Morrisons aims for value chain net zero emissions by 2050 with new SBTi targets

UK supermarket chain Morrisons has delayed its net zero goal from 2035 to 2050 but expanded it from operational emissions to its full value chain.

The new targets, validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) include reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 80%, Scope 3 energy and industrial emissions by 40% and Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) emissions by 48.5% by 2035.

To support its new FLAG emissions goal, Morrisons has also committed to no deforestation across its primary deforestation-linked commodities by December 31, 2025. Morrisons was one of nine UK supermarkets to urge the government not to further delay corporate due diligence mandates around deforestation in July 2025.

Net zero target and ‘a clear roadmap’

By 2050, the company aims to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain by reducing Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 90% and FLAG emissions by 72% – all from a 2019 base year.

Morrisons Head of Sustainability Andrew Edlin commented: “We are taking upstream and downstream emissions of our operations into account including emissions created in making products, in our stores, transport systems and then end of life emissions too. Additional targets for forest, land and agriculture (FLAG) emissions reflect the importance of land-use and agricultural impacts across the business. 

“Independent approval gives us a clear roadmap to achieve meaningful, measurable reductions. We also recognise that industry-wide collaboration will be essential in achieving these goals and we are committed to working in partnership to deliver them.”

Morrisons reduced absolute emissions by 22% since 2019

Morrisons first set climate targets in 2021, at the time aiming for net zero operational emissions by 2035 and a 30% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2030.

In its 2023-24 sustainability report, the company states that it has reduced total carbon emissions by 22% from its 2019 baseline year, including a 21% cut in Scope 3 emissions and a 26.75% reduction in operational emissions. However, Morrisons did not disclose the full amount of Scope 3 emission (around 98% of its footprint) in its latest sustainability report, arguing that these are measured every two years.