Moving forward
To meet our ambitious emission reduction targets, we have built a roadmap to 2030.
The new near-term targets set stricter requirements for our value chain emissions, and we had to strengthen our focus on joint initiatives with our value chain partners.
The roadmap is a cross-functional effort with responsible colleagues from production, supply chain, innovation and engineering, procurement, and marketing/sales and is a part of our sustainability program (read more here).
Scope 1
Within Scope 1, we aim to reduce emissions from the consumption of natural gas, propane, heating oil, waste incineration, and the use of fossil fuels. The roadmap includes identified activities currently being evaluated, such as:
- Replacing fossil-fired processes with electric alternatives
- Transfer energy use of production equipment and processes from gas to electricity
- Reducing waste through operational excellence
- Change gas-fired forklifts to electric
Calculating the potential impact of these initiatives showed potential emission reductions beyond the required reduction in our scope 1 target (and residual scope 2). However, all projects are subject to financial and technological feasibility studies over the next coming years.
We have identified several key projects to help us reach our targets, first and foremost aiming to phase out non-renewable energy sources.
Thor Erik Jægersborg, Director Operations
Scope 2
Elopak already sources 100% renewable electricity, and part of the target is to continue this practice in the future. However, our emission reduction targets do include scope 1 and 2, which means that we also need to aim to reduce the overall use of electricity. Therefore, we have identified some projects to be followed up over the next few years. Encouraging employees to contribute ideas, such as through the operational excellence program, will be essential to reach these targets.
- Mapping and increasing energy efficiency at all plants
- Energy-saving projects at all plants
Scope 3
Although they account for the vast majority of our emissions, the most challenging ones to reduce are those outside of our own premises. We have identified some key strategic initiatives to help us reach the target. However, we will need to further optimize this part by setting up and evaluating various future scenarios, finding where Elopak can make the greatest impact. Some already identified initiatives include:
- Minimizing transport through end-to-end supply chain planning efficiencies
- Evaluating and optimizing mode of transport where possible
- Changing gas-driven trucks to electric, or evaluate other types of fuel
- Optimizing design and set-up of filling machines to reduce emissions per filled carton
- Evaluating new technologies to minimize downtime, waste, and energy consumption of filling machines
- Working systematically with key raw material suppliers to bring material use and emissions related to their production down
- Driving more sales of cartons with the lowest possible carbon footprint
- Continuing to hold virtual and digital meetings when possible to keep emissions from travel low
Our roadmap to 2030 will be continuously evaluated and updated to ensure that we reach the targeted CO2e manufacturing footprint.