Tyson Foods on Wednesday announced its goal to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across all of its operations by 2050. The announcement coincides with the release of its FY2020 Sustainability Progress Report.
“At Tyson Foods, we believe progress requires accountability and transparency and we are proud to exemplify that as we work to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050,” Tyson Foods Chief Sustainability Officer John R. Tyson said in a press release. “As the first U.S.-based protein company in the food and beverage sector to have an emissions reduction target approved by the Science Based Targets initiative, we hope to continue to push the industry as a leader and remain committed to making a positive impact on our planet, with our team members, consumers and customers, and in the communities we serve.”
Tyson Foods has already announced its intention to achieve a 30 percent GHG emissions reduction by 2030. In order to achieve both goals, the company plans to include:
- Updating the baseline for emissions to align with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees C, consistent with the Paris Agreement, by the end of 2023.
- Establishing a pathway to using 50 percent renewable energy across its domestic operations by 2030.
- Completing initial land stewardship target of engaging two million feed acres and expanding the total acres by 2025, including a total target of 100 percent of feed purchased by 2030.
- Expanding the company’s current five million acre grazing lands target for sustainable beef production practices by 2025.
- Continuing work to eliminate deforestation risk throughout its global supply chain by 2030.
- Supporting climate action policies through advocacy groups such as the Net Zero Business Alliance.
“We believe what good food can do for people and the planet is powerful,” Tyson Foods President and Chief Executive Officer Donnie King said. “Our net zero ambition is another important step in our work toward realizing our aspiration to become the most transparent and sustainable food company in the world. Partnership and collaboration will be critical to our efforts, and we look forward to working with our customers, supply chain partners, and other stakeholders to achieve net zero.”
