Canada's Loblaw aims for net-zero carbon emissions by 2040

In 2016, Loblaw committed to a 30-per cent reduction in corporate carbon emissions by 2030. It achieved the target in 2020, with advancements in energy management, equipment conversions, and through addressing refrigerant leaks.

“Climate change is one of the biggest issues of our time,” said Galen G Weston, chairman and president, Loblaw Companies Limited. “We are committed to doing our part, extending our past progress by setting an ambitious net-zero target.”

Founded on a long-standing corporate social responsibility program, Loblaw has a growing record of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance. It is committed to fighting climate change, taking action on carbon emissions, plastic waste and food waste, and it has impactful social commitments to deliver workforce diversity, equity and inclusion and nation-leading support for childhood hunger and women’s access to care, the company said in a press release.

In the quarter, Loblaw continued its efforts to make a positive impact in the communities in which it operates. The company demonstrated leadership on tackling plastic waste with the introduction of new sustainable packaging standards to all control-brand suppliers, supporting Loblaw’s commitment that all control-brand packaging will be recyclable or reusable by 2025. These standards align with the Golden Design Rules for packaging, established by global Consumer Goods Forum Plastic Waste Coalition of Action.

Loblaw completed annual charitable activities donating and raising more than $90 million in support for community organisations, through the corporate and store activities, supported by colleagues, suppliers and customers. It mobilised an immediate response to support citizens affected by flooding in British Columbia. The company matched in-store donations totalling $390,000 for the Canadian Red Cross, supplemented by in-kind items donated in-kind, the release added.