23 May 2025

FLAG targets approved by SBTi – decarbonisation in cultivation 

The FLAG targets relate to those parts of the company’s Scope 3** emissions that are related to agriculture and land-use – and are therefore not part of the emissions from production in the factories (Scope 1 and 2**).

Responsibility along the value chain 

As a mandatory part of the SBTi commitment, the FLAG targets complement the company’s existing decarbonisation targets. Nordzucker is therefore taking responsibility together with its customers and other companies in the food industry and taking measures to reduce emissions from agriculture and land-use. With the FLAG targets, Nordzucker has committed to reducing emissions from cultivation by 36 per cent by 2030 compared to the base year 2018. They are therefore a central component of the company’s sustainability strategy; and achieving them is an essential step towards meeting customer sustainability requirements. 

Cooperation for practical solutions

To achieve the now validated FLAG targets, Nordzucker will work closely with farmers, suppliers of agricultural inputs and other partners such as research institutions to find practical solutions. This work has already begun with the pilot project with Yara on mineral fertilisers, which will reduce the carbon footprint of sugar beet cultivation. Other   projects include the use of CO₂-reduced potash fertilisers and harvest vehicles powered by diesel substitutes made from hydrogenated vegetable oils (HVO). 

The FLAG targets for agricultural operations are a crucial step in climate protection, as emissions related to land-use, agriculture and forestry account for almost a quarter of total global greenhouse gas emissions. Together with its partners in the value chain, Nordzucker is committed to achieving its decarbonisation targets in cultivation through various projects.

*Forest (forestry), Land (land use) and Agriculture (agriculture) 

**Scope 1 includes direct greenhouse gas emissions from sources owned or controlled by the company. 

Scope 2 covers the consumption of purchased electricity, heat and steam for operational use. 

Scope 3 is a reporting category that allows for the treatment of all other indirect emissions. Scope 3 emissions are a consequence of the company’s activities but arise from sources that are not owned or controlled by the company. 

Read more about the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) here