Asda has unveiled a new target to reduce branded and own-brand packaging by 20% by 2030 as it sets out a fresh approach to delivering on its sustainability ambitions.
During its annual environmental, social and governance (ESG) supplier conference on Wednesday, the supermarket giant reaffirmed its commitment to working with suppliers to achieve its sustainability targets.
As well as setting out new aims to reduce packaging, Asda unveiled a new ambition on health as it looks to improve the sales-weighted health score of the products it sells year on year.
In addition, a new natural resources strategy was set out, focused on improving Asda’s impact on water, biodiversity, and soils in its operations and in the supply chain.
Speakers, which included Asda chief commercial officer Kris Comerford and VP commercial strategy and own brand and operations boss Sam Dickson reaffirmed the grocer’s commitment to net-zero operational carbon emissions by 2040 and set a science-based interim target.
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They also stood by Asda’s existing target to reduce operational food waste by 20% by 2025.
Attendees, which included over 700 of its supplier partners and growers, were introduced to new requirements for Asda’s highest impact suppliers – those responsible for supplying products accounting for around 80% of the retailer’s total carbon footprint – to engage with the EcoVadis data-sharing platform.
The globally recognised assessment platform rates businesses’ sustainability based on categories including environmental impact, labour, human rights standards, ethics, and procurement practices.
The supermarket said that by asking suppliers to engage and supply data, it will be able to better understand and integrate the ESG and carbon performances into the wider business.
To support this requirement, Asda has also committed to undertaking an EcoVadis assessment.
Comerford said: “We recognise that commercial decisions need to work in tandem with our ESG values, as there is no growth in the long term without an understanding of how we grow responsibly and sustainably.
“This conference is a starting point, and we are going to continue to engage our suppliers and growers on our plans and expectations for sustainable growth.”
