Australian Food and Grocery Council supports net zero 2050 target

The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) supports the federal government’s commitment of net zero emissions by 2050 and will work with government to achieve this target and meaningful progress on emissions in the interim.

The AFGC is the peak industry body for Australia’s food and grocery manufacturers – businesses that have the critical role of providing food and everyday essentials for the nation. The long-term future of this industry is intrinsically linked to the land, water and agriculture, which are all exposed to the effects of a changing climate. The science of climate change is clear, as are the risks to our industry of inaction.  

Addressing climate change extends throughout the supply chain, including energy supply, and flows through to consumption. Our industry recognises it has a part to play in addressing emissions reduction and sustainability more broadly. Many member businesses have already made significant commitments and investments in reducing their emissions intensity, including: 

• Mondelez International has invested in the construction of solar farms at the Suttontown, South Australia factory where Philadelphia Cream Cheese is made, and the Scoresby, Victoria factory that makes confectionery favourites including Pascall, Sour Patch Kids and The Natural Confectionery Co. lollies. Mondelez has also switched to renewable energy at three Australian factories and reduced the carbon footprint of its five Australian plants by 80 per cent.
• Nestlé, which operates six manufacturing facilities in Australia producing brands including Nescafe, Milo and Uncle Tobys, has committed globally to halving its emissions by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050. As part of this, Nestlé is moving towards carbon neutral brands – every cup of Nespresso coffee will be carbon neutral by 2022 and KitKat has pledged to become carbon neutral by 2025. 
• Mars Australia has switched to 100 per cent renewable power for its six factories in Asquith, Ballarat, Bathurst, Wacol, Wodonga and Wyong and its two sales offices in Melbourne and Sydney. Globally Mars International has committed to net zero Scope 3 emissions – which includes its suppliers and agricultural inputs – by 2050. 
• The Arnott’s Group, maker of iconic Australian biscuits, has committed to achieving net zero emissions in operations by 2040 and across the value chain (Scope 3) by 2050. 
• Breakfast cereal and snack company Kellogg signed a seven-year agreement with a solar farm in 2019 to offset all the energy used at its Botany, NSW factory and Australia and New Zealand head offices. 
• And Mars, Kellogg and Manildra Group are working with industry, scientists and grain growers on the Cool Soil Initiative, a project examining how crop management can increase soil carbon and reduce on-farm greenhouse gas emissions. 

The industry is also acting to reduce food waste and to build a circular economy for packaging in Australia, with the AFGC leading the development of the National Plastics Recycling Scheme (NPRS).

The AFGC believes that responding to climate change and taking meaningful action on emissions reduction is in Australia’s national interest. Our global peers and competitors are positioning themselves for a low-carbon future with action to reduce emissions and climate impact. Action to meet our climate commitments will ensure Australia maintains its prosperity in that future.