Metsä Board expands climate targets to include end-of-life emissions
The Finnish company received validation from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for its updated emissions reduction targets and strengthened its climate commitments across the value chain
Metsä Board, a leading European producer of fresh fibre paperboards and part of Metsä Group, announced that it has received validation from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for its updated near-term greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. The company has maintained SBTi-validated targets since 2019 and has now expanded its climate strategy to address a broader range of emissions across its value chain.
As part of this update, Metsä Board has adopted a more comprehensive climate management approach that extends beyond emissions generated directly by its operations. Consequently, the company aims to address emissions associated with the entire life cycle of its products, including those generated during end-of-life treatment.
In line with this commitment, Metsä Board introduced a new Scope 3 target covering emissions from the end-of-life treatment of sold products. Specifically, the company has pledged to reduce these emissions by 25% by 2030 compared with a 2024 baseline.
In addition, Metsä Board announced that 47% of its suppliers, measured by spend and covering purchased goods and services, capital goods, and upstream transportation and distribution activities, are expected to have science-based targets in place by 2030. According to the company, this initiative is intended to strengthen climate action throughout the supply chain.
Furthermore, the updated Scope 1 and Scope 2 targets reflect a broader accounting of greenhouse gas emissions. However, the company emphasized that the update does not change its previous commitment to phase out fossil-based energy in production by 2030.
According to Metsä Board, 93% of the energy currently used in its production processes is fossil free. The company also stated that expanding its climate targets will help customers reduce packaging-related climate impacts through recyclable materials and collaborative packaging design solutions aimed at lowering carbon footprints.
Through these initiatives, Metsä Board continues to advance its sustainability strategy while reinforcing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions both within its own operations and across its value chain.
