Industry Leaders Share Initial Results of Pioneering Effort to Decarbonize Global Supply Chains
New partnership marks the first-of-its-kind industry collaboration to identify and mitigate emissions across supply chains
These results are the first step in the CarbonPrime initiative, which is now open for other companies and private sector participants to join going forward. www.carbonprime.net
Since 2020, the participating companies have collaborated toward a proof of concept (POC) to connect primary emissions data from seed processing, agricultural operations, feed and food production, trading, logistics and finally distribution from Brazil to global markets. Using SINAI Technologies’ platform and with the support of industry life–cycle–assessment experts, these pioneering companies have been able to collect, allocate, and share primary data in a secure and reliable way.
“The initial goal here was to share relevant primary data in a supply chain,” explained Mark Lyra, Senior Director, Sumitomo Corporation of Americas, who conceptualized the CarbonPrime initiative. “Allowing primary emissions data to flow in a supply chain is important because it can provide a solid foundation on which to base investments and other business decisions. CarbonPrime aims to accelerate the deployment of capital in sustainable infrastructure, and data transparency and reliability must be our lynchpin.”
“Enabling supply chain partners to accurately and efficiently allocate and manage emissions is a complex undertaking. To make this initiative possible, a robust software platform that utilizes consistent methods of allocation for the same products throughout the value chain was critical. The initial release of this effort represents a significant milestone, as it provides preliminary results that demonstrate the potential for a new perspective on emissions intensity within a specific pilot value chain,” said Maria Fujihara, Founder & CEO, SINAI Technologies. “We are thrilled to take this first step towards achieving more precise and efficient calculations of emissions data, with the ultimate goal of facilitating data sharing across multiple global supply chains.”
From its inception, the initiative has enlisted the insight of several third party experts to validate the concept, to assess technical viability, and to ensure the effort can lead to advancements in monetizing carbon going forward. Among these organizations are the Rocky Mountain Institute, IETA, and others.
“Visualizing primary data across supply chains is a very important step in helping companies, investors, and policy makers design effective strategies to keep global warming below +1.5oC”, said Paolo Natali of the Rocky Mountain Institute. “RMI is advising WBCSD in their Pathfinder initiative and encourages other industry leaders to develop such capabilities.”
Until now, companies have relied on secondary data to estimate emissions within their supply chains. While these estimates have been instrumental in understanding overall corporate emissions, responsibility, and advancing corporate reporting – secondary data is not adequate to inform investment decisions.
company, I want to know how that specific company performs. I need to understand that company’s primary
data. Secondary data, like sector wide performance and industry history are relevant, but far from adequate to
justify investment in a specific stock,” explained Alasdair Were of the International Emissions Trading
Association (IETA).
Enabling Data Sharing to Yield Real Results
At this first stage, the POC chose to keep the primary data scope down to a relevant and manageable level “We
had to resist the temptation to boil the ocean,” said Mark Lyra. “The companies involved already have a deep
understating of their own emissions and, given their size, an incredible amount of data was available. On the
other hand, because of the disruptive potential of this initiative, the group realized it would be best to balance
the scope so that results would not only be relevant, but also verifiable by third parties in a reasonable amount
of time.”
As highlighted in the infographic, the results of the POC illustrates how the flow of primary data in the supply
chain can differ greatly from even the best estimates generated by secondary data. While estimates based on
secondary data have played a pivotal role in corporate reporting and understanding emissions on a global level,
only primary data can provide the accuracy and reliability to unlock the investment needed to decarbonize
global supply chain operations.
The next phase of the POC contemplates expanding the primary data scope to areas such as seed production,
fertilizer production, small and medium farmers, and leather products, among others. In parallel, the group will
make results available for audit and publish a white paper with the allocation framework developed.
“We have started discussion with some of the Big Four Accounting firms and aim to have results audited this
year,” explained Lyra. “This should be fairly straight forward because one of the key principles of this effort was
not to reinvent the wheel. The team followed WBCSD Pathfinder framework and industry standards such as
GHG Protocol emission factors and allocation principles. The key innovation was to allow industry experts to
access primary data and develop a sector specific framework for the application of these standards. This
framework will be open source and is likely to evolve over time.”
Conducting the POC in partnership with Sinai was one of the key success factors in this effort. Not surprisingly,
companies hesitate when it comes to sharing primary data. After all, emissions are many times calculated based
on sensitive operational data such as costs and technology used. Sinai’s platform not only enabled data to be
captured and managed at a very granular level, but also provided secure access to third parties so privacy could
be ensured throughout the process.
static snapshot in time. The same can be said for the impact of decarbonization investments. For example, the
emission reduction resulting from the deployment of solar panels at a meat packing plant in Europe is different
from installing the same panels at a similar plant in Brazil.
Laying the Groundwork for a new Carbon Asset
Beyond helping to identify decarbonization opportunities within supply chains, the group also believes sharing
relevant primary data may allow the pooling of resources and the monetization of new Carbon Assets. “Now
that we have a baseline, we can also start sharing primary data on mitigation opportunities across the supply
chain”, explained Lyra. “This could be a game changer for the use of carbon credits, infrastructure investment,
and development of digital carbon assets.”
In fact, Mr. Lyra has been in step with the Climate Warehouse project at the World Bank
(https://www.theclimatewarehouse.org/) from the beginning. Last November, IETA, the World Bank and the
Government of Singapore announced the launch of Climate Action Data Trust (CAD Trust) which is the first part
of the Climate Warehouse digital ecosystem to go live. According to Mr. Lyra, the expectation is that this
infrastructure could serve as a gateway for the private sector to lead supply chain decarbonization efforts based
on audited primary data flows. “When it comes to the low carbon economy, the rules of the game are not set,
there are many uncertainties” he explained. “Nevertheless, forward thinking corporations are finding ways to
take action and deploy capital based on science, transparency, and reputation. CarbonPrime participants see
the need to be proactive in leveraging today’s technology to build the foundations for a positive and equitable
transition.”
Next Steps for CarbonPrime
Bayer, AMAGGI, and JBS are the initial leaders in the partnership and have previously announced commitments
to achieve a climate–positive approach based on SBTi. Rumo has since joined the project and many more have
expressed interest in participating. This is the first time – in any industry – that a collaborative initiative shares
results based on primary data compiled throughout supply chain operations. While this first partnership focuses
on the agriculture industry, the approach should be applicable across any and all supply chains. After all, the
goal is to accelerate the deployment of low carbon solutions globally.
Comments from Supply Chain Leaders Regarding the CarbonPrime POC
“Agriculture, more now than ever, is part of the solutions to our planet’s climate challenge. It is crucial to
intensify the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and to strengthen the value of Nature–Based
Solutions, but to be fully successful, solutions must work together collaboratively across different industries and
throughout the whole value chain”, said Alejandro Girardi, Head of Public Affairs, Science and Sustainability
LATAM of Bayer Crop Science. “CarbonPrime reflects this, showing how cooperation and mutual commitment
can deliver more efficiency, sustainability and transparency to every stakeholder involved, benefiting growers,
the environment, and society as a whole.”
“Taking part in such an initiative with key players within our value chain strengthens AMAGGI’s ESG goals,” said
Juliana de Lavor Lopes, AMAGGI’s ESG, Communication and Compliance Director. “We understand that
agriculture has a fundamental role in the mitigation of climate change. Therefore, offering climate solutions to
global challenges is in line with our sustainability strategy, which includes commitments to reduce our emissions
by 2035 and to neutralize net emissions by 2050 (NetZero emissions), according to the Science–Based Targets
initiative (SBTi) and the global Race to Zero movement, which we are a part of.”
“Climate change is the challenge of our time and we must act urgently to combat the negative effects of global
warming and feed a growing world population” said Jason Weller, Global Chief Sustainability Officer, JBS. “As
one of the most diversified global food companies, we have an opportunity to leverage our scale and influence
to help lead a sustainable transformation of agricultural markets that empowers producers, suppliers,
customers, and consumers. Science and data–led collaborative industry initiatives such as this are critical to
increase transparency, more accurately benchmark progress and optimize decarbonization investment across
our value chain.” In March 2021, JBS, one of the world’s leading food companies, announced its aspiration to
reach net–zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2040, and this initiative is another step forward.
Cristiano Brasil, People and ESG vice president, Rumo said, “the partnership with SINAI offers a platform to
centralize data on greenhouse gas emissions from the company’s activities, allowing the targeting of mitigation
strategies for the impacts caused, as well as defining goals to reduce these emissions. It is also possible to share
data with stakeholders, as part of the monitoring of the value chain, providing transparency to the process.”
About Sumitomo Corporation of Americas
Established in 1952 and headquartered in New York City, Sumitomo Corporation of Americas (SCOA) has eight
offices in major U.S. cities. SCOA is the largest subsidiary of Sumitomo Corporation, one of the world’s leading
traders of goods and services. As an integrated business enterprise, the firm has emerged as a major organizer
of multinational projects, an expediter of ideas, an important international investor and financier, and a
powerful force for distribution of products and global communications through a network of offices worldwide.
Its core business units include Tubular Products, Environment and Infrastructure, Steel and Non Ferrous Metals,
Transportation and Construction Systems, Chemicals and Electronics, Media and IOT Applications, Real Estate,
Mineral Resources and Energy, and Food. For more information, visit www.sumitomocorp.com.
About Bayer
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. Its
products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the
major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable
development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase
its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability
and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2022, the Group employed around 101,000 people and had sales of
50.7 billion euros. R&D expenses before special items amounted to 6.2 billion euros. For more information, go to
www.bayer.com.
About AMAGGI
Founded in 1977, AMAGGI is the largest Brazilian grain and fiber company. With a presence in several stages of
the agribusiness chain, the company operates in the agricultural production of grains, fibers and seeds, sourcing,
processing and trading of grains and inputs. In addition, it operates grain transport by river and road, ports, and
electricity generation and trading.
With is headquarters in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, AMAGGI is present in all regions of Brazil, with farms, warehouses,
offices, factories, river and road fleets, port terminals and hydroelectric power stations. There are 74 units located
in 42 municipalities in nine states. Abroad, the company has units and offices in Argentina, China, Holland, Norway,
Paraguay and Switzerland.
AMAGGI annually produces about 1.2 million tons of grains and fibres, including soy, corn and cotton. The
Company has a commercial relationship base of approximately six thousand producers and, in 2022, sold
approximately 18.6 million tons of grains and fibres worldwide.
About JBS
JBS is one of the world’s largest food companies. With a platform diversified by types of product (poultry, pork,
beef and lamb, as well as plant–based), the Company has over 250,000 employees in production units and offices
on all continents, in countries like Brazil, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and China,
among others. In Brazil, JBS is the country’s largest employer, with over 145,000 employees. Worldwide, JBS offers
an extensive portfolio of brands recognized for excellence and innovation: Swift, Pilgrim’s Pride, Seara, Moy Park,
Primo, and Just Bare, among many others that reach the tables of consumers in 190 countries every day. The
company also invests in correlated businesses like leather, biodiesel, collagen, personal hygiene and cleaning
products, natural wrapping, solid waste management solutions, recycling, metallic packaging and transport with
emphasis on the circular economy. JBS conducts its business prioritizing the high quality and safety of food and
adopts the best sustainability and animal welfare practices across its entire value chain, and in March 2021 it
assumed the commitment to be Net Zero by 2040. This means that JBS will zero the net balance of its greenhouse
gas emissions by reducing the intensity of its direct and indirect emissions and offsetting all residual emissions.
JBS was the first global company in the protein industry to establish this commitment, with the aim of feeding
people around the world in an increasingly sustainable manner.
About Rumo
Rumo is the largest railroad operator in Brazil and offers logistics services for rail transportation, port elevation
and warehousing. The Company operates 12 transshipment terminals, six port terminals and manages around
14,000 kilometers of railroad tracks in the states of Paraná, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul, São Paulo, Mato
Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais, Goiás, and Tocantins. The asset base is consists of 1,400 locomotives
and 35,000 wagons. Rumo is part of the 18th portfolio of the ISE B3, which is the B3 Corporate Sustainability
Index that recognizes companies that are references in ESG practices.
About SINAI Technologies
SINAI Technologies Inc. is a decarbonization Intelligence platformbuilt to help organizations to build
decarbonization strategies. Their decarbonization platform enables more intelligent carbon emission
measurement, reporting, mitigation and scenario analysis for organizations using science–based methodologies.
To learn more, visit: www.sinai.com or follow us on Twitter @SINAICarbonTech or on LinkedIn @SINAI
Technologies Inc.
About RMI
RMI is an independent nonprofit founded in 1982 that transforms global energy systems through market–driven
solutions to align with a 1.5°C future and secure a clean, prosperous, zero–carbon future for all. We work in the
world’s most critical geographies and engage businesses, policymakers, communities, and NGOs to identify and
scale energy system interventions that will cut greenhouse gas emissions at least 50 percent by 2030. RMI has
offices in Basalt and Boulder, Colorado; New York City; Oakland, California; Washington, D.C.; and Beijing.
Media contacts:
Sumitomo Corporation of Americas
Jewelle Yamada
Corporate Communications & Sustainability
+1.212.207.0567
Jewelle–k.yamada@sumitomocorp.com
SINAI Technologies (Yulu PR)
Temidayo Olayide Ayodele–Oja
604.558.1656
SINAI@yulupr.com
Bayer Brazil
JeffreyGroup
agrobayer@jeffreygroup.com
+55 (11) 3785–0800 Ext. 854
AMAGGI
Carolina Holland
Press Officer | AMAGGI
+55 65 99626 1459
assessoria.comunicacao@amaggi.com.br
JBS
Corporate Communication Office
+55 11 3144–7997 | 5364 | 4996
imprensa@jbs.com.br
RUMO
E–mail: rumo@loures.com.br
Fábio Rogério – +55 13 9 8816–5233
Allan Scheid – +55 41 9 9910–7641
RMI, IETA, World Bank, and IFC contacts are available upon request. Please contact Mark Lyra at
mark.lyra@sumitomocorporation.com or +1–646–689–3789 for coordination