Transparent Ingredient Labels
Albert Heijn Relays Climate Footprints via Product Ingredients
Debra John — December 18, 2024Albert Heijn, the largest supermarket retailer in the Netherlands, has committed to increasing transparency by sharing the climate footprints of product ingredients for "over 1,000 of its private-label food and drink items; this move is part of the company’s broader sustainability strategy, which aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050."
To assess these carbon footprints, Albert Heijn uses "specific data from its supply chains and production processes, as well as generic data, such as country or sector averages." By disclosing the CO₂ emissions at the ingredient level, the retailer provides consumers with a clearer understanding of the environmental impact of their purchases. Overall, this initiative is intended to support more environmentally conscious purchasing decisions.
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