Tetra Pak expects profit in green focus
with its aim of a 10 per cent cut in CO2 emissions by 2010, in a
bid to reduce the environmental impact and costs of its operations.
The company, which is a leading producer of dairy and beverage cartons, said it was continuing to reduce CO2 emissions, while improving recycling commitments in its 2007 Environmental and Social Report. As consumers become increasingly concerned at the environmental impacts of what they consume, dairy processors are under greater pressure to ensure their products, including packaging, are both socially and environmentally sustainable. As such, demand is increasing for products, which can claim to be ethically sourced and produced. Company president Dennis Jönsson believes that along with improving the company's image, the environmental focus will also be vital in ensuring it remains competitive in the future. "Our commitment is as much about good business as good corporate citizenship as saving energy and reducing waste means reducing costs," he stated. "In addition, with beverage cartons made of some 75 per cent from wood fibre, a naturally renewable resource, we have a vested interest in responsible management of the forests where our products are ultimately sourced." Tetra Pak said it had reduced its CO2 output to 373,000 tonnes in 2006 from 390,000 tonnes in 2005. The strategy over all has resulted in a 22 per cent reduction in energy use since 2002, with three of its production facilities using green power from 2006 onwards. In terms of packaging materials, the company said that though it used 100 per cent "acceptable sources" for fibre used in its paper products, it was still working towards full certification by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) This would require the entire group's paper for packaging use to come from strictly managed forest environments. The group added that it had recycled an estimated 335,000 tonnes of its cartons globally in 2006, an increase of about 90,000 tonnes over the last five years. Through the aims stated in the report, Tetra Pak hopes it can continue working in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) as one of the 12 corporations supporting its Climate Saves Programme. The programme aims to cut ten million tons of CO2 emissions a year from 2010. Alongside amending its environmental impact, the company said it had also been recognised by the United Nations for its work in helping to combat poverty and malnutrition in developing countries. Through its duel role as both a global packaging and machine manufacturer, Tetra Pak estimates it holds an 80 per cent share of the carton market.
