Pukka Herbs aim for carbon neutrality in botanical-based supplement production

The Bristol-based company, which also specialise in organic herbal teas, join Danone, Nestlé and Innocent Drinks in signing up to the targets set by Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Specifically, Pukka have committed to reducing ‘Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions 100% by 2030 from a 2017 base-year’.  ​

“Pukka Herbs also commits to reduce Scope 3 GHG emissions from crop to cup 50% per million units of products by 2030 from a 2017 base-year,”​ the SBTi stated.

“We have joined in the fight against climate change by becoming only the 13th company in the UK to have our climate goal - to be zero carbon by 2030,”​ said Pukka’s co-founder and master herbsmith Sebastian Pole.

“Keeping temperature rises to within 1.5°C demands serious commitment and bold action. Businesses have a responsibility to act as a force for good and now.”​

Companies large & small can all work to help the world achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. We’re thrilled to have @Pukkaherbs on board as the UK’s smallest firm to set a target. #ScienceBasedTargetshttps://t.co/Pm8BKgCsCe

— ScienceBasedTargets (@sciencetargets) November 15, 2018

Scope 1,2 and 3 GHG emissions​

Pukka has now set targets committed to reducing direct (scope 1) and indirect (scope 2) greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to be zero carbon in our buildings and vehicles by 2030.

The firm are also committed to reducing indirect scope 3 emission in our value chain (emissions out of a company’s direct control) by 50% from a 2017 baseline.

Pukka also estimated that 25% of Pukka’s carbon footprint was in the growing of its herbs and packaging production.

It has set out a number of ways in which the company are trying to combat its emissions, which include the use of organic farming methods that store more carbon in soils as well as working with its herb growers to encourage low carbon farming techniques.

Unilever come calling ​

Founded in 2001 by Tim Westwell and herbalist, Sebastian Pole, the organisation now has a turnover of around €40.4m (£36m).

Its ethical stance, which committed to 100% organic, “fair for life”​ Fairtrade and FairWild recognition for wild collected herbs, came under scrutiny last year as its co-founders handed over the reins to Unilever.

“Choosing Unilever came down to two fundamentals: scale and sustainability. It is a leader in social and environmental change and it wholeheartedly embraces Pukka’s beliefs,”​ said Pole as Pukka joined T2, PG Tips and Pure Leaf in the corporation’s portfolio of beverage brands.

“So, there’s a meeting of values. Pukka will remain 100% organic and a champion for fair-trading through pioneering schemes like Fair for Life, and continue to donate 1% of its sales to global environmental charities. With Unilever, we have new levels of reach and opportunity.”​