How Samsonite Targets Scope 3 Emissions to Secure Change
Samsonite International S.A. is taking bold steps to reduce its carbon footprint, focusing on Scope 3 emissions, representing the most significant portion of its environmental impact.
According to the company's recent announcement, more than 95% of its greenhouse gas emissions stem from its value chain, including suppliers, materials and production processes. With an ambitious target to cut these emissions, Samsonite aims to drive sustainable change throughout its operations and value chain.
Tackling value chain emissions
Understanding the depth of its carbon impact, Samsonite has committed to substantially reducing its Scope 3 emissions.
Samsonite has set a science-based target to reduce these emissions by 52% by 2030, focusing on emissions intensity per unit of gross profit.
The ambitious goal addresses the most critical sources of emissions, particularly in the materials and goods the company sources.
- Category 1 (Purchased goods and services): This is the main focus of Samsonite's Scope 3 reduction efforts. The company plans to "significantly increase the recycled content of the various types of plastics, aluminium and other materials of which its products are made."
- Category 2 | Capital Goods While not explicitly mentioned, this category is often relevant for manufacturing companies and may be indirectly addressed through Samsonite's overall sustainability efforts.
- Category 4 | Upstream Transportation and Distribution While not explicitly mentioned in the Samsonite announcement, this category is likely relevant as the company discusses its value chain emissions.
- Category 11 | Use of Sold Products Although not directly addressed in the announcement, this category is often significant for manufacturers and may indirectly impact Samsonite's efforts to use more sustainable materials.
- Category 12 | End-of-Life Treatment of Sold Products This category is potentially addressed through Samsonite's focus on increasing recycled content in their products, which could impact the end-of-life emissions of their goods.
Strategy for reducing Scope 3 emissions
To achieve this challenging goal, Samsonite is concentrating on increasing its products' recycled content, aligning with its commitment to product durability and sustainability.
Samsonite's primary approach for reducing Scope 3 emissions is to "significantly increase the recycled content of the various types of plastics, aluminium, and other materials of which its products are made."
The initiative aims to transform a significant portion of its product materials into recycled alternatives, contributing directly to reducing carbon emissions in its supply chain.
Building on past success
Samsonite has a solid track record of integrating recycled materials into its product lines.
Marina Dirks, Vice President and Global Head of Sustainability at Samsonite explains: "Since introducing our first product featuring recycled materials in 2018, we have continuously expanded their use into additional product components and collections."
In 2023 alone, products incorporating recycled materials made up 34% of Samsonite's net sales, a notable increase from 23% in 2022.
The company's commitment to sustainable materials not only reduces its environmental footprint but also resonates with customers looking for eco-conscious choices.
Collaborating with suppliers
Samsonite is partnering closely with suppliers to expand the availability of recycled, low-carbon materials to meet its goals.
Kyle Gendreau, Samsonite's Chief Executive Officer, highlights: "We are partnering with our suppliers to significantly expand the use of recycled, lower-carbon materials while maintaining our long-standing commitment to durability."
The collaborative approach ensures that sustainability does not compromise the quality and resilience of Samsonite products.
Roadmap in achieving goals
Samsonite has crafted detailed plans to achieve its 2030 target, focusing on carbon reduction roadmaps for its global teams. The roadmap outlines specific actions necessary to meet the emissions targets, reinforcing the company's commitment to long-term sustainability.
Marina Dirks expressed confidence in these strategies, noting: "To achieve the emissions reductions, we look to scale the use of recycled content further, relying on solutions that we've already brought to market – which is why we are confident that we can meet our target."
The roadmap builds on past successes, demonstrating the feasibility of integrating recycled materials across a broader range of products and components.
Samsonite's value chain
Samsonite's focus on significantly reducing Scope 3 emissions shifts towards having a more sustainable value chain.
By addressing emissions from purchased goods and materials, the company is tackling the most significant contributors to its carbon footprint and aligning with global climate goals. Samsonite is making meaningful strides toward a greener future through increased recycled content, supplier partnerships, and detailed emissions reduction plans.
The commitment to sustainability highlights Samsonite's dedication to environmental responsibility and reinforces its pledge to deliver high-quality, durable products.
As the company moves forward, it remains focused on balancing innovation, durability, and environmental impact, setting a solid example for sustainable practices in the global marketplace.
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