Whitworths Net Zero Strategy 2035–2050
Corporate Sustainability Commitment
Updated: 2025
1. Our Commitment
At Whitworths, our purpose is clear: Fuelling Health, Reducing Disease, One Bite at a Time. We recognise that achieving this purpose also means addressing one of the greatest health challenges of our generation — climate change.
We are committed to reaching Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions across our operations and supply chain by 2050 (or sooner), with near-term, science-based targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Our journey will be transparent, science-aligned, and collaborative — working with growers, processors, retailers, and partners across the dried fruit, nut, and seed value chain.
This updated strategy sets out our pathway to:
- Net Zero Scopes 1 & 2 by 2035
- Net Zero Scope 3 (value chain) by 2050
- Using 2018 as the baseline for Scopes 1 & 2, and 2025 for Scope 3
This revised strategy is grounded in what is realistic for our business, aligns with UK regulatory frameworks (SECR, ESOS, GHG Protocol), meets emerging retailer ESG expectations, and supports long-term resilience.
2. Our Emissions Boundary
Whitworths operates from a single UK manufacturing site in Irthlingborough, supported by inbound and outbound logistics and a global supply chain.
Scope 1 (Direct Emissions)
- Natural gas used in boilers and heating
- Diesel & LPG used in company-operated equipment
- Refrigerant leakage from cooling systems
Scope 2 (Indirect Electricity)
- Purchased electricity
- Reported using both:
- Location-Based: UK grid factor
- Market-Based: Our renewable electricity contract
Scope 3 (Selected Material Categories)
We include all Scope 3 categories that are material and measurable for our business:
- Purchased packaging (cardboard, plastics)
- Upstream transport – inbound, including international sea freight tonne-km
- Waste generated in operations
- Business travel (grey fleet)
- Downstream transport – outbound finished goods distribution
Other categories fall outside our operational influence or are immaterial.
3. Baseline Years
| Scope | Baseline Year | Rationale |
| Scope 1 | 2018 | First complete and reliable SECR dataset |
| Scope 2 | 2018 | Reliable electricity records; comparable across years |
| Scope 3 | 2025 | First year with robust data capture (tonne-km, packaging, waste, water, business travel) |
4. Our Targets & Phased Reduction Pathway
Whitworths will reduce emissions following a phased, realistic and measurable pathway aligned with our operational capacity and the strategy set out in Section 5.
4.1. Net Zero Scopes 1 & 2 by 2035
Target:
- 90–95% absolute reduction from the 2018 baseline by 2035
- Final 5–10% balanced through certified removals if necessary
Phased Reduction Pathway (Scopes 1 & 2)
| Phase | Year Range | Expected Reduction vs 2018 | Key Drivers |
| Phase 1 – Foundation | 2025–2028 | 10–15% reduction | Data quality, metering upgrades, refrigerant leakage control, equipment optimisation |
| Phase 2 – Decarbonisation | 2028–2032 | 30–45% reduction | Gas reduction projects, forklift electrification, compressor/boiler upgrades, lighting upgrades |
| Phase 3 – Final Transformation | 2032–2035 | 60–90% reduction | Low-carbon heat transition where feasible, full renewable electricity, final diesel phase-out |
By the end of 2035, total reductions will reach 90–95%, with final unavoidable emissions addressed via removals.
4.2. Net Zero Scope 3 by 2050
Target:
- 95%+ reduction in value-chain emissions by 2050
- All material categories included
Phased Reduction Pathway (Scope 3)
| Phase | Year Range | Expected Reduction vs 2025 Baseline | Key Drivers |
| Phase 1 – Measurement & Engagement | 2025–2030 | 10–20% reduction | Tonne-km visibility, packaging weights, supplier engagement, transport efficiency |
| Phase 2 – Supply Chain Decarbonisation | 2030–2040 | 30–60% reduction | Packaging redesign, supplier emissions reporting, waste reduction, modal shift |
| Phase 3 – Full Value Chain Alignment | 2040–2050 | 80–95% reduction | Low-carbon logistics network, circular packaging, supplier transformation |
Residual emissions will be neutralised with high-quality carbon removals.
5. Strategy Roadmap 2025–2050
2025–2028: Foundation Phase
Focus: Measurement, data integrity, systems
- Packaging weights confirmed and standardised
- Tonne-km implemented across inbound & outbound logistics
- Water and waste measurement improvements
- Refrigerant leak programme
- Annual carbon accounts established using our internal model
- Supplier data request programme launched
2028–2035: Decarbonisation Phase (Scopes 1 & 2)
Focus: Energy, efficiency, equipment
- Reduce gas demand through equipment upgrades
- Electrify internal vehicles where feasible
- Maintain renewable electricity procurement
- Upgrade air compressors, boilers and lighting
- Improve refrigeration efficiency
2035–2050: Value Chain Transformation Phase (Scope 3)
Focus: Suppliers, packaging, logistics
- Packaging redesign based on LCA insights
- Transport consolidation and modal shift
- Strategic supplier partnerships on emissions
- Waste reduction and circularity initiatives
6. Governance
Whitworths will operate a Sustainability Steering Group, comprising:
- Whitworths Leadership Board
- Group Improvement Manager
- H&S/Environmental Manager
- Operations Leadership
- Supply Chain (as required)
Quarterly reviews will ensure progress, risk assessment and data quality.
7. Reporting
We will publish:
- Annual SECR statements
- Internal Net Zero Progress Reports
- Retailer-specific ESG disclosures as required
8. Summary
This strategy reflects Whitworths’ scale, capability and operational reality. It provides a credible pathway to Net Zero by 2035 for Scopes 1 & 2, and 2050 for Scope 3, ensuring long-term responsibility, resilience and alignment with customer expectations.