Pick n Pay expands commitment to carbon emission reduction with WWF SA’s support

SOUTH AFRICA – Pick n Pay, one of South Africa’s leading retail giants, has partnered with WWF South Africa to intensify its efforts to reduce carbon emissions aiming at achieve its sustainability and environmental responsibility.

The collaboration aims to tackle various environmental challenges, extending well beyond their initial focus on fisheries improvement projects, which began in 2006.

This partnership marks a transformative journey for Pick n Pay, encompassing a wider range of the food system.

The main objective is to tackle Scope 3 emissions and set Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) across Pick n Pay’s vast supply chain, while also developing strategies to minimize food waste.

According to Vaughan Pierce, Executive of ESG at Pick n Pay, suppliers play a pivotal role in this initiative, and engagement with suppliers is crucial to effectively manage water and climate-related risks.

“By partnering with WWF South Africa, Pick n Pay is committed to empowering its suppliers to navigate water-related risks and implement improved food loss and waste measurement techniques,” he said.

“Together, we embark on a collective journey to curtail carbon emissions within SBTi. This collaboration, in the long term, aims to utilize the collective strengths of the Pick n Pay Group and WWF to minimize negative environmental impacts throughout the production and consumption processes.”

He added that this includes environmental impact reduction within the agricultural supply chain and minimizing food loss and waste, particularly for products such as palm oil.

One of the ambitious targets set by Pick n Pay is to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030.

Currently, the retailer reports a 28% reduction in food waste. In line with their commitment to sustainability, Pick n Pay is already actively working towards reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions targets.

This includes implementing an energy resilience plan, adopting renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and utilizing natural refrigeration technologies.

In addition to these efforts, Pick n Pay’s partnership with WWF South Africa will extend beyond their initial focus on fisheries.

The collaboration will build upon ongoing marine conservation projects within the Marine Programme and explore additional avenues to create a more sustainable future.

Justin Smith, Head of Business Development at WWF South Africa, emphasizes the role of corporate engagement in transforming markets and promoting sector-wide shifts towards sustainable development.

“We’re excited to work with Pick n Pay and their suppliers to make this a reality,” Smith stated.

“By renewing its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility through its partnership with WWF South Africa, Pick n Pay aims to play a pivotal role in addressing climate change and environmental concerns.”