ByteDance, the global tech giant behind TikTok, has made a bold move in its sustainability journey by acquiring over 100,000 premium carbon credits from US-based climate tech company Rubicon Carbon. The purchase grants ByteDance the rights to retire credits from Rubicon’s curated portfolio of high-quality offsets, known as Rubicon Carbon Tonnes (RCTs).
Rubicon Carbon described the deal as a forward-thinking strategy, saying: ‘Buyers secure access to premium credits at today's prices, reducing exposure to future cost spikes and supply issues. With expert management, RCTs offer confidence that retired credits will meet the highest standards and deliver measurable climate impact.’
The credits secured in the deal are a mix of nature-based avoidance and carbon removal projects. This combination ensures both short-term emission reductions and long-term atmospheric CO₂ removal—an essential balance for companies aiming for credible climate strategies.
ByteDance has publicly committed to reaching carbon neutrality across its operations by 2030. Its roadmap includes slashing operational emissions by 90%, with the remaining 10% offset using verified carbon credits.
‘As we advance toward our 2030 carbon neutrality goal, it's critical that we build long-term relationships with trusted partners. This purchase marks an important step in that journey, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with Rubicon Carbon’, said Ian Gill, Global Head of Sustainability at ByteDance.
Rubicon’s approach addresses a common challenge in the voluntary carbon market: fragmentation and inconsistent credit quality. By offering professionally managed bundles of credits, RCTs simplify the path for companies seeking reliable and verifiable environmental outcomes.
This deal underscores ByteDance’s growing commitment to sustainability and highlights how major digital players are turning to the carbon market to meet climate targets. As environmental accountability becomes a business imperative, more tech firms are expected to follow suit with similar investments.