BX partners with Borton & Sons on carbon assessment

BX, an environmental farm management platform, has partnered with Borton & Sons,  a family-owned and operated grower, packer and shipper based in Yakima, Washington, to conduct a comprehensive product carbon footprint (PCF) assessment for its Rockit apples and help advance sustainability within the apple industry, according to a news release. The pilot project maps the carbon emissions generated across the life cycle of Rockit apples, from orchard to packaged product, providing Borton & Sons with an accurate calculation of emissions per pound of packaged apples.

Tracking a product’s carbon footprint allows farmers, packers and producers to access new markets, fetch higher prices (“low-carbon” claims are becoming essential for premium labels), cut production costs, provide new revenue streams (farmers who store carbon in soil or biochar can sell carbon credits for additional revenue), and use baseline data and PCFs to be in a stronger position to meet retailer demands, according to the release.

“Quantifying emissions at this level of detail for a specific apple variety is groundbreaking,” said Ben Bardsley, CEO of BX. “This project sets a new benchmark for what is possible in fresh produce carbon accounting. It’s a win for Borton & Sons and for the entire industry as we move toward more transparent and accountable supply chains. For farmers, this means access to new markets, potential for higher prices and opportunities to reduce production costs while preparing for future sustainability demands.”

An example illustration of the BX carbon footprint assessment for Rockit apples. (Courtesy BX)
An example illustration of the BX carbon footprint assessment for Rockit apples. (Courtesy BX)

BX is working to expand this assessment model to other partners in the produce sector. The model is versatile and can be applied to various crops beyond apples, such as hops, grapes, nuts and more. 

“The ability to track and verify our CO2e emissions per pound of packaged apples gives us the insight we need to drive meaningful change,” said Byron Borton, chief visionary officer at Borton & Sons. “This partnership with BX reflects our commitment to environmental improvement and sustainable farming practices.”

For more information, visit: bx.tech/pcf.