Chiquita launches carbon reduction program

Chiquita is launching “30BY30,” a program to reduce carbon emissions in its operations by 30% by the end of 2030.

The program’s goal has been submitted to the SBTi (Science Based Target Initiative), according to a news release.

The SBTi will be responsible for measuring and reporting on Chiquita’s progress, the release said. Chiquita is the first global fruit company to engage to have its goals and progress independently checked and verified by the SBTi, the release said.

“We care for our planet and our place in it,” Carlos Flores, president of Chiquita, said in the release. “Having farmed in Central America for over 120 years, Chiquita has witnessed that the climate is changing. Global warming brings erratic rainfall, hurricanes and flooding which negatively impacts the livelihoods of its employees, their families and the communities where they live, as well as consistent product availability for the brand’s customers and consumers.”

Next steps

In early 2020, Chiquita commissioned a Carbon Footprint Study to identify the key areas of focus for carbon emission reduction in line with the Treaty of Paris, according to the release. That, the release said, paved the way to engage with the SBTi to ensure an independent review of the brand’s stated goals and progress. 

Looking ahead, Chiquita has objectives to reduce energy consumption by moving to greener electricity using solar panels or wind turbines, replacing diesel use by switching to biofuels or electric vehicles as well as reducing nitrogenous emissions from fertilizers among other initiatives, according to the release.