Tesco has set out a new commitment of net-zero emissions across its value chain by 2050, including those generated by the products it sells and across its supply chains.

The new commitment comes as the retailer also announces a new Group-wide net-zero target of 2035 for its own operations, bringing it into line with its UK ambition. In 2009, Tesco became the first business globally to set the ambition to become a zero-carbon business by 2050 and in 2017 it committed to science-based climate targets for its own operations on a 1.5-degree trajectory.

Tesco’s 2050 commitment will cover all emissions generated across its entire value chain, including the sourcing of raw materials and food production, where emissions are generated through agriculture and manufacturing; in the use of Tesco products, including food waste; and in people’s dietary choices, where an increase in the amount of plant-based food is required to cut emissions.

Emissions from Tesco’s products and supply chain make up more than 90 per cent of the retailer’s total emissions footprint. 100 of Tesco’s largest suppliers have already reduced manufacturing emissions by 20 per cent and the retailer has written to all of its suppliers to ask for their support in the transition to a low carbon economy.

Tesco Group CEO, Ken Murphy said: “In this critical year for tackling climate change, it’s right that we set out this ambitious commitment to cut emissions across our entire value chain. We don’t yet have all the answers and we’ll need support from our suppliers and wider society to meet our targets, but it’s vital we take action now.”

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