Tesco, the UK-based retail giant, has announced the adoption of the Seafood Carbon Emissions Profiling Tool (SCEPT) to reduce the carbon footprint of its seafood supply chain and products. This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions across its operations by 2050.

SCEPT, developed by Seafish in 2024, helps businesses understand the carbon emissions of their seafood products—whether sourced through wild capture or aquaculture. By pinpointing emissions hotspots, the tool enables Tesco and its suppliers to take targeted actions to lower their environmental impact.

Natalie Smith, Head of Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries at Tesco, remarked:

“We recognise the responsibility we have to support our seafood suppliers in reducing their carbon footprint, in line with our collective net-zero commitments. The rollout of Seafish’s carbon tool across our seafood supply chain is an important step on this pathway.”

With supply chains and products accounting for 90% of Tesco’s total carbon emissions, the use of SCEPT is pivotal in identifying areas that require improvement. Tesco recently organized a webinar to educate its suppliers about the tool, including data collection and usage techniques. The tool also facilitates industry-wide comparisons, allowing for benchmarking and transparent progress reporting.

Several Tesco suppliers have already implemented SCEPT and reported promising results.

Scott Johnston, Technical Director at Sofina Foods Europe and an early adopter, shared:

“Sofina has been active in using the tool to inform its seafood supply chain operations, which is providing valuable insights on key focus areas for decarbonisation. We are excited to work with Tesco and other UK retailers to achieve shared climate goals.”

This collaboration with suppliers is central to Tesco’s sustainability strategy, ensuring the company remains on track to meet its long-term carbon reduction targets. By leveraging SCEPT, Tesco is paving the way for transformative change in the seafood industry while staying committed to its net-zero ambitions.