outrage as bid to protect environmental and food safety standards rejected
Groups and individuals across the green economy have expressed anger and disappointment after an amendment to the Agriculture Bill, designed to require imported food to meet domestic standards, was thrown out by the Government.
Tesco to increase sales of meat alternatives by 300% to reduce environmental impact of products
Tesco has become the first UK retailer to set public sales targets for plant-based meat alternatives, pledging to increase sales of those products by 300% by 2025 as part of an ongoing commitment to halve the environmental impact of the average shopping basket.
Mission Possible: Achieving a green recovery for manufacturing
edie's Mission Possible campaign has evolved to focus on the green recovery, with a new series of reports outlining the challenges that businesses in key sectors face in relation to the coronavirus pandemic, and the opportunities that the green recovery will bring. First up, manufacturing.
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.
5 sustainability communications lessons from David Attenborough's Extinction: The Facts
David Attenborough's latest BBC documentary has been called both "heartwarming" and "gut-wrenching" since it aired on Sunday evening (13 September). But beyond the striking facts and shocking images, it provides viewers with several lessons on how to get environmental communications right, edie's senior reporter Sarah George explains.
Climate crisis to cause mass population displacement and growth in refugees, report finds
The ecological and climate crises are on course to displace more than 1.2 billion people by 2050, as natural disasters, food shortages and water scarcity create mass disruptions to global migration trends.
Is Brexit at odds with the UK's net-zero emissions target?
The Government's Brexit negotiations could set the nation up to miss its net-zero commitments, with Boris Johnson's intention to renegade on parts of the Withdrawal Agreement sparking fresh concerns about law-bound efforts to combat the ecological and climate crises.
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.
Climate change and agriculture driving record levels of deforestation, WWF report finds
Climate change and agriculture are fueling record levels of deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon, with fires in the area 33% higher over that last 12 months than the previous year.
HelloFresh to offset entire carbon footprint
Meal kit provider HelloFresh has announced its intention to offset 100% of carbon emissions from internal operations and offices, corporate travel and deliveries.
Patagonia ups regenerative agriculture efforts
Outdoor clothing company Patagonia has launched new campaigns to highlight the benefits of regenerative organic agriculture in tackling the climate and ecological crises, having launched a new range of cotton T-shirts sourced from farms promoting sustainable agriculture methods.
