UK-based supermarket chain Tesco has announced a commitment to reaching net-zero emissions across its supply chain by 2050 as part of its efforts to help tackle the climate crisis.

The target covers all emissions generated across the retailer’s value chain, from the sourcing of raw materials and food production to the use of its products, including food waste and customers’ dietary choices.

The retailer has also said it will aim to achieve net-zero emissions across Tesco Group operations by 2035.

Tesco Group CEO Ken Murphy said: “In this critical year for tackling climate change, it’s right that we set out this ambitious commitment to cut emissions across our entire value chain.

“We don’t yet have all the answers and we’ll need support from our suppliers and wider society to meet our targets, but it’s vital we take action now.

“Building on the good progress we’ve made in cutting emissions in our own operations, we’re also setting out a Group-wide net-zero target of 2035.

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“These new commitments will bring an unprecedented level of transparency to our emissions footprint and will allow us to identify and tackle those areas where urgent transformational change is needed.”

Tesco said that emissions from its products and supply chain represented more than 90% of its total carbon footprint.

Of the company’s major suppliers, 100 have so far cut their manufacturing emissions by 20%.

Tesco chief product officer Ashwin Prasad said: “Emissions from our supply chains and the use of our products account for most of our emissions.

“It’s vital we continue the good work in our own operations but also drive collective action with our suppliers to achieve these new commitments.”

In April, Tesco announced plans to launch a voluntary sustainability-linked supply chain finance programme.

Under the programme, sustainability consultant Anthesis will independently evaluate and verify data provided by Tesco’s suppliers concerning their annual greenhouse gas emissions.