How we're using a holistic approach to sustainable leaf production across our entire value chain.
Achieving Net-Zero is not about one action or one project: it’s about transforming how we grow, cure and source tobacco in ways that protect the environment and improve the socioeconomic wellbeing of the communities we work with. In Tanzania, this journey is well underway.
Our approach follows a clear due diligence cycle: identify and prioritize, respond, measure and report. This ensures that every decision we make is grounded in data, aligned with our sustainability commitments, and capable of delivering real impact.
We're taking action across our entire value chain in Tanzania to:
Reduce the risk of land‑use change and deforestation
The first step towards reducing emissions and land pressure is improving farm productivity. We support growers through our Minimum Agronomic Standards which promote application of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and high‑productivity tobacco varieties.
When yields go up, farmers can grow more tobacco on the same land. This reduces the risk of clearing new areas for cultivation, while also lowering emissions linked to inefficient use of fertilizers and crop protection agents. The combination of improved varieties and GAP means growers can achieve more with less - protecting both the environment and improving their livelihoods.
Tobacco curing is an essential part of the crop cycle, but historically it has been one of the largest contributors to wood consumption. In Tanzania, we are addressing this head‑on through upgrades of curing barns and dedicated training for more efficient curing practices.
The upgrades help barns retain heat longer, burn fuel more efficiently and achieve more consistent curing results. The training component ensures growers fully understand how to operate their barns at optimal efficiency.
The results speak for themselves:
In 2025, wood fuel consumption dropped by 35 % compared with our 2019 baseline.
This is a major step toward decoupling tobacco production from natural woodland pressure.
Reducing wood use is crucial, but creating sustainable, renewable sources of wood is equally important. That’s why we work with growers to establish well‑managed woodlots using our Minimum Forestry Standards.
These standards go far beyond simply planting trees. They guide growers through the entire wood production process: site selection, spacing, early establishment, pruning and maintenance that enhances productivity and resilience. With proper management, woodlots can be harvested within five to seven years, providing a reliable, sustainable fuel source for curing.
In 2025 alone, we established 650 hectares of large‑scale and communal woodlots in partnership with Primary Societies across Tanzania. This is a long‑term investment in both rural livelihoods and climate‑positive land use.
We are also exploring innovative ways to go beyond emissions reduction to remove carbon from the atmosphere. One of the most promising opportunities is biochar, a type of charcoal.
When applied to soils, biochar can improve water retention, enhance nutrient efficiency and support soil biodiversity, resulting in improved crop yields, whilst at the same time locking away carbon for hundreds of years.
In Tanzania, we are piloting this approach by converting waste tobacco stalks into biochar and applying it to tobacco fields and woodlots. Early results are encouraging, opening the door for a scalable, circular solution that benefits growers, our company and the planet.
Our journey to Net-Zero is a collective one, built on partnership, innovation and a deep commitment to the landscapes and communities we serve. As we learn, improve and build on what works, one thing is clear: we're in this for the long-term and we're focused on reaching our Net-Zero goal.