RR Donnelley & Sons (RRD), a global provider of packaging, print and supply chain solutions, has announced plans to reduce its carbon emissions by 25% over the next decade.

This initiative is inclusive of the company’s US and Mexico manufacturing locations, which account for the largest portion of its worldwide footprint.

The reduction target — a total reduction of more than 43,000 metric tonnes of CO₂e — has been reported via the 2023 climate change questionnaire conducted by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). This is a non-profit that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impacts.

Utilising 2022 as a third-party verified baseline year, RRD’s ten-year roadmap aims to lower emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) across its operations by pursuing energy efficiency programs involving several different technologies.

These steps include energy-efficient lighting initiatives, heat recovery, alternative energy use and demand response programmes with local utilities to reduce energy consumption during periods of peak demand.

RRD COO John Pecaric commented: “We have a responsibility to operate ethically and create sustainable solutions with the lowest environmental impact.”

Pecaric adds that while meeting clients’ expectations around corporate social responsibility is a top priority, this decision to report the company’s GHG reduction commitment will better position RRD to uncover risks and opportunities, track and benchmark progress and stay ahead of regulation.

The company is also reportedly considering reduction targets for its remaining worldwide manufacturing operations located in Asia, Latin America and Europe.

A recent study found that reusable packaging significantly reduces emissions when compared to their single-use plastic or paper counterparts.