Tesco has asked 400 of its biggest suppliers to join a new data sharing platform, which it claims will accelerate its journey to net zero.
It comes after the supermarket became the first UK retailer to sign up to Europe’s OpenClimat network, joining 15 major retail chains such as Carrefour, Auchan, E.Leclerc, Lidl, and Casino, as well as 300 manufacturers.
Tesco said its Climate Supplier Programme, in partnership with OpenClimat, would see it work “hand in hand” with suppliers representing 80% of its supply chain across the UK and ROI to reduce emissions across the Tesco and Booker businesses.
It said by streamlining climate data sharing, the programme would help build a clearer understanding of emissions while providing suppliers with tailored guidance, practical resources, and opportunities to work together to reduce carbon emissions and drive long-term progress.
Tesco has called on suppliers to complete a questionnaire and submit their data, before the engagement stage of the process begins in February next year.
In May Tesco said that despite reducing its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 68% – ahead of our 60% reduction target against a 2015/16 baseline – it needed a step-change in co-operation with suppliers in order achieve net zero by 2050, with 99% of emissions from the wider supply chain, referred to as Scope 3.
CEO Ken Murphy said at the time: “These are areas that no company can tackle alone. Addressing them will require shared responsibility across supply chains, government and the wider food industry — from calling for necessary regulatory change to supporting sustainable farming practices that can work at scale.
“This means a shift in how we think, act and collaborate, treating sustainability not just as the right thing to do, but as a business imperative. Most of all, the next phase of sustainability will require a partnership approach.”
Claire Lorains, group quality, and sustainability director at Tesco, said: “At Tesco, we know reaching net zero across our full value chain by 2050 will require collaboration with all our suppliers to drive emissions reduction.
“We’re pleased to be partnering with OpenClimat to help streamline emissions data sharing while strengthening collaboration and driving meaningful action.”
Elsa Chai, co-founder and ecosystem director at OpenClimat, said: “Manufacturers asked us to bring our collaborative model to the UK. Tesco has made it happen.
“Climate data should drive progress, not paperwork. We’re proud to be opening a new chapter in retailer-manufacturer collaboration to accelerate decarbonisation across the value chain.”
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