Dutch Flower Group first trade company in the floriculture sector to be validated by SBTi for climate targets

Part of the IMPACT2030 strategy

At the end of 2024, DFG launched its sustainability strategy towards 2030: IMPACT2030. Part of this strategy is reducing the carbon footprint of flowers and plants. DFG aims to reduce CO₂-eq emissions in scope 3 by 47% by 2031, compared to 2021 levels. DFG primarily focuses on emissions related to purchased goods and transport, marking an important step towards a more sustainable supply chain. To achieve this, DFG works closely with growers, breeders, transporters, and packaging suppliers.

“Achieving this SBTi validation is a significant milestone for Dutch Flower Group and the entire floriculture sector. We continue to lead the transition to a more sustainable supply chain and actively engage with our suppliers and customers to collectively reduce our carbon footprint,” says Marcel Zandvliet, Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) at DFG.

Major impact in scope 3: purchased goods and transport

An in-depth analysis shows that 98.5% of DFG’s total emissions fall within scope 3. Purchased goods account for 56% of DFG’s CO₂-eq footprint. Sustainable cultivation is crucial, as most of the emissions stem from flower and plant cultivation. The remaining part of purchased goods emissions come from packaging. Therefore, DFG asks its growers and suppliers to calculate their CO₂-eq emissions, so they have insight into their reduction potential. DFG has already been working for years with packaging suppliers through the Horti Sustainable Packaging Initiative (HSPI) to minimise and improve the sustainability of packaging.

Transport as the second major challenge

Transport is responsible for 33% of DFG’s total emissions. For international growers, the biggest opportunity for sustainability lies in cleaner transport options. DFG is focusing on more efficient logistics, sustainable transport solutions (such as energy-efficient trucks, sea freight, and rail transport) and smart supply chain collaborations. Additionally, DFG actively encourages air carriers to set their own sustainability targets with SBTi.

Scope 1 & 2: emissions reduction target of -58%

Scope 1 & 2 emissions make up 1.5% of DFG’s total CO₂-eq emissions, but significant reductions are also planned. DFG aims to reduce CO₂-eq emissions in scopes 1 & 2 by 58% by 2031 compared to 2021. In 2022, DFG transitioned to renewable energy for all Dutch locations, achieving a significant reduction. In 2024, several international sites also switched to renewable energy sources.

“With this SBTi validation, Dutch Flower Group takes another step towards a more sustainable future,” says Marjon van Diepen, Project Lead Sustainability at DFG. Dutch Flower Group calls on the entire floriculture sector to work together towards a more sustainable floriculture sector.

About the Science Based Targets initiative

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a corporate climate action organization that enables companies and financial institutions worldwide to play their part in combating the climate crisis. They develop standards, tools and guidance which allow companies to set greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions targets in line with what is needed to keep global heating below catastrophic levels and reach net-zero by 2050 at latest.