Del Monte Foods said it plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 after making changes to its own operations rather than purchasing carbon credits to offset them. In addition to the steps it has already taken, the canned fruit and vegetable company said it will invest further in key areas to reduce its carbon emissions, including packaging innovation, regenerative agricultural practices, automation, renewable energy, and transportation efficiency.
More than one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions come from food production, according to a United Nations report issued last year. As consumers look to companies whose values adhere to their own interests, CPGs are under pressure to reduce their environmental footprint.
Del Monte underscored many of the efforts it has already undertaken to reduce its carbon footprint.
These include streamlining its operations to maximize output and eliminate unnecessary emissions from facilities operating at less than full capacity; doubling its capital investment in production operations to add automation and other technologies for improved efficiency and reduced waste; investing in renewable energy; and cutting food waste.
Del Monte announced last year that its canned vegetable product was the industry’s first to be certified by the Upcycled Food Association under its new upcycled certification program.
Del Monte is pledging to reach its 2050 net-zero emissions goal by making changes on its own rather than purchasing carbon credits generated by other groups.
Mondelēz International has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 across its value chain by focusing on sustainable ingredient sourcing, adopting renewable energy and improving the efficiency of its distribution logistics, among other measures. Nestlé has set goals of halving its emissions by 2030 and reaching net-zero by 2050, while Mars strives to hit net-zero emissions by 2050, in part through shifts in its agricultural supply chain. Similar commitments have been made by Mexican food giant Grupo Bimbo and Unilever.