Reducing our impact on nature – our aim for No-Deforestation
As announced in August last year, Woolworths Group has a new No-Deforestation target, for which we shared the supporting Policy document with the majority of suppliers in January. Deforestation is a key contributor to emissions, so this change reflects important progress in aiming for net zero. Working with farmers, suppliers, industry and government is crucial as we strive for a sustainable food industry for a better tomorrow.
This initiative aims to eliminate deforestation from key commodities for both own brand and vendor brand products including paper, pulp & timber; palm oil; cocoa; soy in stockfeed (with a priority focus on poultry within Supermarkets); and fresh beef with a target date of 31 December 2025 in production, not on shelf.
The Woolworths Group No-Deforestation policy and guidance is available on Partner Hub. We encourage all Trade Partners to review it and consider necessary actions to align. Woolworths will engage key Trade Partners in relevant categories in coming months to understand their current status and policy alignment plans. Please note, beef is not covered in the current policy, as we continue to consult with industry on an appropriate approach, which reflects our unique Australian context.
For paper, pulp & timber (PPT) in packaging, the policy covers both primary and secondary cardboard packaging, which is widely used by suppliers. Pleasingly, the packaging industry is mature, with the majority of domestic supply aligned with our requirements, including the widely used FSC and PEFC certifications. For many categories this will be the only relevant commodity.
This move extends Woolworths’ previous ‘net zero’ deforestation Own Brand target. While many Trade Partners already have similar commitments, Woolworths acknowledges that achieving no-deforestation may be more challenging for some suppliers and requires collective effort.
Trade Partners may be requested to provide updates on the status of any affected products they have, or new products coming to market. Consideration will be given to individual Trade Partners’ circumstances, particularly regarding existing assortments, where time or other adjustments may be reasonably necessary for ranges to transition.
Woolworths is committed to collaborating with suppliers and industry partners to achieve deforestation free supply chains. We will work with you to ensure a fair and supportive transition, especially for smaller Trade Partners.
Find further information on Woolworths’ sustainability in the 2024 Sustainability Report and Annual Report. For further questions, or to request an information session, contact [email protected].
We appreciate your partnership in this critical initiative and look forward to collaborating with you to build a more sustainable future.
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