HØRSHOLM, DENMARK — Color supplier Oterra shared Dec. 14 that its ambitious sustainability targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in line with a 1.5°C trajectory. According to the company, the milestone reflects its commitment toward widespread environmental change.

In April of this year, Oterra submitted targets to reduce its Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 42% by 2030, as well as reduce its Scope 3 GHG emissions by 25% by 2030. The SBTi has validated these targets following a rigorous review.

“I am thrilled about the SBTi validation,” said Mads Dehlsen Winther, chief executive officer at Oterra. “Climate change is the most urgent issue of this generation, and we are committed to doing our part even in a difficult economic environment. I am also proud of the thorough materiality assessment we’ve completed. Without it, we wouldn’t have the solid baseline we need to be able to track future progress towards sustainability objectives efficiently and transparently.”

The SBTi aims to drive sustainability in the private business arena by helping organizations set emissions reduction targets. The initiative is a partnership between CDP, the United National Global Compact, the World Resources Institute, and the World Wide Fund for Nature.

“Today, we welcome Oterra’s science-based targets consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C,” said Luiz Amaral, chief executive officer of the SBTi. “The ambition of Oterra’s targets is aligned with the need for the global economy to rapidly cut emissions. Oterra is setting an example for the rest of its industry, and I urge others in its sector to set their own targets too.”

As a supplier to various food and pet food companies, Oterra’s GHG reduction targets will help its customers reduce their own value chain emissions. Additionally, the company participates in a number of other environmental initiatives, including Sedex, the UN Global Compact, and the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil. The company also sources 100% renewable electricity at its production facilities and supports sustainable farming methods.

“SBTi validation is the gold standard for companies serious about addressing climate change,” said Vera Karmebäck, global sustainability lead at Oterra. “The SBTi requires a transparent commitment, provides a framework to measure climate action, and ensures that commitments are in line with the latest climate science. Born with a legacy of responsible agricultural processing and recognizing the need for a healthy planet, I’m proud that we’ve committed to the SBTi’s most ambitious standard for scope 1 and 2 reductions, and that Oterra is as serious about sustainability as we are about contributing to authentic, natural food.”

Read more about sustainability efforts across the pet food and treat industry.