At Zeus Packaging, we’ve always believed in the power of taking bold steps towards a better future. Today, we’re thrilled to share with you a significant milestone in our journey: the completion of our 2023 Carbon Emissions Report. This isn’t just another report; it’s a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability and our pledge to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
When we started this journey, we knew it wouldn’t be easy. Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, and the packaging industry, like many others, has a responsibility to step up and make a difference. Our 2023 report is the first of many steps we’re taking to ensure we’re on the right path.
Understanding Our Carbon Footprint
For those who might not be familiar, carbon emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere—primarily from burning fossil fuels, industrial processes, and deforestation. These emissions are a significant contributor to global warming and climate change.
Our carbon footprint for 2023 was measured at 198,000 tCO₂e (tonnes of CO₂ equivalent). Here’s how it breaks down:
- Scope 1: Direct emissions from our vehicles and facilities amounted to 2.9 ktCO₂e.
- Scope 2: Indirect emissions from the electricity, heating, and cooling we consumed reached 4.9 ktCO₂e.
- Scope 3: All other indirect emissions in our value chain, including those from our suppliers, totalled a significant 190 ktCO₂e.
With an average of 107 tCO₂e per employee, our emissions are on par with others in the wrapping and packaging sector. This benchmarking is crucial as it helps us understand our position and identify where we can improve.
Committing to Net Zero by 2050
Net zero isn’t just a buzzword for us; it’s our north star. Achieving net zero means balancing the greenhouse gases we emit with those we remove from the atmosphere, through both emission reductions and carbon offset projects. The 2023 report sets our baseline, and from here, we’ll be building and expanding our sustainability initiatives.
One of the most exciting aspects of this journey is the immediate actions we’re taking:
- Scope 1: We’re transitioning our fleet from diesel to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and introducing hybrid and electric vehicles for our sales teams.
- Scope 2: We’re exploring Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs) to secure renewable energy and considering the installation of solar panels.
- Scope 3: We’re refining our supplier database to gain a better understanding of our supply chain and identify areas where we can further reduce emissions.
These steps are just the beginning. By taking action now, we’re not only addressing our own carbon footprint but also paving the way for a more sustainable future in the packaging industry.
Leading the Way Towards a Sustainable Future
We’re incredibly proud of the work we’ve done so far, but we know there’s much more to do. As we move forward, our commitment remains clear: to lead by example and inspire others in our industry to join us in the fight against climate change.
This journey is one we’re all in together. I invite you to follow along as we continue to share our progress and learnings. Together, we can make a substantial impact on creating a more sustainable world.
For those interested in diving deeper into the details, I encourage you to check out our full 2023 Carbon Emissions Report available here.
Let’s continue this journey together—towards net zero, towards a greener future, and towards a better world for all.