Zomato’s claim of “100% Green Deliveries” came under scrutiny after a shareholder questioned how the company could make the claim while delivery partners were still seen using petrol bikes.
The discussion quickly gained attention online, prompting Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal to explain the company’s environmental efforts and provide supporting documentation.
Why Did The Zomato Shareholder Question The Green Claim?
The controversy began when Zomato shareholder Rajesh Sawhney shared a picture of a delivery partner using a petrol-powered bike.
He questioned the company’s “100% Green Deliveries” claim and pointed out that the vehicle shown in the picture did not appear to be an electric vehicle.
His post asked Zomato to provide evidence supporting its environmental claims instead of making statements simply to appear environmentally friendly.
Deepinder Goyal Gives His Explanation
Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal responded to the criticism.
According to Goyal, Zomato offsets more than 100% of the carbon generated by its delivery fleet. He also said the company has been working on this for several years as it moves towards its target of becoming Net Zero by 2030.
Goyal further stated that Zomato recycles more than 100% of the plastic used for food deliveries and is simultaneously working to reduce plastic consumption in food packaging.
He rejected the suggestion that the company was engaging in greenwashing and argued that a publicly listed company is subject to scrutiny from various institutions.
Shareholder Asks For Audited Proof
The shareholder appreciated Goyal’s response but said he wanted more substantial evidence.
He requested an audited report explaining the carbon offsets that allowed Zomato to describe its deliveries as “100% Green.”
He also asked for information about Zomato’s plastic recycling programme so shareholders could understand its actual environmental impact.
The shareholder additionally urged Zomato to speed up the transition towards electric vehicles, particularly in the Delhi-NCR region.
Zomato Shares Documentation
Following the request, Goyal provided further details about the company’s environmental claims.
Zomato pointed to international renewable energy certificates and carbon-offset purchases that had been verified by ESG assurance providers over multiple years.
The company also provided an update on electric vehicle adoption.
According to the information shared by Zomato, around one in three deliveries in Delhi were already being made using electric vehicles at the time.
The company has set a longer-term target of achieving 100% EV-based deliveries by 2030.
Why Is 100% EV Delivery Still Difficult?
Moving an entire delivery fleet from petrol vehicles to electric vehicles is not straightforward.
Zomato highlighted several challenges, including the availability of suitable two-wheeler EVs, charging infrastructure and financing options for delivery partners.
These factors can influence how quickly delivery platforms can transition their fleets.
Netizens React To The Debate
The exchange between the shareholder and Goyal attracted attention on social media.
Some users questioned whether carbon offsets should be considered equivalent to having an entirely electric delivery fleet.
Others appreciated the fact that the shareholder publicly asked for evidence and that Goyal responded with additional information about Zomato’s environmental initiatives.
The discussion also highlighted a broader question: Should companies rely on carbon offsets while gradually transitioning their operations to cleaner technology?
What Does “Green Delivery” Actually Mean?
A green delivery programme does not necessarily mean every delivery vehicle is electric.
Companies can use different methods to reduce or compensate for their environmental impact, including renewable-energy certificates, carbon offsets, electric vehicles, recycling initiatives and reduced packaging.
Therefore, Zomato’s claim involves its broader environmental strategy rather than simply the type of vehicle used for every individual delivery.
Conclusion
The debate over Zomato’s “100% Green Deliveries” claim shows why environmental statements made by large companies often attract close scrutiny.
While seeing a petrol bike may raise questions about the claim, Zomato says its definition is based on its wider carbon-offset and sustainability programme.
At the same time, the shareholder’s demand for audited evidence highlights the importance of transparency when companies make major environmental claims.
Zomato’s stated goal of reaching 100% EV-based deliveries by 2030 could further change the way its delivery network operates in the coming years.
FAQ
What did the Zomato shareholder question?
He questioned Zomato’s “100% Green Deliveries” claim after seeing a delivery partner using a petrol bike and asked the company to provide evidence supporting the claim.
What did Deepinder Goyal say?
Goyal said Zomato offsets more than 100% of the carbon generated by its delivery fleet and is working towards its Net Zero 2030 target.
Is Zomato moving towards electric vehicles?
Yes. Zomato said it was increasing EV adoption and had set a target of achieving 100% EV-based deliveries by 2030.
Why did the shareholder ask for an audited report?
He wanted independent documentation showing how Zomato’s carbon-offset activities support its “100% Green Deliveries” claim.
Does “Green Delivery” mean every Zomato delivery uses an EV?
Not necessarily. In this context, Zomato’s claim relates to its broader environmental strategy, including carbon offsets and other sustainability measures, rather than every delivery being made by an electric vehicle.