The landscape of British retail sustainability reached a pivotal milestone on January 1, 2026, as Morrisons officially expanded its net-zero strategy to encompass its entire global supply chain. This strategic shift moves the supermarket’s primary climate focus beyond its own storefronts and warehouses, directly targeting the “Scope 3” emissions that originate from farms, factories, and logistics providers.
While the grocer has adjusted its ultimate net-zero deadline to 2050 to align with the full value chain, the move is being framed as a “deepening” rather than a delay, as it brings approximately 98% of the company’s total carbon footprint into a legally validated reduction pathway.
A Data-Driven Pivot to Scope 3
Until recently, Morrisons—like many major retailers—focused heavily on Scope 1 and 2 emissions (direct energy use). However, the new roadmap, validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), acknowledges that the real climate battle for food retailers lies in the “embedded carbon” of the products themselves.
- Upstream Accountability: The strategy now requires thousands of suppliers to provide granular data on carbon intensity, from the fertiliser used on potato farms to the methane output of livestock.
- The “FLAG” Focus: In a first for the brand, Morrisons has set specific Forest, Land, and Agriculture (FLAG) targets, committing to a 72% reduction in land-related emissions by 2050.
- Deforestation Deadline: As of today, the company is officially operating under its new “Zero Deforestation” mandate for primary commodities, including soy, palm oil, and timber.
From Farm to Shelf: The 2035 Interim Targets
To avoid the pitfalls of long-term “aspiration,” the 2026 strategy is anchored by aggressive interim goals to be achieved within the next decade.
| Target Category | 2035 Goal (vs. 2019 baseline) | Status as of Jan 2026 |
| Direct Operations (Scope 1 & 2) | 80% Reduction | 27% Achieved |
| Supply Chain (Scope 3 Energy) | 40% Reduction | 21% Achieved |
| Agriculture & Land (FLAG) | 48.5% Reduction | Initial Implementation |
| Total Carbon Footprint | Accelerated Trajectory | 22% Overall Reduction |
Strategic Collaboration with British Farming
Morrisons remains the single largest direct customer of British farming, a position it is leveraging to drive the transition. Through its Sustainable Farm Network, the retailer is providing technical support and “carbon-neutral” incentives to approximately 3,000 farmers.
“This is not just about changing our lightbulbs; it’s about changing how food is grown,” stated Andrew Edlin, Head of Sustainability at Morrisons. The company expects eggs to be the first product category to reach verified net-zero status across the board this year, followed closely by lamb and fruit.
Critics and Competition: The 2050 Realignment
The decision to move the final net-zero goal from 2035 to 2050 has drawn mixed reactions. While environmental groups praise the inclusion of the supply chain, some market analysts view it as a concession to the immense complexity of agricultural decarbonization.
The move places Morrisons in direct alignment with the UK Government’s 2050 mandate, but it risks a perception gap as competitors like Tesco and Sainsbury’s continue to race toward earlier individual milestones. However, Morrisons argues that a 2050 goal that includes 98% of emissions is more scientifically honest than a 2035 goal that only includes 2%.
Hilmore House, Hq’s of Morrison’s Picture by John Illingworth
