Climate Change Data

Papier- und Kartonfabrik Varel GmbH & Co. KG

Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2020, 2022)

Reporting Period: 2020

Environmental Metrics

Total Carbon Emissions:352,188.03 tonnes of CO₂ equivalents (2020)
Scope 1 Emissions:266.497,96 t CO2e
Scope 2 Emissions:0 t CO2e
Scope 3 Emissions:66.434,42 t CO2e
Renewable Energy Share:Not disclosed
Total Energy Consumption:1,514,080,061 kWh (natural gas) + 52,763,000 kWh (biogas) + 520,530 kWh (external power) (2020)
Water Consumption:2.95 million m3 (2020)
Waste Generated:18,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste (2020)
Carbon Intensity:Not disclosed

ESG Focus Areas

  • Climate Change
  • Resource Management
  • Employee Rights
  • Equal Opportunities
  • Human Rights
  • Corporate Citizenship
  • Compliance

Environmental Achievements

  • Achieved a top position in industry comparison for water management with 4.0 m3 of fresh water used per tonne of finished product in 2020.
  • Reduced energy input to 1459 kWh per tonne of finished product in 2020, below the industry average.
  • Replaced wire and press section of paper machine 4, resulting in more efficient drying and energy savings.
  • Expanded power generation with renewal of steam turbines and new boiler, reducing natural gas consumption and CO2 emissions by about 10,000 tonnes per year.
  • Replaced air-conditioning system in central control room, saving more than 90% of electricity and emissions.

Social Achievements

  • Maintained a cooperative relationship with the works council and IG BCE.
  • Offered various in-service training courses, spending 305,536 euros on continuing education and training in 2020.
  • Implemented a company agreement on part-time work, improving work-life balance.
  • Provided high-quality workwear for employees.
  • Supported company sports and gym contracts.

Governance Achievements

  • Implemented a Code of Conduct.
  • Conducted training on compliance issues for management and department heads in 2020.
  • Regularly reviewed procurement policy as part of the EcoVadis rating.

Climate Goals & Targets

Long-term Goals:
  • Not disclosed
Medium-term Goals:
  • Develop a plan to achieve further CO2 emission reductions and move towards greenhouse gas neutrality.
Short-term Goals:
  • Reduce CO2 emissions per tonne of finished product by up to 10% by 2025 (compared to 2018).

Environmental Challenges

  • Energy-intensive production process leading to greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Availability of 'green' energy and regulatory framework conditions.
  • Increased amount of non-recyclable waste in raw materials (plastic, etc.).
  • Potential conflicts of use with groundwater extraction.
Mitigation Strategies
  • Investing in energy efficiency improvements and process optimization.
  • Exploring alternative energy sources (e.g., green hydrogen).
  • Building a reject processing plant to process non-recyclable waste into pellets for fuel.
  • Testing the use of treated wastewater in addition to groundwater.
  • Implementing strict monitoring of groundwater extraction.

Supply Chain Management

Supplier Audits: Key suppliers to be reviewed in 2022 as part of sustainability survey.

Responsible Procurement
  • Purchasing only FSC®-certified pulp.
  • Compliance with EU standards in logistics.
  • Compliance with human rights and labor standards in logistics.
  • Training of buyers in sustainable procurement.
  • Intention for key suppliers to sign Code of Conduct for Sustainable Procurement.

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks
  • Not disclosed
Transition Risks
  • Changes in energy sources and regulatory framework.
Opportunities
  • Improved energy efficiency and reduced emissions.

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: Deutscher Nachhaltigkeitskodex (DNK)

Certifications: FSC®-C074387, DIN EN ISO 9001, DIN EN ISO 14001, DIN EN ISO 22000, DIN EN ISO 45001, DIN EN ISO 50001

Third-party Assurance: Not disclosed

UN Sustainable Development Goals

  • Not disclosed

Not disclosed

Sustainable Products & Innovation

  • Paper and board made from recycled waste paper.

Awards & Recognition

  • Not disclosed

Reporting Period: 2022

Environmental Metrics

Total Carbon Emissions:340,284 tCO2e/year
Scope 1 Emissions:270,242 tCO2e/year
Scope 2 Emissions:4,741 tCO2e/year
Scope 3 Emissions:65,301 tCO2e/year
Renewable Energy Share:Not disclosed
Total Energy Consumption:1,663 kWh/tonne of finished product
Water Consumption:3.4 million m3/year (4.2 m3/tonne of finished product)
Waste Generated:26,300 tonnes/year (non-recyclable fraction)
Carbon Intensity:Not disclosed

ESG Focus Areas

  • Climate Change
  • Resource Management (Water & Energy)
  • Employee Rights & Well-being
  • Supply Chain Sustainability
  • Circular Economy

Environmental Achievements

  • Reduced energy input per tonne of finished product by 2.7% compared to 2018.
  • Achieved top industry ranking for water management efficiency (4.2 m3 fresh water per tonne of finished product).
  • Installed a power-to-heat module using wind energy to generate steam.
  • Planned installation of two new photovoltaic systems (6.1 MWp combined output).

Social Achievements

  • Remuneration fully compliant with applicable laws and collective agreements, exceeding minimum wage standards.
  • Company agreement on part-time work, allowing employees to reduce hours by up to 50%.
  • Introduction of an internal policy on labour and human rights.
  • Investment of €330,578 in further training and education in 2022.
  • Established PKV Extra program to financially support employee volunteer work.

Governance Achievements

  • Appointed a sustainability manager.
  • Introduction of a whistleblower system.
  • Compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 22000, ISO 45001, ISO 50001, and FSC® certifications.
  • Regular external review through EcoVadis rating.

Climate Goals & Targets

Long-term Goals:
  • Maximize climate neutrality in production.
Medium-term Goals:
  • Reduce fresh water consumption consistently below or at 4 m3 per tonne of finished product.
  • Convert all industrial trucks and equipment to electric drives by 2025.
Short-term Goals:
  • Reduce carbon emissions per tonne of finished product by up to 10% by 2025 (compared to 2018).

Environmental Challenges

  • Energy-intensive industry with reliance on natural gas, leading to greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Need for clarity on infrastructure for switching to alternative fuels.
  • Rising demand for products, requiring sustainable procurement practices.
  • Non-recyclable fraction of waste paper raw material (around 3%).
  • Potential risks from the planned European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
Mitigation Strategies
  • Developing a decarbonisation roadmap and transformation pathways to alternative fuels.
  • Engaging in detailed dialogue with strategic suppliers to guarantee sustainable procurement.
  • Implementing a comprehensive supplier assessment system (planned for 2023/2024).
  • Investing in reject processing system to transform non-recyclable waste into a useful product.
  • Testing the use of purified municipal wastewater to reduce fresh water consumption.

Supply Chain Management

Supplier Audits: 51% of key strategic suppliers reviewed in 2022 (initial sustainability survey); planned systematic risk analysis and assessment in late 2023/early 2024.

Responsible Procurement
  • Code of Conduct signed by 87% of key strategic suppliers in 2022.
  • Regular sustainability training for purchasing department colleagues.
  • Procurement policy reviewed as part of the EcoVadis rating.
  • Purchase of FSC®-certified pulp.

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks
  • Not disclosed
Transition Risks
  • Regulatory changes, market shifts, energy price volatility.
Opportunities
  • Development of energy-efficient products and processes, switch to alternative fuels.

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: DNK

Certifications: FSC®-C074387, DIN EN ISO 9001, DIN EN ISO 14001, DIN EN ISO 22000, DIN EN ISO 45001, DIN EN ISO 50001

Third-party Assurance: Not disclosed

UN Sustainable Development Goals

  • Not disclosed

Not disclosed

Sustainable Products & Innovation

  • Not disclosed

Awards & Recognition

  • Not disclosed