ZAANDAM, THE NETHERLANDS - In the name of sustainability, Ahold Delhaize is updating its goals when it comes to carbon emissions reductions. The retailer recently announced the shift of its interim CO₂ emissions reduction target for its entire value chain (scope 3) to at least 37 percent by 2030, setting its sights on becoming net-zero by 2050.

“As a group of mainstream supermarkets and retailers, we want to provide customers with sustainable and healthy products, while keeping shelf availability and affordability top of mind,” Jan Ernst de Groot, Chief Sustainability Officer of Ahold Delhaize, shared. “Our commitment is to future generations, to continue to play a leading role in the transition to a more sustainable food system. We are proud of front-runners like Albert Heijn, who inspire other brands within the Ahold Delhaize group—and the sector—to take sustainability performance to the next level in their market.”

The updated interim target is aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative’s Net-Zero Standard. In accordance with the recommendation by the Science Based Targets initiative, Ahold Delhaize is using its latest available emission profile from 2020 as a baseline for its 37 percent 2030 reduction target, updated from a 2018 baseline before. For its own operations (scope 1 and 2), the company remains committed to becoming net-zero by 2040 with an interim target of a 50 percent reduction by 2030.

With this updated scope 3 interim target, noted the release, Ahold Delhaize aims to achieve the decarbonization of its entire value chain and ensures that all of its climate targets are in line with the United Nations’ goal of keeping global warming below 1.5° C.

As a result of this new target, the Ahold Delhaize climate plan has been updated and is available on the corporate website.

For more details, click here for the press release.

AndNowUKnow will continue to provide the latest updates on Ahold and other retailers across the sector as they announce sustainability strategies.

Ahold Delhaize