Berry Global Group Inc. is setting a long-term goal of reaching net-zero emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050.
The Evansville, Ind.-based plastics processor said it wants to reduce emissions by more than 90 percent by then — 27 years from now — and "neutralize" any remaining residual GHGs.
"Reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 is critical to avoiding the most catastrophic environmental, social, and economic impacts of climate change," CEO Tom Salmon said in a statement.
Berry has about 265 locations around the world, but previously announced plans to close at least 15 locations. The company, which makes a diverse range of plastic products using injection molding, blow molding and thermoforming, will rely on three main approaches to cut GHG emissions.
Those include moving away from virgin resins to increase the use of what the company calls circular plastics, including both recycled and bio-based plastics.
Another approach involves "value-chain engagement," Berry officials said. "Because most of the company's value-chain emissions come from purchased goods and services, work with customers to develop lower-carbon solutions and suppliers to provide lower-carbon materials and services."
The third approach is the increased use of renewable energy while also improving energy efficiency. This third approach involves taking steps to electrify processes that now consume gas and fuel, the company said.
GHGs are divided into three categories called scopes. Scope 1 involves direct emissions. Scope 2 involves indirect emissions from the purchase of energy. Scope 3 emissions involve all other indirect emissions associated with the company's supply chain and use of the products. Scope 3, which includes all emissions not covered by Scopes 1 and 2, is the trickiest to measure because of the category's broad nature.
Berry says it currently has decreased Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 21 percent compared with a 2019 baseline and has 25 percent reduction goal by 2025.
"We have a responsibility to protect the environment by minimizing the impact of our products, operations, and value chain as well as our business by limiting the exposure of our operations and supply chain to climate risk," Salmon said.
The long-term nature of the GHG goal means that many people working on the effort will not be with the company by the time 2050 comes around. Salmon, in fact, has announced his plans to retire from the packaging company at the end of this year.