Tony's Chocolonely sustainability score: 55/100

Joint 32nd of 51 in Food & Beverage (non-meat) on this question

Tony's does not publish specific Scope 1 or Scope 2 figures in tonnes CO₂e. However, Tony's has committed to SBTi targets with a 2022 baseline, implying that operational emissions have been calculated internally. The company reports using 100% renewable energy at headquarters and production facilities. Score of 4 reflects awareness and some operational data without public granular disclosure.

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Tony's has extensively mapped its cocoa supply chain with 100% bean-to-bar traceability via BeanTracker, GPS-polygon mapping of 29,326+ cocoa farms, and satellite deforestation monitoring via Satelligence. Cocoa sourced via Tony's Open Chain had 87% lower emissions in Ghana and 95% lower in Côte d'Ivoire versus the regional average. The company has committed to SBTi Scope 3 measurement. However, actual Scope 3 tonnage figures are not publicly reported, and non-cocoa supply chain categories (dairy, sugar, packaging, logistics) lack comparable quantification. Score of 6 reflects strong supply chain awareness and cocoa-specific quantification, but incomplete full Scope 3 disclosure.

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Tony's 2022-23 FAIR report states the company 'cut carbon emissions last year' while growing revenue by 23%. The 2023-24 report claims 'halved cocoa's climate impact.' However, absolute emissions figures in tonnes are not publicly disclosed, making it impossible to independently verify the trajectory. With revenue growing from €150M to €240M in two years and volume growing 4%, absolute total emissions may be rising even if per-unit metrics improve. The company is a fast-growing FMCG brand — growth at this rate makes absolute reductions challenging. Without published absolute figures, score is capped at 4.

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Komoneed reports that at Tony's headquarters and production facilities, the company uses energy from 100% renewable sources, with cooling systems powered by green energy. However, Tony's outsources most manufacturing to Barry Callebaut, and the energy profile of Barry Callebaut's processing facilities (which handle Tony's chocolate) is not disclosed or controlled by Tony's. Without RE100 membership, PPAs, or verified details on the additionality of their renewable energy procurement, and given reliance on third-party manufacturing energy, score is 6.

Joint 1st of 51 in Food & Beverage (non-meat) on this question

Tony's demonstrates strong nature/biodiversity awareness for the cocoa industry. Its supply chain is confirmed deforestation-free through satellite mapping of 29,326+ farms. The company supports shade tree planting (17,000 trees in one year) and is developing a long-term agroforestry strategy. Tony's scored top marks on the 2025 Chocolate Scorecard for deforestation and climate, though received a 'yellow' score on agroforestry, indicating room for improvement. The company actively advocated FOR the EU Deforestation Regulation. No TNFD-aligned disclosure has been identified. Score of 7 reflects verified deforestation-free sourcing and active ecosystem improvement, but not yet net-positive nature outcomes.

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Tony's has redesigned its chocolate bar packaging to be flatter and more stackable, increasing the number of bars per shipping container and reducing transport emissions. Wrappers are made from recyclable materials with consumer education campaigns on recycling. The company cancelled its own factory (Chocolate Circus) in Zaandam to redirect capital to impact work. However, no quantified circular economy targets, waste-to-landfill metrics, or comprehensive material footprint data have been found. For a food manufacturer, moderate performance on resource efficiency with room for improvement.

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Tony's has funded construction of efficient irrigation systems in cocoa-producing regions to reduce water usage while maintaining crop hydration. Infrastructure improvements funded by the Chocolonely Foundation ensure water is accessible in farming communities. However, no quantified water footprint, water consumption data, or formal water stewardship programme has been identified. For a chocolate company where water risk lies primarily in cocoa farming regions, the investment in farmer infrastructure is positive but not formally measured.

Joint 8th of 51 in Food & Beverage (non-meat) on this question

Tony's has SBTi-validated near-term targets to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% by 2030 (1.5°C aligned, 2022 baseline), validated via the SME streamlined process. The company also commits to measuring and addressing Scope 3 emissions. Tony's aims to offset its entire carbon footprint while pursuing reductions. The offset reliance warrants caution — reduction-first is stated but offsets are mentioned alongside it. No net-zero long-term SBTi target has been identified. Score of 7 reflects validated near-term SBTi targets at the maximum SME level, but deducted for offset reliance and lack of long-term/net-zero pathway.

Joint 1st of 51 in Food & Beverage (non-meat) on this question

Tony's publishes an annual FAIR report with extensive impact data. It is a certified B Corp with a score of 125.0 (median 50.9), Fairtrade certified, and has a unique Mission Lock legal structure with three independent Mission Guardians and a golden share preventing mission drift. The company is undergoing its first double materiality assessment in line with CSRD. Board-level oversight of sustainability is embedded. Named 2024 Fast Company Brands That Matter honoree. The absence of publicly disclosed absolute emissions tonnage prevents a score of 9-10, but governance and transparency structures are best-in-class for an SME.

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Starting at 8. Deducted 1 for removal from Slave Free Chocolate list (2021) due to Barry Callebaut partnership — this is a credible NGO critique that remains unresolved, though Tony's has responded transparently. Deducted 1 for 2025 product recalls in the US and Scandinavia for metal fragments and small stones — a quality/safety issue, not environmental, but relevant to operational standards. No environmental fines, greenwashing rulings, or climate policy lobbying against progress found. Tony's actively advocated FOR the EU Deforestation Regulation. No InfluenceMap profile found, suggesting no anti-climate lobbying. The Barry Callebaut association is a persistent reputational concern even if Tony's segregates its beans.