Resolute adopts sustainability strategies aligned with the United Nations’ SDGs

Recently, Resolute Forest Products stated that it is taking steps to combat global poverty even though this does not seem like an obvious goal for a forest products company. By aligning its sustainability strategy with the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the company believes it is contributing to a more inclusive, peaceful and prosperous society in the future.

Developed in 2015 by the UN, the SDGs are a universal call to action to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. They recognize that ending poverty goes hand in hand with strategies that build economic growth and address a range of societal needs, including education, health, social protection and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection. There are 17 SDGs in total, and Resolute has identified eight that align with its sustainability commitments:

• Water management (Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation)

The company is committed to managing water efficiently with annual water reduction targets for each of its pulp, paper and tissue mills.

• Energy (Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy)

Resolute is optimizing the use of renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectricity and carbon-neutral biomass, while reducing consumption of fossil fuels.

• Employee health, safety and well-being (Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth)

Committed to implementing new leadership and human resource practices to create a diverse and inclusive workplace where safety remains a core value and where the collective bargaining process and the right to freedom of association of its employees are fundamental to the way of doing business.

• Economic Performance and Investments in Infrastructure (Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure)

It established a plant specializing in the production of cellulose filaments, a sustainable biomaterial, and modernized equipment at its Kenogami (Quebec) paper mill to anhancethe facility’s competitiveness.

• Waste Management (Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production)

Focused on reducing waste sent to landfills by identifying beneficial-use alternatives such as land spreading, and pursuing process efficiencies, such as optimizing the use of fibers to minimize the cost of effluent treatment.

• Climate Change (Goal 13: Climate Action)

Resolute has reduced its Scope 1 and 2 absolute GHG emissions by 32% compared to 2015 levels ahead of its 2025 schedule, and last year the Science Based Targets initiative validated its new emissions reduction targets, which include a 41.5% reduction in absolute scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2026 from a 2015 base year, and a 16.5% reduction in scope 3 emissions within the same timeframe.

• Forest Management, Fiber Supply Practices and Biodiversity (Goal 15: Life on Land)

The company maintains internationally recognized forest management certification at 100% of its owned or managed forests, and 100% of the woodlands it harvests are regenerated. Onfiber supply practices, Resolute maintains chain of custody certifications in accordance with internationally recognized standards in all their facilities. It also participates in forest caribou research and recovery plans and actively protect biodiversity and species at risk through its forest management plans.

• Environmental Compliance (Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)

The sustainability strategy is focused on moving beyond regulatory compliance and incident management to position the company as an environmental supplier of choice. The company track environmental and forest management occurrences, disclosing them annually.

Resolute believes that a commitment to these goals will help it become a more efficient and competitive company, a better employer, a stronger business partner and an even deeper involvement in its communities.

For more information on how Resolute has integrated the UN SDGs into its sustainability reporting strategy, visit the company’s sustainability page.