Univar Solutions Sets Scope 3 Goal and Joins TfS

Univar Solutions, a global leader in specialty ingredients and chemical solutions, has taken significant strides in its commitment to sustainability by setting new emissions goals and joining Together for Sustainability (TfS).

The company has established its first-ever Scope 3 emissions intensity reduction target and launched a new initiative called EcoScope to collaborate with suppliers on reducing Scope 3 emissions intensity.

Setting ambitious emissions goals

Alexa Colin, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Executive ESG lead at Univar Solutions, highlights the company's progress and commitments: "I'm extremely proud of our progress in meeting our environmental commitments and particularly excited about this next step in our ESG journey.

"With our new goal of a 15% intensity reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2030 (against a 2023 baseline), we focus on driving sustainable practices forward and looking to deliver environmental value throughout our business and global supply chain."

In 2023, Univar Solutions achieved a 19.9% reduction in global Scope 1 and 2 emissions compared to its baseline. The company has now set a goal to reduce Scope 3 emissions intensity by 15% by 2030 and 2023 as a base and to achieve net-zero emissions across all scopes by 2050.

Collaborating with TfS to transform the supply chain

Univar Solutions' membership in Together for Sustainability (TfS) marks a key milestone in its sustainability strategy.

By joining forces with 52 other chemical and ingredient manufacturers and distributors, the company aims to advance sustainable practices, strengthen data sharing and foster collective progress in emissions reductions and other sustainability goals.

Kelly Gilroy, Vice President of Commercial Sustainability at Univar Solutions, emphasises the importance of the TfS partnership.

"We found an excellent sustainability partner in TfS," says Kelly. "Their exclusive focus on the chemical and ingredient industry enables us to access and share best practices among peer organisations and apply consistent methodologies on crucial sustainability issues, such as PCF. Many of our supplier partners are TfS members.

"Our membership will bring mutual benefits by fostering transparent and consistent processes and methods that collectively improve our sustainability results. Ultimately, our customers seeking to source sustainably will benefit from our TfS membership."

Univar Solutions is also set to work with TfS on the development of a chemical sector Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) Guideline.

The initiative will help standardise the measurement and reporting of carbon footprints for chemical products, enabling more accurate tracking and reduction of emissions throughout the supply chain.

EcoScope and supplier engagement

To support its Scope 3 emissions reduction goal, Univar Solutions has launched EcoScope, a supplier collaboration program specifically focused on reducing Scope 3 emissions intensity.

The company recognises that approximately 95% of its combined emissions are associated with the products and services it sources. 

To address this, Univar Solutions is:

1. Building a roadmap through close collaboration with its supply chain partners
2. Communicating expectations on ESG topics to all product suppliers via its Global Supplier Code of Conduct
3. Expanding assessment of suppliers, covering 54.4% of its spend in 2023, up from 44.5% in 2022

Achieving certification milestones

In 2023, Univar Solutions achieved the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS in Europe and is now working toward ISCC PLUS certification in North America.

Kelly explains the importance of these certifications: "ISCC PLUS certification is key to our strategy of supporting the transition of our supplier partners and customers to sustainable, traceable and deforestation-free supply chains.

"ISCC certification covers supply chains for all kinds of biomass – including agricultural and forest biomass – biogenic waste and residues, non-biological renewable materials and recycled carbon-based materials. By increasing our materials certifications with sustainable attributes, we're helping to improve supply chain sustainability in the chemical industry."

By implementing these strategies, Univar Solutions is working to reduce Scope 3 emissions throughout its supply chain, primarily impacting Scope 3 Category 1 | purchased goods and services.

The approach aligns with the growing demand for environmentally responsible practices in the chemical and ingredients industry and will ultimately benefit clients by providing more sustainable products and services.

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