September 23, 2020

Marfig Global Foods to reduce 43% of its greenhouse gas emissions by 2035

Paulo Pires, sustainability chief for Marfrig, said the Brazil-based company aims to reach a 43% reduction in direct emissions from its meatpacking process and energy consumption by 2035.

Marfig said the initiative was announced in response to its investors' demands. This makes the company the first Brazilian meat producer to join Science Based Targets, an international movement with 1,000 members that aims to set greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets.

The company also said it aims to reduce indirect emissions by 35% by 2035, including those from suppliers.

Pires said Marfig is promoting partnerships to encourage its farmers to utilise genetic improvement, increased productivity and reduced slaughter time, adding that these actions will result in lowe cattle methane gas emissions among other initiatives.

Pires said Marfig plans to launch a low-carbon meat by end-2020, with emissions compensations from crop-livestock integration.

Marfig launched its first carbon neutral meat line called Viva in August, following announced plans in July to have its entire production chain free from deforestation over the coming ten years.

The Brazilian beef industry has come on fire from environmentalists as Amazon rainforest land is cleared for cattle raising.

Climate Observatory, an environmental advocacy group said Brazil could produce up to 20% more greenhouse gas emissions this year because of farming and deforestation.

-      Reuters