Reduction of Scope 3 GHG Emissions: How Avery Dennison is Rising to the Challenge

By Nathan Zhou, Sustainability Program Manager, Avery Dennison APAC
Published on 18th September 2024

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are a pressing issue as we strive to address environmental sustainability. These emissions come in three scopes, of which Scope 3 GHG emissions play an exceptionally significant role. As a significant proportion of Avery Dennison’s GHG emissions — a whopping 91% — come from Scope 3, the reduction of these emissions has become vital in our pursuits to reduce our overall environmental impact. In this article, we will explore the critical role and reduction of Scope 3 GHG emissions and how AD is rising to the challenge.

The Critical Role of Scope 3 GHG Emissions

Scope 3 GHG emissions are indirect emissions that occur outside of an organization's own activities but are a result of its business operations. These include emissions from purchased goods and services, transportation and distribution, waste disposal, employee commuting, among others. While Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions are more directly under an organization's control, Scope 3 emissions can be challenging to measure and manage due to their complex nature.

Despite this complexity, it is essential to address Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as they represent a significant portion of a corporation’s overall carbon footprint. By tackling Scope 3 emissions, businesses can not only enhance their sustainability efforts but also contribute to a broader impact on climate change and promote a responsible supply chain.

Avery Dennison, committed to achieving measurable sustainability, has set ambitious goals to reduce Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 70% and Scope 3 GHG emissions by 30% by 2030. And we do not just make empty promises; we have the products and strategies on hand to reach these goals.

Our solutions for Scope 3 GHG emission reduction is notable as it focuses on reducing GHG emissions principally through two strategies: material usage reduction and the incorporation of recycled/renewable content in our products.

A standout in our portfolio is our key products such as the DT linerless is a technology primarily used in packaging and labeling that eliminates the need for a traditional liner, which is often a paper or plastic backing that supports adhesive labels. This innovative approach is becoming increasingly popular in the quick-service restaurant, logistics, retail, and e-commerce sectors as it addresses the need to reduce waste and streamline labeling, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.

In addition, Avery Dennison's lightweight film products offer a considerably lower carbon footprint but also boost productivity and slash supply chain costs, thus creating a triple win situation for the environment, the customers, and the producers.

Moreover, bio-based hot melt adhesive and recycled content (from physical recovery) products like rPP (recycled polypropylene) and rPET (recycled polypropylene) contribute to reducing Scope 3 GHG emissions by effectively minimizing the carbon footprint associated with the production of new materials. By using recycled content, these products require less energy and fewer resources compared to virgin materials, leading to lower emissions throughout their lifecycle. Additionally, incorporating recycled materials reduces the need to extract and process raw materials, minimizing waste and promoting a circular economy. This aligns with our sustainability goals and helps companies move closer to their emissions reduction targets.

Beyond that, our products are designed with circularity in mind — they are recyclable, reusable, and compostable. By choosing Avery Dennison, our customers are empowered to reduce their carbon footprint, thus collectively contributing to our shared environmental goals.

We aren't stopping at just our products though. Our commitment to reducing Scope 3 GHG emissions extends to the materials we source. By using paper products that are FSC certified, we support supplier decarbonization efforts and sustainable forestry practices. In addition to transforming our portfolio, we are collaborating with key suppliers to develop materials that have a lower carbon footprint, which involves utilizing renewable energy, enhancing efficiency, and employing green logistics.

Avery Dennison's commitment to sustainability and GHG reduction is more than just words. It is evident in our product offerings, strategies and the core of our mission. By choosing to work with Avery Dennison and using our suite of eco-friendly products, not only are customers receiving high-quality solutions, they are also contributing to the sustainability of our planet.

About the author

Nathan Zhou is our Sustainability Program Manager at Avery Dennison Asia Pacific, leading the way in implementing our GHG reduction strategy to reach our 2030 sustainability goals. His role involves spearheading the company's decarbonisation efforts, with a special focus on cutting down scope 3 emissions to speed up our target achievement across the APAC region. Nathan brings a wealth of expertise in GHG accounting, product carbon footprint analysis, setting SBTi carbon targets, and reporting to CDP.

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