Flexible packaging producer Constantia Flexibles has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 as per the Science Based Targets Initiative’s (SBTi) standards.

The SBTi is a partnership between the Carbon Disclosure Project, the UN Global Compact, World Resources Institute, and the World Wide Fund for Nature.

It drives climate action in the private sector by assisting participating organisations with science-based emission-reduction targets.

Constantia is headquartered in Austria and is claimed to be the third-largest producer of flexible packaging across the globe.

It operates a network of 30 sites across 16 countries, manufacturing custom packaging solutions.

It employs approximately 8,530 people and serves clients from the consumer and pharma industries.

Constantia CEO Pim Vervaat said: "We are pleased to announce this commitment and to join other organisations in leading the fight against climate change.

"Sustainability has always been a part of our DNA therefore we continue to invest in the development of more sustainable packaging solutions, with a focus on a circular economy.”

The company already has an approved science-based greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction target since 2018. It aims to cut GHG emissions across all three scopes by 24% by 2030.

Vervaat added: “In order to remain at the forefront of sustainability, it was time to update our target to reflect the need to limit global warming to 1.5°C and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

"We therefore have decided to increase the ambition of our target and have committed to setting a science-based net-zero target in all three scopes within the next two years.”

Earlier in August this year, an affiliate of US-based private equity company One Rock Capital Partners signed a definitive agreement with French investor Wendel to acquire Constantia.