Tetra Pak has set an ambition target for achieving net zero emissions across its entire value chain by 2050. It has also set an intermediate 2030 target of net zero carbon emissions across its own operations. Since 1999, the company has been collecting data on energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from across the organisation on an annual basis. Tetra Pak will now focus on four key areas to reach net zero GHG emissions across its own operations by 2030, and to realise its 2050 ambition along the entire value chain. Two of these are related to renewable energy:
The focus will be on lowering energy-related emissions through energy conservation, improvements in energy efficiency, installing on-site solar photovoltaics systems and purchasing renewable energy. Since 2011, Tetra Pak has invested over Euro 16 million in energy efficiency, preventing energy use from increasing by 23 per cent over this period. To date, the company has installed approximately 2.7 MW of solar PV that has helped in saving operational costs. Tetra Pak is also a member of the RE100 initiative. It has installed solar plants across its operations and has also purchased renewable certificates. It has gone from 20 per cent use of renewable energy in 2014 to 69 per cent in 2019, and it is on track to achieve its 2020 target of 80 per cent.
The second focus will be on partnering with suppliers and other stakeholders along the value chain to significantly reduce carbon footprint. It is working with suppliers to cut upstream carbon emissions, including setting ambitious renewable energy targets and increasing the use of renewable and recycled materials to make a low carbon circular economy possible.
