Billerud’s long-term climate target to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 has been officially approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This milestone complements the previously approved near-term target for 2030.
Credit: Billerud
Veronica Stigsson, acting EVP Sustainability & Public Affairs, Billerud
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has approved Billerud’s long-term commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. This means that Billerud will first reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its operations and value chain by 90%. The remaining residual greenhouse gas emissions will be eliminated through balancing with an equal amount of carbon removals from the atmosphere. The value chain covers all stages of the product lifecycle – from raw materials, energy, through production and transport, to product use, and end-of-life – including both direct and indirect emissions.
“We have a strong commitment to actively contribute to the transition towards a low carbon society. The recognition from SBTi is a big deal as it proves that we are on the right track with both our long-term and near-term targets,” says Veronica Stigsson, acting EVP Sustainability & Public Affairs, Billerud.
In 2024, Billerud’s near-term science-based targets were approved by SBTi. These include a commitment to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 42% and Scope 3 emissions by 25% by 2030, using 2022 as the baseline year. In 2024, Billerud reduced greenhouse gas emissions in Scope 1 and Scope 2 by 337 ktons, achieving 78% of the total reductions needed. This puts Billerud ahead of schedule to meet the near-term targets for own operations.
“These achievements show that we are credible and transparent in our climate actions and sustainability work, which is also appreciated by our customers,” says Veronica Stigsson.
The SBTi validation confirms that Billerud’s targets align with climate science and the goals of the Paris Agreement, to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Roadmaps are in place for reducing long-term Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions across both Billerud’s European and North American operations.