The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is working with retailers to promote a “protein transition” to reduce food system emissions by shifting from animal-based to plant-based proteins. Livestock farming, though resource-intensive—responsible for 57% of agrifood emissions and using 80% of farmland and 30% of freshwater—only supplies a fraction of global nutritional needs. Experts warn that emissions from agriculture alone threaten climate goals, possibly exceeding a 2°C temperature increase. In contrast, plant-based diets could significantly reduce emissions, land use, and water pollution. WWF’s Planet-Based Diets Retailer Methodology guides supermarkets to support plant-based diets, aiming to restore ecosystems, mitigate climate change, and promote public health.
The WWF report outlines a methodology to guide retailers in shifting towards sustainable food systems by categorizing foods into seven main groups, including animal and plant proteins, dairy and alternatives, and snacks. The process starts by analyzing the balance between animal and plant-based sales for both individual and composite products, categorizing them as meat, seafood, vegetarian, or vegan. Retailers are encouraged to measure sales by product weight rather than protein content to simplify tracking and align with broader dietary guidelines. This weight-based approach allows a comprehensive view of a retailer’s inventory, facilitates product comparisons, and integrates with established models like the Planetary Health Diet. WWF describes the method as a practical and consistent tool for retailers to enhance the sustainability and health impact of their product offerings.
In step two of WWF’s methodology, retailers are encouraged to analyze their private-label products at the ingredient level to improve product categorization, weighing each ingredient individually (e.g., separating plant-based mince and non-dairy cheese in a vegan lasagna). This deeper analysis extends beyond protein sources, advising supermarkets to track whole vs. refined grains and plant- vs. animal-based fats to support a broad shift toward sustainable diets. WWF urges retailers to aim for a 60% plant-based protein ratio and a 74% plant-based food sales target, with some European retailers, like Lidl and Ahold Delhaize, already setting such goals. WWF highlights that rebalancing diets, reformulating meat analogues, fortifying dairy alternatives, and promoting plant proteins like tofu and tempeh are essential to reduce the environmental impact of food systems and support global sustainability goals.
Source: https://www.greenqueen.com.hk/wwf-planet-based-diets-methodology-retailers-plant-protein/