AAK works with Improvin’ to measure the full climate impact of rapeseed.

See the original news article on AAK’s website

[AAK, 19th of May]
As part of our Science Based Target reduction journey we are now implementing a new tool to measure the full impact of rapeseed.

During 2022 AAK has prepared for setting Science Based targets for our Scope 3 emissions (including new guidelines on Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) related emissions. While we are waiting to submit our targets, in line with the 1.5 degree global warming scenario, we are taking steps in decreasing AAK’s emissions in the rapeseed oil supply chain - our second biggest contributor to FLAG emissions - by implementing a climate performance platform.

We will use the platform to engage with our network of suppliers to measure and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of the rapeseed they source. In addition, we will invite other suppliers and customers to join us to produce food more sustainably.

“We must start by understanding where we stand today. With this climate performance platform, we can calculate the emissions for the rapeseed we source and simultaneously start building emission reduction initiatives with our suppliers. We have ambitious goals for reducing our climate impact, and this platform gives us tools to accelerate towards them”, says Laura Schlebes, Global Sustainability Program Manager.

Most of AAK’s rapeseed emissions are Scope 3 emissions that occur in primary production when the crops are grown. These emissions vary considerably depending on, for example, geographic area and climate, crop yield, soil health, farming practices, and machinery.

Measuring and reducing Scope 3 emissions requires field-level primary data that is collected and consolidated in a scalable way. The process calls for close cooperation.

“We hope to engage our suppliers and customers in gathering and sharing emission data via our platform. Driving real impact from plant to product requires collaboration across the supply chain. Together, we can raise the food industry’s sustainability standard, " Laura continues.

The climate performance platform connects sustainability with field-grown commodities and provides verified emission data for the whole food chain: growers, mills, processors, and food brands.

“The industry is changing rapidly, especially in Europe: we see an increasing demand from our European customers for low-emission rapeseed and sustainability data. To communicate our climate footprint and show the progress we’ve made, we need to, together with our suppliers, track our emissions using reliable primary data”, Laura concludes.

AAK will implement the platform, developed by the Swedish technology company Improvin’, starting in the Nordics.