Mitigating climate change

We recognize that climate change could have a deep impact on the global environment, society, and economic systems, and we aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to improve eco-efficiency along our value chain.

As the transition to a net zero-carbon economy accelerates, we continue to raise the bar on how we can reduce climate-related impacts, mitigate risks and harness growth opportunities.

In support of the objectives of the UN Paris Agreement, we have already significantly reduced our emissions over the last decade. We have also identified operational goals to continue minimizing the environmental impact that we have on our planet, by setting ambitious targets including a reduction of absolute GHG emissions, total waste and water consumption intensity.

We also focus on improving the eco-efficiency of our facilities and circularity of products as a key component in our sustainability approach.

Sustainability targets

How we measure and report our greenhouse gas emissions

Greenhouse emissions in CO2-equivalents are reported at three levels:

  • Emissions from our own operations (Scope 1)
  • Emissions from purchased energy (Scope 2)
  • Emissions associated with the raw materials we purchase (Scope 3, upstream).

Each year, we calculate our greenhouse gas emissions inventory, estimating CO2 equivalent emissions. This allows us to measure progress against our targets. Our focus is on further reducing carbon emissions while growing revenues. Between 2009 and 2021, we reduced emissions per ton of product by 9%.

To support our customers, we also conduct life cycle assessments and provide product carbon footprints (PCFs) and environmental product declarations (EPDs) when needed.

Our greenhouse gas emissions

See our environmental data sheet and sustainability report for more details.

Company carbon footprint: Cradle-to-gate 

 

 Unit 2009 2018 2019 2020  2021 % change
2009-2021
Direct emissions (Scope 1) Kton CO2-eq 526 533 523 537 550 +4%
Direct emissions (Scope 1) intensity Ton CO2
_eq /ton of
production		 200 149 151 161 159 -21%
Indirect emissions (Scope 2) Kton CO2-eq 668 796 894 825 885 +32%
Indirect emissions (Scope 2)
intensity		 Ton CO2
_eq /ton of
production		 254 222 259 248 256 +1%
Combined Direct and Indirect emissions (Scope 1 and 2) kton CO2-eq 1.194 1.329 1.417 1.362 1.434 +20%
Scope 3 upstream emissions for Raw Materials* kton CO2-eq n/a n/a 2.163 2.246 2.291  
Estimated Scope 3 Total kton CO2-eq       4.541    
Total emissions (Scopes 1, 2, and 3 estimated) kton CO2-eq       5.903    
Direct emissions, covered by emissions-limiting
regulations*		 % of Direct emissions   26% 25% 28% 29%  

* For all footnotes, please see ESG Factsheet.

Product carbon footprint: Operational emissions

 

 Unit 2009 2018 2019 2020  2021 % change
2009-2021
Direct emissions Kton CO2-eq 526 531 516 530 544 +3,3%
Indirect emissions Kton CO2-eq 668 796 894 825 885 +32%
Product carbon footprint Kg CO2-eq/ton 454 370 408 407 413 -9%

* For all footnotes, please see ESG Factsheet.

How we will further reduce our emissions

We aim to achieve our emissions reduction target through a wide range of actions, with a focus on energy efficiency measures and increasing our renewable energy usage.

Improving energy consumption and  operational eco-efficiency

We have a strong drive to embed continuous improvement in manufacturing, energy efficiency and consumption across the supply chain. We track and report our eco-efficiency performance on a quarterly and annual basis using Enablon’s EHS software package. The input is checked and validated twice a year. Since 2009, we have incrementally decreased our energy intensity while also supporting customers’ sustainability ambitions.

For example, our Integrated Manufacturing Model in Brazil provides pulp mill customers with a cost-effective solution to produce bleaching chemicals and creates sustainability benefits. Our facility is powered by renewable energy from biomass generated as a by product in the pulp mills, and proximity to the customer reduces the need to transport products, reducing our carbon footprint, improving safety, and creating a more circular model.

Energy management

 

 Unit 2009 2018 2019 2020  2021 % change
2009-2021
Total energy consumption mln GJ 23,0 29,1 29,8 30,2 32,1 +40%
Energy intensity GJ/ton of production 8,74 8,12 8,62 9,06 9,29 +6%
Percentage renewable* %   51% 46% 52% 51%  
Percentage low carbon and renewable* %   63% 59% 59% 59%  
Percentage grid electricity %   70% 62% 61% 60%  
Total self-generated electricity mln GJ - - - - -  

* For all footnotes, please see ESG Factsheet.

Sourcing low carbon energy

In 2020, 56% of our energy came from low-carbon and renewable sources, such as hydro, wind, solar, biomass for power, and steam from bio-waste. This was a slight increase from the year prior. We have set the goal to further increase the share of our purchased low-carbon and renewable energy to more than 60% by 2025.

For example, we source renewable energy using trusted approaches, such as assets owned by Nouryon, Purchase Power Agreements (PPA) with third parties, or energy attribute certificates backed by recognized industry standards and documentation. 

To strengthen our sustainable energy sourcing capabilities, in 2020 we established the Nouryon Energy Team (NET). The NET brings together cross-functional expertise in Energy, Procurement, Operations, and Sustainability to further optimize and develop a comprehensive Energy Management Plan of sustainable and low-carbon energy solutions across the company.

Download the Sustainability Report 2021

We invite you to read more about all of the progress we are making in this report. And, as in previous years, we transparently report relevant data, including a clear overview of our Environmental, Social, and Governance
(ESG) data. Thank you for your interest in Nouryon’s contribution to a
sustainable future.  

Full Report    ESG/Fact Sheet

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Cases - Improving safety and environment

Case: São Paulo’s Paulínia plant: 30 record years without injury

August 2021 marked an impressive anniversary for 30 years without work-related incidents at our site in Paulínia, São Paulo, Brazil.

Case: Reducing Emissions Through Renewable Energy

Our Mons, Belgium site purchases 100% renewable electricity. In 2021, we shifted 15% of the site’s electricity needs to solar cells.

Case: Frontline Leader Safety training

In 2021, we piloted a new training for site supervisors and leadership teams to improve employee engagement around safety.

Case: Continuously Improving Our Transportation Safety

As part of our commitment to continue improving, we looked more closely at Nouryon logistics in 2021, regarding both environmental impact and safety.

Case: Circular Economy Business Practices in Brazil

In Brazil, our innovative solution contributes to a lower carbon and manufacturing footprint for some of the world’s most essential paper products

"2021 Excellent Company for Global Warming Countermeasures"

Nouryon's Asa site, Japan, recognized for proactive approach to reducing carbon dioxide

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