In the complex world of corporate sustainability, Scope 3 emissions — those produced across a company’s value chain — often represent the most significant challenge for food businesses. For companies in the food sector, such indirect emissions can account for more than 90% of their total carbon footprint. Of these, animal-based products like meat and dairy often comprise around half of these emissions — and in some sectors, more than 80%.
Scope Three Action (S3A), a London-based non-profit organization, has emerged as a specialized partner helping food industry companies navigate this challenge. Unlike general sustainability consultancies, S3A focuses exclusively on supporting businesses in North America and Western Europe with reducing their food-related Scope 3 emissions — at no cost to the companies they assist.
“We often encounter the belief that reducing Scope 3 emissions and meeting financial targets is an either/or game. However, this doesn’t need to be the case at all,” says Program Manager Marian Milec. “At Scope Three Action, we help companies identify strategies that significantly cut their supply chain emissions, while often lowering costs and substantially reducing exposure to high-price volatility ingredients.”
“Moreover, reducing reliance on carbon-heavy ingredients often goes hand in hand with streamlining operations and making the business more future-proof. So it’s no wonder bakeries, food manufacturers, food service providers, hospitality businesses, and retailers are rapidly adopting these strategies to cut their carbon footprint.”
Tailored approach to emissions reduction
Scope Three Action works with food retailers, manufacturers, bakeries, and hospitality businesses to develop customized emission reduction strategies.
“We start by identifying the right strategies for the company, focusing on areas that contribute significantly to its supply chain carbon footprint,” explains Milec. “For food-industry companies, the biggest opportunity often lies in their ingredients. So, typically, we identify ingredients that account for a large portion of a product’s carbon footprint and are relatively easy to reduce or replace.”
Companies partnering with Scope Three Action receive several valuable resources:
- Expert analysis of operations to identify emission reduction opportunities
- Training materials and implementation guidance
- Best practices of supporting measures
- Connection to networks of trusted suppliers
- Ongoing support from specialists during the transition
- Validation of results against targets
Above all, S3A uses tried and trusted strategies in working with their clients. “We prioritize solutions that have already proven successful among the company’s peers,” says Milec. “Once we agree on a specific approach, we provide the guidance and expertise to help the company move faster and with less friction, reducing the company’s capacity required to move forward.”
The organization emphasizes that its services come entirely free of charge to businesses, removing financial barriers to sustainability action.
Business benefits beyond emissions reduction
While climate impact remains the primary focus, S3A positions emissions reduction as a strategic business advantage. Their approach helps companies strengthen market position, mitigate supply chain risks, and enhance brand reputation.
“Our focus is always on practical, actionable support,” explains Milec. “We help businesses lessen or replace carbon-intensive ingredients with ones that offer the same—or even better—functionality and taste. Through these changes, companies can significantly reduce their carbon footprint while offering customers the same experience or even added value, such as improved nutritional content.”
For food businesses looking to tackle their Scope 3 emissions while developing a competitive edge, Scope Three Action offers specialized expertise without the typical consulting costs. As supply chain emissions become an increasingly important focus for regulators, investors, and consumers, organizations like S3A provide crucial support for companies navigating the transition to more sustainable operations.
Companies interested in learning more about working with Scope Three Action can reach them at info@scopethreeaction.org.
