3 Mistakes Food Companies Make When Managing Scope 3 Emissions

Managing Scope 3 emissions remains one of the most complex, and high-impact, challenges for food and beverage companies. With up to 90% of emissions tied to supply chain activities like sourcing, logistics, and packaging, this is where real climate performance is won or lost.

Yet even experienced ESG teams can fall into familiar traps. Below are three common mistakes, and how to avoid them with smarter strategy and stronger supplier engagement.

Most companies start with Tier 1 suppliers under direct contract. But emissions drivers often sit deeper in the value chain, on farms, in fisheries, or at upstream processors and packaging producers.

For example, palm oil may be sourced through a distributor, but its emissions originate from deforestation and land-use change at the source.

Instead, ESG leaders should:

• Map your full supply chain, beyond immediate vendors.

• Prioritize high-impact commodities (like beef, dairy, soy, and cocoa).

• Use proxy data and engagement tools to gather insights beyond Tier 1

  

Pursuing perfect data can stall real progress. Scope 3 accounting is complex by nature, and waiting for 100% accuracy often leads to missed targets and internal delays.

A more effective approach:

• Use LCA databases or industry averages to create initial estimates

• Prioritize high-impact categories and business-critical areas

• Improve accuracy over time as systems mature and data improves

When Scope 3 becomes a check-the-box exercise, companies miss the opportunity to turn data into strategy. Emissions insights should shape decisions across sourcing, packaging, logistics, and supplier collaboration.

Companies that act decisively often:

• Reduce operational costs

• Strengthen resilience and risk management

• Increase investor and stakeholder confidence

To drive impact:

• Integrate emissions data into procurement and investment decisions

• Work with suppliers on shared decarbonization goals

• Set and track science-based targets that include Scope 3

Whether you’re mapping emissions hotspots or refining a mature decarbonization strategy, the right tools and frameworks are critical to execution.

The Food & Beverage Playbook is a practical guide built for ESG leaders navigating Scope 3 complexity. With proven case studies and ready-to-use templates, it’s designed to support action—not just analysis.

Inside, you'll find:

• A step-by-step framework for managing Scope 3 emissions

• Supplier engagement best practices and templates

• Case studies from brands like Nestlé, Mars, and PepsiCo

• Checklists to help you avoid common mistakes and take action fast

👉 Download the playbook now

Complex doesn’t have to mean complicated. With focused strategy and the right resources, your company can lead the industry in building lower-carbon, more resilient supply chains.