Paper-based packaging producer Smurfit Kappa has announced plans to reduce CO2 emissions per ton of paper produced by 25% by the year 2020 in its seventh annual Sustainable Development Report.
The company’s original target of a 20% reduction by 2020 has been achieved well ahead of schedule. The latest move is said to be part of the company’s proposal to tackle climate change.
In its report, Smurfit Kappa has expanded the commitments to four new areas, comprising health and safety, community involvement, waste elimination and sustainable sourcing.
The sustainability commitment is part of the company’s new global brand initiative, ‘Open the future’ launched last week.
The company made advances in the use of sustainable fibers, following which 91% of all its converting operations have obtained Chain of Custody certification. This is said to have exceeded original commitment to reach about 90% certification level by 2015.
Under the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) or the Sustainable Forest Initiative (SFI), about 90% of all packaging produced in Europe can now be declared Chain of Custody certified, noted Smurfit Kappa.
By 2014-end, all of the company’s relevant Americas operations are expected to achieve Chain of Custody certified status, following the certification of its Venezuelan operations.
According to the company, the 2013 achievements form a key part of its vision on sustainability, a commitment to deliver sustainable solutions to help customers reduce their environmental impact.
Smurfit Kappa Group CEO Gary McGann said the company aims to assist customers to succeed in their markets by ensuring the sustainability of paper packaging solutions alongside delivering innovative solutions.
"Having successfully met two key targets on Carbon Emissions and Chain of Custody certification well ahead of schedule, we are now intensifying our commitment to tackle climate change," McGann added.
Smurfit Kappa has realized an absolute reduction of fossil CO2 emissions of 929,000t since 2005.
Image: Smurfit Kappa aims to cut down carbon emissions per ton of paper produced by 25% by 2020. Photo: courtesy of Smurfit Kappa Group.