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McCormick's Net-Zero Plan Backed by Science Based Targets Initiative
The flavor and seasons company plans to deliver across seven areas to achieve full decarbonization.
December 13, 2023
3 Min Read
McCormick using science-led company's plan to become Net Zero by 2050.Image courtesy of Ksenia Gromova / iStock / Getty Images Plus
McCormick & Co. announced that the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has approved its net-zero science-based target by 2050. McCormick is one of several companies leading the journey to net-zero.
"We are proud to have SBTi approve our 2050 net-zero target, but we also realize this is only the first step in a long journey. We have always operated with the mindset that creating a sustainable future is paramount to our continuing work to deliver industry-leading financial performance while doing what's right for people, communities, and the planet we share," said Michael Okoroafor, chief sustainability officer for McCormick & Co.
"Through purpose-led performance, our work to increase energy efficiency, create opportunities for regenerative agriculture in global farming communities, and strengthen engagement within our value chain will help us all achieve this collective global goal."
Science-based targets provide companies with a clearly-defined path to reduce emissions in line with the Paris Agreement goals. Today, more than 4,000 businesses around the world are working with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). And more than 500 companies have set net-zero targets through the SBTi’s Corporate Net-Zero Standard. Colgate and AstraZenica are just a couple of the companies.
In 2022, McCormick also had its near-term emission reduction targets approved by SBTi, a 42% absolute reduction across Scopes 1, 2, and 3 by 2030. To address Scope 3 emissions, which make up the largest proportion of the company's carbon footprint, McCormick is a cofounding member of the Supplier Leadership on Climate Transition (S-LOCT), a collaboration of more than 20 brands to support suppliers in reducing emissions.
Additional member brands of S-LOCT include The Coca-Cola Co., Estee Lauder, General Mills, Nestlé, Heineken, Keurig Dr Pepper, Mars, Post Holdings, Mondelēz International, PepsiCo, and more.
McCormick plans to deliver across the following seven areas to achieve full decarbonization:
Driving energy efficiencies through investment in green buildings, upgrading to high-efficiency equipment and electrifying operations, among others.
Transitioning to renewable energy in our global operations.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from waste through waste recovery and recycling.
Strengthening value chain engagement through industry-wide collaborations to support suppliers and customers in reducing their emissions.
Implementing regenerative agriculture initiatives which train smallholder farmers on soil health and climate-smart agriculture techniques.
Reducing our carbon footprint from packaging by supporting a circular plastics economy and reducing our use of virgin plastic.
Utilizing nature-based solutions for the small percentage of emissions which we are unable to eliminate, in line with SBTi guidelines.
While McCormick has set an ambitious net-zero agenda, it continues to explore partnerships within its supply chain to scale solutions and has called upon other organizations to join them.
"Because over 95% of McCormick's carbon footprint is from Scope 3 emissions, we realize that collaborating across the industry to share best practices and inviting other partners to join in on the journey to net-zero will help us achieve much more than we ever could alone," said Okoroafor. "If we accomplish our goals alone, we've failed, because this journey isn't just about us — it's about the global community. Through upstream value chain initiatives and purposeful engagement, we are working with our partners to support the industry's decarbonization."
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