The Carbon Trust is replacing carbon neutral labels for four new labels that focus on emission reduction and comparisons of products carbon footprints.
As reported by the Grocer, Carbon Trust director John Newton said consumers and businesses were demanding “more rigorous requirements and detail” when it came to making carbon claims. Understanding of the term carbon neutral varied, he added, so focusing on carbon reductions was “simpler.”
One of the labels is for products that are reducing emissions according to the company’s science-based net zero targets. Another shows how product emissions have been reduced from a specific year.
Two of the labels show product carbon footprint compared to similar products in the same market.
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The news follows food and drink companies scrapping offsets to claim carbon neutrality. In June of this year, Nestlé withdrew its existing sustainability pledges to make certain brands – including KitKat and Nespresso coffee – ‘carbon neutral’ and will be stopping using carbon offsets.
Euromonitor global head of sustainability insights Maria Coronado Robles said “focusing more on emissions reductions makes total sense,” as research found consumers are confused by carbon neutral claims.
The number of stock keeping units with carbon neutral label or reduced carbon claims increased almost 80% across dairy products and alternatives from 2021 to 2023, and almost 89% in staple foods in the same period. However, interest was “slowing”, she added.
