Poultry giant Moy Park will reduce its Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 30% on 2019 levels by 2030 as part of a commitment to become a net zero business by 2040.
The Northern Ireland-based processor’s net zero commitment, which has been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative, will also see it work with the Carbon Trust to devise a plan to reduce Scope 3 emissions within its own supply chain.
To accomplish its net zero goal by 2040, Moy Park will also invest in emission-reduction projects across its facilities; invest in R&D projects to assist producer efforts to strengthen and scale regenerative farming practices; switch to 100% renewable electricity across its facilities by 2025, and reduce water use intensity by 15% by 2030 (against a 2019 baseline).
The supplier described its net zero plan as a “significant step forward” and “the most progressive commitment of its kind in the sector”.
Moy Park and other major poultry processors were named in a Greenpeace report last year which called for increased traceability in the feed supply chains of poultry businesses, amid claims they could be indirectly fuelling deforestation.
But in response, Moy Park said it solely sourced soy from “reputable international suppliers and certified schemes”, while the business secured a globally recognised certification for soyabean traceability in August via the Chain of Custody standard from the Round Table on Responsible Soya Association.
That certification ensured Moy Park was the first UK company to receive the CoC standard, which certifies that soy has been produced in an environmentally appropriate, socially conscious and economically viable way, free from deforestation and conversion.
“Our journey to net zero began over a decade to go and we continue with earnest to build on our planned innovations and strategies in our key areas of emissions, energy, water, biodiversity and waste, to grow food sustainably and minimise our environmental impact,” said Kirsty Wilkins, HR & performance director for Moy Park.
“Having our net zero targets certified by the Science Based Targets initiative means we can successfully convert ambition into action and help protect our communities and the environment for generations to come. We are collaborating closely with stakeholders right across the food supply chain to enact improved practices and reduce emissions, collectively driving change to make a meaningful difference.”
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