Public Profile

Universal

Universal Corporation, headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, is a leading player in the global tobacco industry, primarily focusing on the sourcing, processing, and marketing of leaf tobacco. Founded in 1886, the company has established a strong presence in key operational regions, including Africa, South America, and Asia, positioning itself as a vital link in the tobacco supply chain. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, Universal offers a diverse range of products and services, including leaf tobacco and related products, which are distinguished by their quality and traceability. The company has achieved notable milestones, such as expanding its global footprint and enhancing its supply chain capabilities, solidifying its market position as a trusted partner for manufacturers worldwide. Universal Corporation continues to adapt to industry changes while maintaining its reputation for excellence and reliability.

DitchCarbon Score

How does Universal'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.

35

Industry Average

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.

32

Industry Benchmark

Universal's score of 35 is higher than 61% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.

61%

Universal's reported carbon emissions

In 2023, Universal Corporation reported total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of approximately 95,448 tonnes CO2e for Scope 1 and about 49,868 tonnes CO2e for Scope 2. This reflects a commitment to reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 30% by 2030, using 2020 as the base year. Additionally, the company aims to achieve a similar 30% reduction in Scope 3 emissions, specifically from purchased goods and services, within the same timeframe. In 2022, Universal's emissions for Scope 1 remained consistent at approximately 114,537 tonnes CO2e, while Scope 2 emissions were about 48,349 tonnes CO2e. The company has set these targets in alignment with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which classifies their goals as consistent with limiting global warming to well below 2°C. Overall, Universal Corporation is actively working towards significant emissions reductions, with a long-term vision of achieving net-zero emissions across all scopes by 2050. Their commitment includes addressing biogenic emissions and removals from bioenergy feedstocks, highlighting a comprehensive approach to climate action.

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Add to project
2020
2021
2022
2023
Scope 1
-
000,000,000
000,000,000
00,000,000
Scope 2
-
00,000,000
00,000,000
00,000,000
Scope 3
534,302,000
-
-
-

Industry emissions intensity

Very low
Low
Medium
High
Very high
Some industries are more carbon intensive than others. Universal's primary industry is Tobacco products (16), which is very low in terms of carbon intensity compared to other industries.

Location emissions intensity

Very low
Low
Medium
High
Very high
The carbon intensity of the energy grid powering a company's primary operations has a strong influence on its overall carbon footprint. Universal is headquartered in US, which has a rank of medium, indicating medium grid carbon intensity.

Reduction initiatives & disclosure networks

Companies disclose and commit to reducing emissions to show they are serious about reducing emissions impact over time. They can also help a company track its progress over time.

Universal is committed to some reduction initiatives we track. This may change over time as the company engages with new initiatives or updates its commitments. DitchCarbon will update this information as it becomes available.

SBTi
CDP
The Climate Pledge
UN Global Compact
Carbon Disclosure Project
The Climate Pledge
UN Global Compact

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Where does DitchCarbon data come from?

Discover our data-driven methodology for measuring corporate climate action and benchmarking against industry peers