Imperial Brands PLC, commonly known as Imperial Brands, is a leading global player in the tobacco and consumer goods industry, headquartered in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1901, the company has evolved significantly, marking key milestones such as its expansion into the vaping and heated tobacco sectors, reflecting its commitment to innovation and sustainability. With a diverse portfolio that includes well-known cigarette brands, fine-cut tobacco, and next-generation products, Imperial Brands stands out for its focus on quality and consumer choice. The company operates in major regions including Europe, North America, and Asia, positioning itself as a formidable competitor in the market. Notable achievements include a strong market presence and a dedication to reducing the health impact of its products, aligning with evolving consumer preferences and regulatory landscapes.
How does Imperial Brands's carbon action stack up? DitchCarbon scores companies based on their carbon action and commitment to reducing emissions. Read about our methodology to learn more.
Mean score of companies in the Tobacco Products industry. Comparing a company's score to the industry average can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
Imperial Brands's score of 87 is higher than 86% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
In 2024, Imperial Brands reported total carbon emissions of approximately 73437000 kg CO2e for Scope 1, 15683000 kg CO2e for Scope 2 (market-based), and a significant 981703000 kg CO2e for Scope 3 emissions. The company has set ambitious climate commitments, aiming for net-zero emissions in its direct operations (Scope 1 and 2) by 2030. Additionally, Imperial Brands targets a 97% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 2030 from a 2017 baseline, and a 50% reduction in absolute Scope 3 emissions within the same timeframe. In the UK, Imperial Brands reported Scope 1 emissions of approximately 1688000 kg CO2e and Scope 2 emissions of about 876000 kg CO2e in 2024. The company has also achieved a 12% reduction in total Scope 1 and 2 emissions from its 2017 baseline, with a target to reduce these emissions by 25% by 2030. Imperial Brands is committed to reaching net-zero emissions across its entire value chain (Scopes 1, 2, and 3) by 2040. This commitment aligns with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which has validated the company's targets as consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5°C. The company also aims for 50% of its suppliers to set science-based targets by 2023, further enhancing its sustainability efforts.
Access structured emissions data, company-specific emission factors, and source documents
| 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 35,731,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 |
| Scope 2 | 4,455,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 |
| Scope 3 | 213,081,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | - | - | 000,000,000 |
Imperial Brands's Scope 3 emissions, which increased by 404% last year and increased by approximately 361% since 2014, demonstrating supply chain emissions tracking. The vast majority of their carbon footprint comes from suppliers and value chain emissions, representing the vast majority of total emissions under the GHG Protocol, with "Purchased Goods and Services" being the primary emissions source at 69% of Scope 3 emissions.
Climate goals typically focus on 2030 interim targets and 2050 net-zero commitments, aligned with global frameworks like the Paris Agreement and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to ensure alignment with global climate goals.
Imperial Brands has established climate goals through participation in recognized frameworks and target-setting initiatives. Companies often set interim 2030 targets and long-term 2050 net-zero goals to demonstrate measurable progress toward decarbonization.

Common questions about Imperial Brands's sustainability data and climate commitments