Morrisons has become the first major UK supermarket chain to delay its net zero carbon emissions target, shifting its goal from 2035 to 2050.
The grocer said the revised timetable would reflect emissions across its entire supply chain, not just its store operations.
The new approach includes emissions linked to agriculture, land use, distribution, manufacturing, and end-of-life product treatment.
Morrisons said it has already reduced its total carbon emissions by 22% since 2019, supported by improvements in logistics, energy efficiency, and supplier collaboration.
The company rejected claims that extending the deadline amounted to watering down its environmental commitments.
Andrew Edlin, head of sustainability at Morrisons, said the move was designed to create a more robust and inclusive plan.
“The validation of these targets reaffirms Morrisons’ commitment to sustainability and the move to a 2050 target across the full value chain is a big step forward in our journey to net zero,” he said.
He emphasised that the company is now accounting for emissions created at every stage of its product lifecycle.
“We are taking upstream and downstream emissions of our operations into account, including emissions created in making products, in our stores, transport systems and then end-of-life emissions too,” he said.
Edlin also highlighted the importance of agricultural and land-use emissions.
“Additional targets for forest, land and agriculture emissions reflect the importance of land-use and agricultural impacts across the business,” he added.
The company said industry-wide collaboration will be essential if major retailers are to meet long-term environmental targets.
The UK government’s national goal is to reach net zero emissions by 2050, with interim milestones due in 2030 and beyond.
The policy is being overseen by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband.
Morrisons is undergoing significant commercial pressures as well.
The company was acquired for £7 billion by US private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice in 2021.
The sizeable debt taken on during the deal has increased financial pressure on the business.
German discounter Lidl is nearing Morrisons’ position in the market, reflecting a tightening competitive landscape.
Morrisons currently holds around 8.3% of the UK grocery market.
Lidl is close behind at around 8.1%.
The revised environmental target comes as the chain seeks to improve its performance while maintaining long-term sustainability commitments.
Morrisons said the 2050 timetable provides a more realistic structure for achieving reductions across a complex supply chain.
Environmental groups are expected to scrutinise the change, but Morrisons maintains the shift reflects a more comprehensive emissions model.
The company’s leadership said the long-term strategy would ensure all stages of production and distribution fall under its climate plans.
The move underscores the growing challenge facing major retailers as they balance commercial pressures with increasingly demanding environmental expectations.
