Yesterday (8 May) paper and pulp product manufacturer Clearwater Paper announced the news that its climate targets had been validated by environmental organisation the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi).
The SBTi is a global body that enables businesses to set emissions reduction targets in line with the latest climate science. Clearwater says that the targets endorsed by STBi include reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 29.1% and absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions by 25% by 2030.
The paper mill company says it believes in careful utilisation of its natural resources and that it is committed to meeting its remaining energy needs through utilising renewable biofuels and self-generating steam and electricity wherever possible to reduce its needs for non-renewable fuels.
The senior vice-president and general manager of the pulp and paperboard division Steve Bowden said: “By setting science-based targets, we are committing to taking steps to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, which is crucial to mitigating the impacts of climate change.”
The SBTi is a collaboration between the Carbon Disclosure Process (CDP), the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI), the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and one of the We Mean Business Coalition commitments. The SBTi says it is focused on accelerating companies worldwide to halve emissions before 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions before 2050.
Bowen added: “The SBTi goal-setting process helps to strengthen and unify our company’s overall commitment to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while SBTi’s validation of our goals gives our employees, customers and communities confidence that we are being good stewards of our natural resources.”
This is the latest development in packaging companies reporting approval from the STBi on their climate goals. Last month Packaging Gateway reported that carton packaging and filling equipment supplier Elopak had set a 2050 net-zero emissions goal approved by the SBTi and that the company had reported a 20% reduction in scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions since 2020.
Elopak sustainability director Marianne Groven said at the time: “I am pleased that we are continuing to make great progress across several aspects ranging from employee engagement to our offering of bio-circular cartons. The approval of our net-zero targets by the SBTi marks a significant milestone for 2022.”
