Tesco has published its Sustainability Report 2026, outlining progress against climate, packaging and healthier food targets while setting out a refreshed set of sustainability commitments focused on building a more resilient food system.
The retailer said in the Tesco PLC Sustainability Report 2026 it exceeded its target for Scope 1 and 2 emissions reductions, recording a 68% reduction against a 2015/16 baseline, ahead of its 2025 target of 60%.
Tesco also reported that 99% of its own-brand packaging by weight in the UK is now recyclable through kerbside collection and other collection schemes, while healthy food now represents 65% of total sales in the UK and Republic of Ireland, up from 58% in 2019.
Ken Murphy said: “As the UK’s leading food retailer, serving our customers, communities and planet a little better every day, we depend on a resilient and sustainable food system. Without it, our suppliers and farmers can’t grow the food needed to feed the nation.”
Murphy added: “Ongoing global uncertainty has shown us this work isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s a business imperative.”
Group Chief Sustainability Officer Christine Heffernan agrees that sustainability is vital for the future of the business.
“As food systems come under increasing pressure, sustainability is key to our long-term resilience,” she adds.
“Our actions today help meet customer needs and strengthen supply chain stability for the future.”
Tesco said many of its 2025 commitments have now concluded and the company is introducing six new and updated commitments focused on sustainable farming, decarbonisation, healthier diets, circularity and packaging reform.
Murphy said: “While we have taken important steps forward, we know there is more to do. With many of our 2025 commitments concluding, we are sharpening our focus across six new and updated commitments, which cover the pillars of our planet plan.”
The retailer said several previous targets have now been embedded into policy, including sourcing standards requiring all shell and ingredient eggs for the UK and Republic of Ireland to be cage-free, while UK produce must be LEAF Marque certified.
Tesco also acknowledged that some goals were not fully achieved, including its target to grow plant-based meat alternative sales by 300% by 2025, citing market decline and changing customer preferences.
Murphy said: “What’s clear is that many of the challenges we still face cannot be solved by one company alone – they require shared responsibility, and in some cases, regulatory change. A partnership approach will be essential.”
Tesco highlighted collaboration across its sustainable farming groups, alongside partnerships with the British Nutrition Foundation, FareShare, Olio, the Coronation Food Project and Alliance Food Sourcing.
Murphy added: “I firmly believe there is real opportunity for those businesses who can work together and build effective partnerships.”
Read more about how Tesco and RenEco have launched a new surplus food feed facility, transforming bakery and produce waste into animal feed and advancing circularity across the UK food system.
