Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions, Industrial, Sourcing Renewables  -  June 18, 2024

Hershey Updates Targets to Decrease Emissions

Hershey, a candy and snacks manufacturer, announced the company updated its 2030 science-based GHG emissions reduction targets against the latest standards.

"At Hershey, our business depends on ingredients grown around the world and the health of those ecosystems," said Rachel Grunberg, senior manager of environmental sustainability at The Hershey Company, in a statement. "We have a responsibility to reduce our carbon footprint to build resiliency for our business and the planet and are doing so with challenging goals aligned with best-in-class science to inform our strategy."

Hershey's goal to lower Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 50% by 2030 from a 2018 baseline was re-validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). To date, Hershey has achieved a 43% reduction against this target. 

The company has also set near-term Forest Land and Agriculture (FLAG) and non-FLAG targets. It is committed to reduce Scope 3 Forest Land and Agriculture (FLAG) emissions by 36% and non-FLAG emissions by 30% by 2030. 

Hershey implements a variety of programs and initiatives across its operations and its supply chain to reduce its footprint. 

To improve energy consumption and efficiency, Hershey has created a cross-functional team to oversee delivery of plant-level energy reduction targets. In 2023, Hershey sourced approximately 80% of electricity from renewable and zero-emission sources, an increase made through a combination of solar power purchase agreements, renewable energy credits, and zero emission credits and investments, including:

• Directly sourcing hydropower for facilities in Brazil and Canada
• Operational PPAs that delivered approximately 25% of U.S. electricity needs
• 100% renewable or zero-emission electricity for manufacturing facilities for confectionery in the U.S. and Canada and several of Hershey's salty brands

Preventing deforestation and conversion caused by changing land use is another important driver in lowering Scope 3 emissions. In 2023, Hershey accelerated its commitment by five years to achieve a deforestation and conversion-free supply chain for cocoa, palm oil, pulp and paper, and soy by December 31, 2025. 

Read These Related Articles:

• Hershey's Emissions Fall by 43%
• Hershey Achieves Reduction Across All Scopes
• Hershey sets goals to reduce environmental footprint by 2030
• Hershey aims to cut the carbon footprint of its chocolate with new Science-Based Target commitment
• Hasbro, Nike, Hershey top Newsweek's 2016 Green Rankings

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