By Dieter Holger

British American Tobacco PLC has pledged to make its products carbon neutral by 2050 as the tobacco industry moves away from cigarettes.

The London-based owner of Camel and Lucky Strike cigarettes said Tuesday that it would continue to work with its suppliers and farmers to meet its new net-zero emissions goal.

BAT's plan comes as more and more large companies expand their focus from emisssions from their direct operations and energy purchases, known as Scope 1 and 2 emissions, to the emissions contained in the products they sell, known as Scope 3 emissions.

"We are at a pivotal moment in our transformation," BAT Chief Executive Jack Bowles said in prepared remarks. Last year, the company grew customers of non-combustile tobacco products, like e-cigarettes, to 13.5 million from 10.5 million.

The company's other targets include zero-waste-to-landfill at all factories and 30% water recycled by 2025 and 100% renewable electricity for its direct operations by 2030.

Write to Dieter Holger at dieter.holger@wsj.com; @dieterholger

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

03-09-21 1035ET