Carbon labels on food could be part of plan to decarbonise retail

Retailers could put carbon labels on their products declaring their environmental impact as 20 businesses pledged to cut their emissions.

Amazon, Morrisons and Marks & Spencer are among a group of 20 businesses who have teamed up to develop a decarbonisation “road map” to help the industry meet its commitments under the Government’s target of net-zero by 2050.

No details have yet been agreed, but the Telegraph understands that carbon labels, similar to those used for nutritional information like salt and fat content, will be considered.

In January, vegetarian food maker Quorn announced it would include carbon labels on some of its products this summer and its entire range by next year.

The firms will also look at ways to cut down the environmental impact of home delivery services, which could include using more electric vehicles or drones.

Peter Andrews, head of sustainability policy at the British Retail Consortium (BRC), a trade body, said: “Climate change remains one of the biggest threats to the planet. As we start to recover from the coronavirus pandemic there is no better opportunity to build a greener more sustainable world.

“Retailers, suppliers and customers all have their part to play in reducing their carbon emissions. This roadmap will be the first step towards a better, more sustainable future. It will then be up to wider industry and Government to implement the recommendations it set out.”

The declaration stated that the retailers are “uniquely placed” to help combat climate change.

The firms will focus on three areas: cutting emissions in shops and distribution centres, supply chains and helping customers to cut their own carbon footprint through the products they buy.

A spokesman for Morrisons said: "We have a strong track record of reducing our carbon emissions over many years.

“Being part of this leading group recognises that urgent, wider and collaborative action is required across the sector, through our supply chains and working closely with Government."

Among the other firms to have signed the pledge are Aldi, Costa Coffee, Boots, Ikea, Ocado and WH Smith.

The final plan will be published in the run up to the UN climate change conference in Glasgow in November next year.