The Burning Platform: Why Net Zero Matters More Than Ever
Our planet’s rapid warming, driven by fossil fuel reliance, yields severe consequences like wildfires and floods. To avert mass extinctions and dire impacts, achieving net zero emissions by 2050 is imperative, balancing greenhouse gas release and removal. Transitioning to a net-zero economy presents a pivotal opportunity for healing and sustainability.

Enter companies like Mondelez International. They exemplify the positive impact businesses can have by setting ambitious goals and taking concrete actions towards net zero. In the following sections, we’ll explore Mondelez’s journey, milestones, initiatives, and the path forward, highlighting their contribution to a more sustainable future. Every step toward net zero, whether by companies or individuals, significantly matters. Let’s rise to the challenge together.

Mondelez Marches Toward Net Zero: A Bite-Sized Look at a Big Ambition
Mondelez International, renowned for Oreo cookies and Cadbury chocolate, aims for net zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2050. From ingredient sourcing to snack delivery, they’re dedicated to minimizing environmental impact, striving to emit no more greenhouse gases than they can remove. This isn’t merely about accolades; it’s a response to the urgent need for climate action. Join Mondelez and others on the journey towards a more sustainable future.
So, how are they biting into this ambitious goal? Here’s a sneak peek at some of their key strategies:

  • Renewable Energy Feast:
  • Regenerative Recipe:
  • Deforestation-Free Diet
  • Waste Not, Want Not:

Mondelez Munching Towards Net Zero: Aligned with Science and the Planet in Mind
Dedication to a healthier planet propels Mondelez International on its ambitious path to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This commitment goes beyond symbolism; aligned with SBTi, Mondelez adheres to science-based emissions reduction targets, ensuring tangible strides toward net zero. It’s a carefully crafted recipe, detailing specific measures to shrink their environmental impact at every stage, from sourcing to consumption.

  • Renewable Energy Feast: Mondelez is swapping fossil fuels for sunshine and wind, increasingly powering their facilities with renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. Imagine Oreo cookies baked under the sun and Cadbury chocolate cooled by a gentle breeze.
    • In Shah Alam and Prai, Malaysia, solar panels were installed on manufacturing plants in collaboration with NEFIN Group, aligning with Malaysia’s renewable energy goals.
    • Following success in Malaysia, Lad Krabang, Thailand, saw Mondelez implement solar panels, furthering its use of renewable energy.
    • Mondelez partnered with Yellow Door Energy to build a dedicated 2.3-MW solar plant for its Bahrain Biscuits Factory.
    • In Upton County, Texas, a twelve-year power purchase agreement with Enel Green Power North America for energy from the Roadrunner solar farm helps Mondelez offset a significant portion of its U.S. carbon footprint.
    • Through a 12-year Virtual Power Purchase Agreement in Poland with Golden Peaks Capital, Mondelez secures carbon-free electricity from various solar power plants, reducing reliance on fossil fuels in eight Polish plants.
  • SBTi Roadmap: Mondelez submitted a time-bound plan to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), aligning with the 1.5°C protocol for science-backed and ambitious emissions reduction targets. Think of it as a detailed recipe for carbon reduction, with every step measured and accounted for.
  • Deforestation-Free Sourcing: By 2025, Mondelez aims to source key ingredients exclusively from deforestation-free sources, protecting biodiversity and combating climate change with every ingredient choice.
  • Regenerative Agriculture: Partnering with farmers, Mondelez promotes regenerative agriculture practices that nourish the soil, capture carbon, and boost biodiversity, reducing emissions and enhancing long-term agricultural sustainability.
  • Renewable Energy Shift: Mondelez is transitioning to solar and wind power, reducing their carbon footprint by increasingly powering facilities with renewable energy sources.
  • Efficiency Measures: Mondelez implements various efficiency measures, optimizing energy use, reducing food waste, and improving logistics across its operations.
  • Transparency Commitment: Mondelez takes accountability seriously, transparently reporting progress toward net zero through detailed sustainability reports and regular updates, allowing stakeholders to track their journey and build trust along the way.


These milestones highlight Mondelez’s journey to net zero, showcasing dedication to concrete action, science-based targets, and transparent communication. Their positive example sets a standard for other corporations. Every step, whether it’s a farmer adopting regenerative practices or a factory powered by solar panels, brings us closer to a delicious and sustainable future.

Mondelez Bites Back at Deforestation: Protecting Forests by 2025
Mondelez’s ambitious commitment to deforestation-free supply chains by 2025 is a crucial step toward safeguarding our planet’s ecosystems. Here’s how:

  1. Rainforest Guardians: Mondelez defends against climate change, biodiversity loss, and soil erosion by eliminating deforestation from its supply chains, acting as guardians for vital rainforests often called the lungs of our planet.
  2. Biodiversity Champions: Mondelez’s deforestation commitment preserves vibrant rainforest habitats, ensuring the survival of countless plant and animal species.
  3. Climate Crusaders: Opting for deforestation-free sources, Mondelez fights climate change by reducing carbon emissions.
  4. Sustainable Sourcing Champions: Beyond deforestation avoidance, Mondelez collaborates with farmers to implement sustainable practices, creating harmony between thriving local communities and healthy rainforests.
  5. Industry Inspiration: Mondelez’s deforestation-free goal sets a powerful example, inspiring the food and beverage industry to follow suit. Their leadership creates a domino effect, pushing the entire sector toward a greener future.

Mondelez’s pledge to protect rainforests by 2025 demonstrates a significant stride for a healthier planet, highlighting the alignment of tasty treats with environmental responsibility.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of their key strategies, packed with data and metrics to showcase their impact:

Progress Toward Renewable Energy Goals:

  • Mondelez now powers 20% of its global operations with solar and wind power, a significant increase from 5% in 2020.
  • The Shah Alam and Prai factories in Malaysia, equipped with solar panels generating 5.2 megawatts, contribute to a 17% local carbon footprint reduction.
  • By 2025, Mondelez targets sourcing 50% of global electricity from renewable sources, a substantial leap towards their net-zero goal.

A Carbon-Positive Impact on Farms:

  • Partnering with farmers, Mondelez promotes regenerative agriculture practices on over 1 million acres, sequestering 50,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually.
  • These practices enhance soil health, leading to a 15% crop yield increase and a 20% reduction in water usage on participating farms.
  • Mondelez aims to expand the regenerative agriculture program to 5 million acres by 2030, further enhancing carbon capture and soil health.

Strides Toward Sustainable Sourcing:

  • In 2022, Mondelez sourced 95% of cocoa and 83% of palm oil from deforestation-free areas, surpassing initial targets for these key ingredients.
  • This protects over 3 million hectares of rainforest, equivalent to the size of Belgium, preserving critical biodiversity habitats.
  • By 2025, Mondelez aims for 100% deforestation-free sourcing for all key ingredients, safeguarding vital ecosystems and combating climate change.

Commitment to Waste Reduction:

  • Mondelez achieved a 26% reduction in global food waste since 2016, saving over 120,000 tons of food annually.
  • Their goal is zero landfill waste across global operations by 2030, further minimizing environmental impact.

Despite successful strides in deforestation-free supply chains and increased reliance on renewable energy, ongoing challenges demand continuous innovation.
Challenges on the Horizon:

  • Scaling Up: Mondelez’s ambitious goals require rapid adoption of sustainable practices globally. Scaling up initiatives like regenerative agriculture and renewable energy is crucial.
  • Technological Leap: Achieving net zero demands innovation in carbon capture, green alternatives for industrial processes, and sustainable packaging.
  • Collaboration Crunch: Effective collaboration with governments, NGOs, competitors, and farmers is essential for widespread decarbonization.
  • Green Innovation Investment: Allocating resources for sustainable technology R&D is crucial.
  • Empowering Farmers: Expanding partnerships for regenerative agriculture practices supports carbon sequestration, enhances soil health, and uplifts farmer livelihoods.
  • Advocating Policy Change: Supporting policies for renewable energy, carbon pricing, and sustainable land use accelerates the shift to a net-zero economy.

Conclusion:
In a warming world, Mondelez International, a global snacking giant, aspires to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Recognizing the urgency of climate change, the company commits to a sustainable future, cooking up change throughout its value chain, from renewable energy to deforestation-free practices. This ambition isn’t symbolic; it’s a carefully planned roadmap with science-based targets and concrete milestones, including a commitment to deforestation-free supply chains by 2025. While transparency and accountability punctuate Mondelez’s journey, challenges remain. Scaling sustainable practices, technological advancements, and collaboration are crucial. Mondelez’s focus on green innovation, farmer empowerment, and policy advocacy sets the stage for ongoing progress. This journey is collective, not just Mondelez’s. The conclusion calls for action, urging informed choices, broader advocacy, and personal responsibility. Savoring Mondelez treats reminds us of a future where environmental responsibility and indulgence coexist. Every step, whether by a company or an individual, propels us toward a greener future.

Written By: Shamba Sarkar
Email: sarkar.shamba@gmail.com