Mars has announced that its Royal Canin pet food brand is set to reach carbon neutral status by 2025.
The move comes as part of the brand’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions across its entire value chain by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement to limit worldwide temperature rises to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
It will make the transition in four areas of its operations, including ingredient procurement, renewable electricity, “climate-smart” management practices and a reduction in waste.
The company reportedly aims to procure sustainable ingredients by switching to low carbon-intensity ingredients such as soy, and supporting regenerative agricultural practices across its supply chain.
It will also increase its percentage of renewable energy sourcing from 72 per cent to 100 per cent in its operations, and will measure the carbon footprint of its international portfolio of products.
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The business added that senior executive compensation will be delivered in line with climate actions and successful emissions cuts.
It will also move to a mono-material plastic packaging by 2022 which will be recyclable “where the infrastructure exists”, alongside its commitment to integrate a higher volume of recycled content and reduce the amount of packaging material used.
The company said that it will invest in removals-based certified carbon credits for residual emissions which it fails to remove, in line with the SBTi Net Zero Foundations paper.
“We believe that making this bold carbon neutral commitment … will help us improve our environmental footprint and make a meaningful positive difference to pets, people and the planet,” Royal Canin president Loic Moutault said.
Royal Canin global sustainability director Fabrice Mathieu added: “We consider carbon neutrality a necessity for future generations, and it is our responsibility to contribute to this effort.
“We’re committed to taking action to reduce our footprint … together with partners across our value chain worldwide.”
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