Science Based Targets Initiative validates Premium Food Group’s climate goals
The globally recognised Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) has officially validated Premium Food Group’s (PFG) climate targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. In line with scientific recommendations and the Paris Agreement, the food producer is committed to significantly cutting both direct and indirect emissions of methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide by the end of the decade.
The validation follows a comprehensive review of emissions data across the entire corporate group and its supply chains. Progress is already evident: in 2021, the company’s total greenhouse gas emissions were 17.6% higher than in 2023. “The SBTi validation is a major milestone that underscores our commitment to a sustainable and responsible food system,” says Dr Gereon Schulze Althoff, Chief Sustainability Officer at Premium Food Group. “My sincere thanks go to our sustainability team and colleagues across our business divisions who have contributed to this achievement. Now, we must continue reducing emissions wherever possible.”
A number of measures have already delivered positive results, including reducing the use of soy in animal feed and, as of late 2023, switching to soy sourced exclusively from deforestation-free supply chains. Additionally, the adoption of renewable energy is proving highly effective. Scope 1 and 2 emissions—which include sources such as natural gas, other fuels, refrigerants, and company-owned vehicles — will be reduced by 42% by 2030. Because the food manufacturer in Germany now covers a fifth of its electricity requirements from hydropower, Scope 2 emissions have already been reduced by 20%.
The SBTi framework categorises emissions into three scopes: 1, 2, and 3. Scope 3 poses the greatest challenge for Premium Food Group, as it includes all indirect emissions across the company’s value chain. Of the 10.8 million tonnes of greenhouse gases attributed to the company in 2023, 91% came from agriculture—an area that also offers significant opportunities for further reductions. In 2021, the company’s total emissions stood at 12.7 million tonnes.
Premium Food Group publishes its emissions data transparently on its website every year: https://premiumfoodgroup.de/
Background
To develop long-term strategies and effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions, businesses need a detailed understanding of where their emissions come from and the scale of their impact. This knowledge is key to driving further reductions. Moreover, a robust data foundation helps to identify both in-house opportunities for improvement and external factors that contribute to emissions. Agriculture remains the most significant factor, as it supplies the majority of Premium Food Group’s raw materials.
The company is supported by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), a partnership between the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the World Resources Institute (WRI), and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). Their shared goal is to help businesses set science-based emissions reduction targets (Science-Based Targets, SBTs). These targets align with scientific research on what is required to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, ideally 1.5°C, as outlined in the Paris Agreement.
The attached photo features (from left to right) Christian Bader, Group Manager Corporate Responsibility, Dr Gereon Schulze Althoff, Chief Sustainability Officer at Premium Food Group, and Susanne Lewecke, Head of Environmental and Energy Management.
