We recognize the vital importance of nature to the health of our planet and the sustainability of our business.
As a tobacco manufacturer, our activities can potentially affect nature and biodiversity across our value chain - from tobacco leaf production to how our products are disposed. We also depend on natural resources and ecosystem services, particularly in relation to tobacco growing and raw materials, such as paper- and pulp-based materials.
That’s why conserving nature is an integral part of our wider sustainability framework. Understanding and addressing our impacts, dependencies, risks and opportunities related to nature and biodiversity is a strategic priority.
We’re committed to protecting and supporting biodiversity and the ecosystems potentially affected by our activities, which relate primarily to the growing of tobacco, sourcing of agricultural raw materials, and our factory operations through water use, wastewater discharge and waste disposal.
We have processes and controls in place to comply with biodiversity regulations in the countries where we operate.
We also aim to align with industry standards and leading frameworks regarding our approach to nature and biodiversity, including those set by the Accountability Framework Initiative (AFI), the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) and Science Based Targets Network (SBTN). These frameworks have informed our strategy and helped us set targets, including those related to deforestation- and conversion-free supply chains.
By following leading frameworks, addressing nature impact, dependences and setting relevant targets, we aim to strengthen our relationship with nature, enhance ecosystems and help conserve biodiversity for future generations – while supporting the long-term sustainability of our business.
To explain our approach and highlight the importance of nature’s interconnections, we’ve developed a comprehensive nature framework. The framework outlines the key nature-related topics, impact levers and mechanisms that support the development and implementation of our nature strategy.
JTI has made strong progress on climate over many years, addressing related risks and opportunities. We will build on this work to develop our nature strategy and better manage nature-related impacts, dependencies, risks and opportunities across our value chain.
Our approach to nature is overseen by dedicated governance bodies at management and executive level, with support from external experts and key stakeholders where needed.
We know climate and nature are closely linked. Where relevant, we consider biodiversity impacts and actions in our emissions reduction strategy. As part of reducing Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) emissions, we are exploring waste tobacco as biochar feedstock. This will helps cut emissions while improving soil quality in the long term. Looking ahead, we will continue to align climate and nature action in our transition planning, in line with Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) requirements.
We’re focused on protecting water resources, cutting waste, enriching biodiversity, and promoting sustainable farming practices to ensure a healthier planet for future generations.
True corporate sustainability is achieved when nature, society and business thrive together. Climate change, biodiversity loss, and deforestation are deeply connected: climate change accelerates ecological degradation, and the loss of nature increases climate instability. Tackling these challenges in isolation risks missing their systemic links. To address root causes and deliver lasting solutions, we need an integrated approach that reflects the complexity of the natural world and the societies that depend on it.