Canadian meat company Maple Leaf becomes carbon neutral

Maple Leaf Foods has announced it has become carbon neutral as it acknowledges the “urgent need” for transformative change to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions to zero.

The Canada-headquartered producer of meat and plant proteins said its path to carbon neutrality is predicated on reducing emissions by meeting the standard of Science Based Targets, which align with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

“There is simply no more time to waste,” said Michael McCain, Maple Leaf Foods CEO. “The devastating impact of climate change on our planet must be confronted head-on by business leaders with decisive and immediate action.

“The global food system must change dramatically if we are to sustainably feed the world’s growing population. We recognise that producing nutrient-dense foods takes vital planetary resources, and we are staking our future on being carbon neutral today, and every day going forward.”

Maple Leaf said it has made “significant progress” towards its goal to reduce its environmental footprint by 50% by 2025.

As part of becoming carbon neutral, the company is investing in verified environmental projects throughout Canada and the US to address its remaining carbon footprint, bringing it to zero.

These projects support wind energy, recovering methane gas from landfills, composting and biomass programmes to reduce methane emissions, and forest protection and re-forestry to conserve species and biodiversity.

“Today’s actions are not just about being socially responsible; they are about survival,” said McCain. “Consumers rightfully expect business and political leaders to solve these problems and address the profound consequences of our climate crisis.

“Our announcement demonstrates that carbon neutrality and Science Based Targets for emissions reduction are both achievable – and urgent. We hope our actions inspire food companies and businesses broadly to join us in the critical fight against climate change.”

The news comes as Maple Leaf said it has named Geert Verellen its new chief financial officer, effective 6 January 2020.

Verellen will succeed Debbie Simpson, who served as the company’s CFO since 2014.  She announced in August that she would step down on 1 November.