24th July 2023

In October 2022 we launched our initiative, ‘Setting science-based targets in sugarcane’, which aims to develop a greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation pathway and a target-setting tool. Ultimately, the sector will be equipped to set targets to reduce GHG emissions, in line with science.

In the last few months, we worked closely with sustainability consultant Quantis to develop the first draft of our target-setting tool and its accompanying guide. The tool will allow companies to input data on their GHG emissions from a range of sources, and will generate an overview of what their GHG mitigation targets for sugarcane production (agricultural phase) should look like.

We recently ran a pilot phase to test various aspects of the tool and the interpretation of the guide with a range of companies that operate within the sugarcane value chain.   

Fourteen companies tested the tool and guide, and shared their feedback. Among the participating companies, 70% of participants were suppliers, and 30% were buyers from a range of sectors. 

What did we learn?  

In the survey, we asked pilot participants about their current climate and environmental targets and action, feedback about the tool and guide, and suggestions for improvements. 

Here is a summary of the results: 

• An easy-to-use tool 

Most pilot participants found the use of the pathway a low-effort task and reported they could easily use the results of the Bonsucro Calculator where applicable in the pathway, although there are still many opportunities to improve the tool and guide. Making the tool easy to use for companies is essential; we want to make it low burden to maximise take up and support as many companies as possible. 

• Interest for climate action commitments 

53% already have commitments on climate action, of which 78% have made them public. 88% of the companies that don’t have climate commitments are interested in doing so. We’re pleased to see people making public commitments and encourage others to do the say. 

• Setting targets moving forward 

We see a lot of potential in the target setting tool, with almost 30% of respondents intending to use the Bonsucro pathway to define a target and disclose it publicly, and 47% wishing to use it to define an internal target without disclosing it in the short term.  

• Measuring greenhouse gas emissions 

70% of respondents are already working on measuring GHG emissions in their sugarcane value chain. That is no surprise to us; in meetings we hear that brands want support on GHG reductions, from our certification requiring measuring GHG. We’re also seeing producers reduce their emissions. 

We asked participants how we could better support them in achieving their climate goals. They made plenty of suggestions – some of which we are already working towards. We will look at taking each of these suggestions further. 

• ‘Providing capacity building on climate topics’; beyond this initiative, we are awarding funding for projects that are finding solutions to take climate action through the Bonsucro Impact Fund. Three climate action projects are currently underway. 
• ‘Promoting successful case studies and learnings’; we are always looking to amplify the initiatives and impact of our members, who can now submit their environmental stories through this form. These stories are shared on our Climate Action page. 
• ‘Promoting the Bonsucro Credit Trading system’; we have been increasingly creating digital content and case studies to help producers and buyers understand how Bonsucro Credits work, and their benefits. We are also working with a consultant to expand and optimise credit trading. 
• ‘Using the Bonsucro Calculator to generate carbon credits’; we are working with an external consultant to improve our claims and labelling rules with respect to carbon impact claims. 
• ‘Offering more transparency on the verification process of GHG data and publication of regional emission factors.’ 
• ‘Offering tailored support with reduction plans, with guidance on relevant interventions at field level.’ 
• ‘Accounting for removals in the Bonsucro Calculator.’ 

The pilot phase has given us valuable insights to move the project forward. The results give us hope that the tool will be used effectively at scale.  

We would like to thank the 14 companies who have taken the time to get involved, including: UISA, Corbion, Bevap Bioenergia, Adecoagro, São Manoel, ED&F Man, Tereos Açúcar e Energia Brasil, Socicana, Raízen, Usina Sonora, ARTB – Beet Technical Research Association, Lantic, United Molasses and the University of El Salvador. 

Calling for feedback from the wider sugarcane sector 

Climate action is vital to the future of business; we want to develop a pathway that answers companies’ needs and helps them take the next step to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. 

That’s why we are now inviting the wider sugarcane sector to share their feedback about our sugarcane pathway and its tool and guide. We are launching a public consultation, which will be open until Monday 7 August.  

In August and September, Bonsucro and Quantis will work on applying the suggestions from the pilot and public consultation to improve the tool and guide.   

The final Bonsucro sugarcane pathway’s tool and guide are planned to be officially launched by the end of October.  

Take part in the public consultation.