Big news from the supermarket aisle! After pressure from Greenpeace supporters, Woolworths is stepping up its game with a major commitment to go deforestation-free by 2025. Will Coles match Woolies’s commitment?
Woolworths takes important step
Woolworths has pledging to source only deforestation-free products in its supermarkets. This commitment aligns with the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), which aims to match corporate goals with the Paris Agreement’s climate targets.
The new commitment from Woolworths reflects an overdue industry shift towards more sustainable practices, as they aim to eliminate deforestation from their supply chain by 2025.
ALDI Raises the Bar
Woolworths is following in the footsteps of ALDI, which set a high standard earlier this year by pledging to be “conversion-free”—meaning they will avoid the destruction of all ecosystems, not just forests.
“Australia’s deforestation rates are among the highest in the world. Each year, about 100 million native animals are killed, and climate change is exacerbated. Much of this destruction is driven by clearing land for beef cattle.”
– Gemma Plesman, Senior Campaigner
Woolworths, as one of the largest beef buyers in the country, has a significant role to play in reversing this trend. Their new commitment is a step in the right direction, but the real work begins now.
Their deforestation-free commitment must be followed by a solid implementation plan. Plesman explains:
“To make a real difference, Woolworths needs to trace livestock and agricultural products from farms all the way to the supermarket shelves.”
Coles: The Odd One Out
Whilst Woolworths and ALDI make much needed progress in going deforestation-free, Coles lags behind.
With Aldi leading the charge and Woolworths catching up, Coles now stands as the only major Australian supermarket without a robust deforestation-free policy.
This creates a clear choice for consumers who are increasingly concerned about environmental impact.
“Consumers now have a choice at the checkout. Coles’ current stance doesn’t measure up to the efforts of its competitors. For nature protection, Coles is getting a thumbs down.”
– Gemma Plesman
What’s next?
We’re lobbying Australia’s major beef buyers to get deforestation out of their supply chains, and commit to sourcing only deforestation-free beef.
With Woolworths setting a new benchmark, the spotlight is on other retailers like Coles to follow suit.
Send an email now to Coles and other beef buyers lagging behind on their deforestation-free commitments.