Asda has set out its approach to delivering on its sustainability goals as it unveiled a new target to reduce branded and own-brand packaging by 20% by 2030.
During an ESG supplier conference on Wednesday, the grocer also unveiled a new natural resources strategy, focused on improving Asda’s impact on water, biodiversity, and soils in its operations and in the supply chain.
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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Asda also introduced new requirements for its 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 as suppliers 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.”
