The report examines the carbon emissions and attitudes towards climate action in the wholesale sector. It was launched alongside the UK Wholesale Sector Net Zero Roadmap, which was developed in collaboration with FWD (Federation of Wholesale Distributors) and unveiled at the FWD conference on June 29.
After nine months of work, this project highlights the efforts made by the Scottish wholesale sector to address the challenges posed by climate change. The sector is aligning with the UK-wide goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2040.
The UK Wholesale Sector Net Zero Roadmap consists of three key elements. First, it calculates the carbon emissions generated by the wholesale sector. Second, it provides a bespoke carbon calculator tool that is available to all SWA and FWD members, enabling them to assess their own emissions. Lastly, it offers a comprehensive step-by-step climate action guide to support wholesalers in reducing their carbon footprint and ultimately reaching net-zero targets.
The report reveals that in 2021, the UK wholesale value chain (including manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and foodservice outlets) was accountable for emitting 18 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents. However, wholesalers directly contribute to only around 4% of these emissions (known as Scope 1 & 2 emissions), with the majority originating upstream from manufacturers and suppliers (Scope 3 emissions). This emphasizes the critical need for collaboration across the entire food and drink supply chain to reduce climate change emissions.
The ‘Decarbonising the Scottish Wholesale Sector’ report highlights the carbon emissions specifically from Scotland’s wholesale sector, as well as the motivations and barriers to taking action on climate change. It also addresses the support required for the sector to achieve net-zero emissions.
When comparing the results of the Scottish wholesale emissions analysis with the UK-wide wholesale sector, it becomes apparent that the emissions profiles are similar overall.
Colin Smith, SWA chief executive, asserts, “The SWA and our members are at the forefront of decarbonizing our fleet emissions within Scotland’s food and drink supply chain.
“In this report, we outline the primary sources of operational GHG emissions within our sector. We also highlight the key motivations for member action, the barriers we must overcome, and the crucial support needed to make decarbonization of the wholesale sector a reality by 2040 – our net-zero ambition for the UK sector, and in line with Scotland’s target of net zero by 2045.
“This report marks an important milestone on our sustainability journey. The SWA will tirelessly work towards achieving a just transition to a net-zero economy that will benefit the entire Scottish wholesale sector.
“While the report demonstrates the willingness of wholesalers to take action towards achieving a just transition to net zero, the main obstacle remains the upfront capital investment required. This is why it is one of our primary policy asks from the government.”
The full report can be accessed here.
