Axfood's sustainability goals
Axfood’s sustainability goals describe the targets and key performance indicators established within the Group’s areas of work. The goals cover everything from climate, biodiversity, and social issues. Axfood’s Sustainability Report presents efforts and results in relation to the sustainability goals over the past year.
Sustainability programme
Through clear sustainability goals, systematic follow-up, and long-term commitment, Axfood works toward more sustainable food production and consumption.
The sustainability goals guide the Group’s decisions and priorities and cover several key areas: climate, biodiversity, circularity, animal welfare, chemical use, social conditions, and inclusion.
The focus is on the sustainability areas where the impact is greatest and where the Group has the opportunity to make the most difference, such as electricity, transportation, food waste, assortment development, and sales. Progress is measured and monitored continuously, and the results are reported in Axfood’s quarterly reports and Annual and Sustainability Report.
The sustainability goals are linked to Sweden’s environmental objectives and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030) and are continuously updated as the work evolves and new challenges arise.
Overall Sustainability Goals
Axfood has three overall sustainability goals that consolidate and prioritize the Group’s sustainability efforts in the areas where the impact is greatest. The goals guide the entire organization and are intended to contribute to the ambition of being the strongest force for a sustainable food Sweden by 2030.
The overall goals are part of Axfood’s comprehensive sustainability goals and are used to steer development in particularly prioritized areas:
- The share of sustainability-labeled products shall amount to at least 30 percent
A higher share of sustainability-labeled products contributes to more responsible food production and better environmental and social conditions in the supply chain. This is achieved by offering a wide range of sustainability-labeled products, such as the Keyhole label, organic products, and Fairtrade. - Food waste shall amount to no more than 0.7 percent
Reduced food waste saves resources, lowers emissions, and contributes to a more efficient and sustainable food supply chain. Selling products close to their expiration date, donations to charity, and effective waste management routines are some of the most important measures to reduce food waste within Axfood. - Climate-impacting emissions per kilo of food sold shall decrease by at least 10 percent (base year 2024)
Since the greatest climate impact occurs in primary production, changes in assortment and sales mix are crucial to reducing the climate footprint of the food supply chain. Offering a strong and affordable range of products with a lower climate impact than beef, such as Nöt & Grönt products made with half meat and half vegetables, is important to achieving results.
New Climate Goals
Axfood has long conducted ambitious climate work both in its own operations and in the value chain. Between 2009 and 2020, climate-impacting emissions in its own operations decreased by 76 percent.
To take the next step, Axfood has applied to have three climate goals validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), in line with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target. The goals mean that Axfood shall (with base year 2024):
- Reduce emissions in its own operations (Scope 1 and 2) by at least 70 percent by 2030.
- Ensure that at least 70 percent of suppliers set science-based climate goals by 2030.
- Reduce emissions linked to land use, forestry, and agriculture (FLAG) by at least 30 percent by 2030.
The goals are highly ambitious and require, in addition to the Group’s own efforts, technological development, changes in consumption patterns, and strong policy measures. The process of verification and approval of the goals is ongoing.
Sustainability reporting
In addition to the strategic sustainability goals and the climate goals, Axfood’s sustainability work includes a further 16 goals. These are divided into three areas, Food, Environment, and People, and reflect Axfood’s impact in the value chain.
The goals focus on areas with significant environmental and social impact. Together with policies, guidelines, and action plans, they contribute to long-term and systematic sustainability work throughout the Group.
