Lactalis Group Achieves SBTi Validation for Net-Zero Targets

Oct 18 2024
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Lactalis Ingredients, a division of the global dairy leader Lactalis Group, proudly announces the validation of the Group’s ambitious climate targets by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This significant achievement marks a crucial step towards the Group’s commitment to achieving carbon net-zero by 2050. The SBTi validation underscores Lactalis Group’s dedication to mitigating climate change and aligns its efforts with the latest climate science requirements to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.

 

The Importance of SBTi Validation

The SBTi is an independent organization that provides companies with a clear pathway to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. By setting science-based targets, companies can ensure their efforts are in line with what is necessary to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. For Lactalis Group, having its targets validated by the SBTi means that its climate goals are not only ambitious but also credible and scientifically grounded.

 

Lactalis Group’s Net-Zero Commitment

Lactalis Group’s journey towards carbon net-zero is driven by a comprehensive strategy that addresses emissions across its entire value chain. The Group has committed to reducing emissions in scopes 1, 2, and 3, which encompass direct emissions from owned or controlled sources, indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, and all other indirect emissions that occur in the value chain.

 

 

Scope 1 and 2 Emissions

Between 2019 and 2023, Lactalis Group achieved a 10.3% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions. These reductions were primarily driven by improvements in operational efficiency, transitioning to less carbon-intensive energy sources, and promoting the use of renewable energy. The Group aims to further reduce its scope 1 and 2 absolute emissions by 46.2% by 2030 from a 2019 base year.

 

Scope 3 Emissions

Scope 3 emissions, which account for the majority of Lactalis Group’s carbon footprint, are being addressed through a variety of initiatives. These include enhancing supplier engagement, building specific roadmap for our milk supply, and assessing our partnering farms. The Group has set a target to reduce its scope 3 FLAG (Forest, Land, and Agriculture) emissions by 30.3% by 2030 from a 2021 base year. Additionally, Lactalis Group is committed to ensuring that 73.8% of its suppliers and customers, by emissions, have science-based targets by 2028.

 

Key Actions and Intermediate Commitments

To guide its progress towards net-zero, Lactalis Group has outlined four intermediate commitments, each supported by concrete action plans:

  1. End Deforestation by 2025: Lactalis Group is working to eliminate deforestation across its value chain, recognizing the critical role that forests play in sequestering carbon and maintaining biodiversity.
  2. Reduce Scope 1 and 2 Emissions by 2030: The Group is focused on improving operational efficiency, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and modernizing its fleet to reduce emissions from transport activities.
  3. Reduce Scope 3 FLAG Emissions by 2030: Lactalis Group is implementing specific climate roadmaps for its milk supply, conducting on-farm audits, and training dairy technicians to reduce emissions at the farm level.
  4. Raise Supplier Awareness and Collaboration: The Group is enhancing its engagement with suppliers through support pathways, in-house training, and collaborative projects to decarbonize the value chain.

 

 

The Role of Carbon Removals

Achieving carbon net-zero by 2050 will require not only reducing emissions but also neutralizing the remaining GHG emissions that cannot be eliminated. Lactalis Group recognizes the potential of carbon removals through land-intensive activities and is committed to developing strategies to sequester carbon in biomass and soils.

 

A Sustainable Future

Lactalis Group’s validated targets by the SBTi represent a significant step forward in its sustainability journey. By aligning its efforts with the latest climate science, the Group is paving the way for a more sustainable future. Through its comprehensive strategy and ambitious commitments, Lactalis Group is demonstrating leadership in the dairy industry and contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.

Lactalis Ingredients, as part of Lactalis Group, contributes to achieving these targets. Between 2019 and 2023, we achieved a 17.3% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions. To learn more about our actions to reduce our carbon footprint, read our latest CSR report.

For more information on Lactalis Group’s sustainability initiatives and progress, explore their detailed brochure on the journey towards carbon net-zero.

 

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