The nuts and bolts

In line with Pip & Nut’s aims, the project focused on two key pillars within the company’s sustainability strategy: its net zero target and almond sourcing.

Developing a FLAG-aligned net zero target

Our first step was to revisit Pip & Nut’s net zero target in line with projections for the growth of the business, reviewing and updating its emissions footprint for financial year 2022 (FY22) and estimating emissions for FY23. To improve our analysis, our Climate, Nature & Resources team also reviewed key emissions factors using new data from environmental database ecoinvent and land-use change data for nut production from Blonk.

Once we arrived at a detailed understanding of Pip & Nut’s key emissions hotspots, we prioritised which areas to focus on and identified targeted actions to reduce emissions. Crucially, we were able to develop a robust roadmap for Pip & Nut to achieve a FLAG-aligned net zero target, with recommendations for reducing FLAG emissions in its upstream supply chain.

These included recommendations to improve data – specifically on traceability, partnerships, land-use change monitoring and on-farm data collection – to better reflect interventions in Pip & Nut’s emissions footprint. They also included actions to reduce emissions in the production and transportation of key emissions sources, such as peanut sourcing, almond sourcing, packaging and manufacturing.

Pip & Nut with almond supplier Montpelier Nut Company. Credit: Pip & Nut.

Sourcing sustainable almonds

In line with the net zero roadmap, our Agriculture & Landscapes team set out to provide Pip & Nut with a robust strategy for sustainable almond sourcing. The team also examined how almond supply-chain interventions can achieve outcomes beyond carbon, and support wider supply-chain resilience.

We carried out research to understand the risks, impacts and opportunities for almonds in California. This included a cost-benefit analysis of key on-farm sustainability practices for almond production, and how these could contribute to emissions reductions and removals targets alongside nature-related outcomes. We also reviewed key certifications and programmes, and the actions of other nut butter brands.

This enabled us to understand the maturity of Pip & Nut’s peers and the uptake of certification, as well as to identify and prioritise on-farm measures such as whole-orchard recycling to support soil health, improved yields and carbon removals.

We also engaged with Pip & Nut’s supply chain, interviewing the company’s key supplier, Montpellier Nut Co, to understand its sustainability practices, as well as the barriers and opportunities for implementing new measures to reduce emissions and boost resilience.