Cranswick updates climate targets under SBTi FLAG framework
Cranswick plc has updated its science-based climate targets to align with the Science Based Targets initiative’s Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) guidance, extending its emissions reduction commitments through to net zero by 2050.
The company said the revised targets replace its previous near-term SBTi commitments established in 2021 and introduce new long-term goals covering Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions alongside dedicated FLAG emissions targets linked to agriculture and land use.
Under the updated framework, Cranswick has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2050, while also introducing separate reporting and reduction targets for emissions associated with forestry, agriculture and land management activities.
The FLAG framework requires companies operating within agriculture and forestry supply chains to distinguish land-related emissions from industrial and energy-related emissions, including impacts linked to deforestation, manure management and enteric fermentation.
Cranswick said the reporting changes do not alter its overall emissions totals but improve transparency by separately categorising FLAG emissions alongside conventional operational emissions such as fuel combustion and electricity use.
As part of its near-term commitments, the company aims to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by more than 68% by 2030 against a 2018 baseline, while targeting a 30% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2032.
The company has also introduced dedicated FLAG reduction targets, including a commitment to cut Scope 1 FLAG emissions by 36.4% by 2030 and Scope 3 FLAG emissions by the same level by 2032.
Cranswick additionally pledged to eliminate deforestation across its primary deforestation-linked commodities by the end of 2027, reflecting growing pressure on food producers to strengthen supply chain sustainability and land-use accountability.
Long-term targets include a 90% reduction in operational and value chain emissions by 2050, alongside a 72% reduction in FLAG emissions over the same timeframe.
The company said the revised targets have been formally approved by its ESG Committee and are aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement, with ongoing oversight provided by management and the board.
The move comes as agricultural producers and food companies face increasing scrutiny over land-use emissions, methane reduction and supply chain transparency as part of broader global decarbonisation efforts.
