Greenhouse gas emissions
Suominen reports its direct greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1), its indirect greenhouse gas emissions from purchased energy production (Scope 2) and other indirect greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 3) according to the Greenhouse gas protocol. Direct greenhouse gases originate from the consumption of fossil fuels used mainly for the generation of process heat. Indirect emissions related to energy production are caused by the production of purchased electricity and steam. Other indirect emissions are caused by those activities we are indirectly responsible for in the whole value chain.
In our Sustainability Agenda 2020–2025, our target is 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, which consists of Scope 1 and 2, per ton of product by 2025, the baseline being 2019. In 2024, we achieved our target as the progress was 24% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions per ton of product compared to the base year 2019.
In our Sustainability Agenda 2025–2030, our targets for low impact manufacturing include reducing our greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Agreement, targeting to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. By committing to 1.5°C science-based GHG reduction targets, Suominen strengthens its position to lead in sustainable nonwovens and to meet customer expectations. Suominen will be setting its GHG reduction targets in 2025.
As a part of our work on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, all our European sites have shifted entirely to fossil-free electricity since 2021. Our Paulínia site in Brazil shifted to fossil-free electricity in 2023 and our Bethune site in the United States partially in 2024. These initiatives have been remarkable steps towards reducing our greenhouse gases in Scope 2. Suominen is examining similar opportunities for its other sites in North America. We also have solar panels in Alicante, producing renewable electricity for the site. These panels account for 5% of the total energy usage at the site. Suominen is evaluating opportunities for more solar panel investments.
The figures include direct (Scope 1) and indirect (Scope 2) greenhouse gas emissions.
We are continuously looking for ways to decrease greenhouse gas emissions from our operations and supply chain.