Global coatings company AkzoNobel (Amsterdam, Netherlands) announced carbon reduction targets for the full value chain. In so doing, AkzoNobel “has become the first paints and coatings company to follow up on its commitment to setting science-based sustainability targets,” the company said in a statement.
According to AkzoNobel, it has aligned its own sustainability ambitions with the Paris agreement, which aims to limit global warming and ensure that global temperature raise does not exceed 1.5 °C (34.7 °F) above pre-industrial levels. The company plans to reduce carbon emissions for the whole value chain by 42% by 2030, which will apply to the company’s own operations as well as customers and suppliers.
“Setting a target like this really matters,” says AkzoNobel CEO Thierry Vanlancker. “It’s a clear signal that we’re preparing to mobilize our teams globally and take stronger action to tackle climate change. We need to act fast and focus on collaboration and innovation. When push comes to shove, there are those who contribute towards a zero carbon future and those who don't. We’re determined to do all we can and set the example by being the frontrunner in our industry.”
AkzoNobel’s carbon emission reduction target will also further sharpen and accelerate its vision for the “People, Planet, Paint” initiative launched in 2019. This initiative has propelled the company to exceed its projected performance on two key environmental goals: having its own carbon emissions and having 100% renewable electricity in the company’s operations by 2030.
“To achieve our carbon reduction target, we have to look further than our own operations,” says Vanlancker. “So we’ll be encouraging all our value chain partners to transition to lower/zero carbon alternatives. I also encourage our peers to commit to the SBTi [Science Based Target initiative], announce their own targets and join us in setting the right example in our industry.”
To highlight its commitment to reducing its carbon emissions, AkzoNobel announced that it would operate exclusively on renewable energy in Europe by 2022. In addition, Vanlancker is a member of the European CEO Alliance, a cross-industry partnership designed to help fight climate change, build economic resilience, and contribute to the success of the EU Green Deal.
For more information about the company’s People. Planet. Paint. approach, visit www.akzonobel.com/en/about-us/sustainability.
Source: AkzoNobel, www.akzonobel.com.