Pilgrim’s UK has set out a roadmap to become net zero by 2030, with a focus on areas including packaging, renewable electricity and its soya supply.
According to Pilgrim’s UK, the roadmap will see it reach the net zero milestone ten years ahead of the National Farmers’ Union’s industry-wide goal.
Pilgrim’s UK’s net zero commitment forms part of the sustainability efforts of its parent company Pilgrim’s Pride, which recently committed to achieving net zero by 2040.
The UK business aims to reach its net zero goal through significantly reducing emissions across all sites within its supply chain, while continuing to use 100% renewable electricity across its manufacturing sites.
Other steps include using only 100% verified deforestation-free, sustainable soya by 2025 and selecting all packaging formats based on the lowest carbon options available.
In addition, Pilgrim’s UK says that it will “neutralise all remaining residual greenhouse gas emissions” using frameworks aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative.
The targets for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from Pilgrim’s UK operations are said to be consistent with the reductions required to meet the Paris Agreement goal of keeping global warming to 1.5°C.
“The global food production and farming industry is often portrayed as being responsible for high GHG emissions,” said Matt Dight, head of sustainability at Pilgrim’s UK.
“However, the UK is one of the countries leading the charge when it comes to driving more sustainable practices, and Pilgrim’s UK is a clear market leader when it comes to ensuring that it is preserving and enriching the rural environment.”
He added: “Reaching net zero by 2030 is possible for our organisation because we are starting from such a strong position, meaning we are able to be bolder in the pace and scale of our commitments than the rest of the industry.”
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