Paper products manufacturer Sofidel has said that it is committed to achieving net zero across its entire supply chain by 2050, adding that it is ‘intensifying’ its ecological transition strategy.
The company made the announcement following the endorsement of its 2030 decarbonisation targets by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), as well as its participation in the WWF Climate Savers initiative.
The firm, which boasts operations in Italy, Spain, the UK, Ireland, France, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Poland, Hungary, Greece, Romania and the US, and is home to brands such as Regina, Softis, Le Trèfle, Sopalin, KittenSoft and others, said that it now plans to work with the SBTi to have its decarbonisation targets validated, a process that could take up to 24 months.
‘A comprehensive plan’
In terms of its 2050 decarbonisation targets, Sofidel said that the ‘strategy to accomplish this highly ambitious objective is based on a comprehensive plan that not only focuses on activities directly managed by Sofidel but also involves stakeholders throughout the entire supply chain.’
The company’s actions will include the introduction of technologies to improve energy efficiency across its facilities, and electrify processes previously reliant on fossil fuels, as well as increase the proportion of electricity is uses that is generated from renewable sources and procured via long-term power purchase agreements.
Elsewhere, Sofidel plans to expand the use of bio-based fuels, including solid biomass, biomethane, and bio-syngas, sourced sustainably, and deploy the use of green hydrogen in technology partners and public entities – a process for which it has already secured ‘significant’ subsidies.
Forest management
Sofidel added that it is committed to implementing sustainable forest management practices to eliminate deforestation within its supply chain, and develop products with reduced packaging, or packaged using renewable materials.
Finally, the company has said that it plans to use more efficient transportation methods, potentially using plant-based fuels, hydrogen, e-fuels, or electricity, and will explore carbon removal technologies, such as carbon capture and storage and biological storage through afforestation or reforestation projects. Read more here.
