Climate Change Data

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Climate change
• Water management
• Responsible packaging
• Employee health, safety and well-being
• Equity, diversity and inclusion
• Circular economy
• Fibre sourcing and sustainable forestry
• Community engagement and investment

Environmental Achievements

• In 2019, Cascades emitted 33% fewer GHG emissions (scopes 1 and 2) than the North American pulp and paper industry average.
• In 2019, Cascades consumed 3.9x less water than the North American pulp and paper industry average.
• In 2019, Cascades used 2.4x less energy than the North American pulp and paper industry average.

Social Achievements

• In 2019, Cascades' OSHA frequency rate was 1.7, an 85% decrease from 2002 levels.
• Cascades invests approximately $4 million annually in its communities.
• Cascades encourages employee community involvement and awards grants based on volunteer hours.

Governance Achievements

• Cascades has 25 years of experience in disclosing extra-financial information and reports to rating agencies (CDP, MSCI, Sustainalytics, Vigeo Eiris).
• ESG issues are incorporated into Cascades’ business risk assessment and management processes.
• Accountability for each objective in the sustainability plan is assigned to an individual.

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Reducing GHG emissions across scopes 1, 2, and 3.
• Ensuring responsible procurement and sustainable sourcing of materials.
• Managing water consumption in manufacturing processes.
• Achieving an accident-free work environment.

Mitigation Strategies

• Implementing energy efficiency projects and renewable electricity purchases.
• Working with suppliers to reduce their carbon footprint.
• Improving product design for recyclability and compostability.
• Investing in employee health and safety training and programs.
• Implementing new governance and accountability processes.

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement

• Comprehensive evaluation of supplier business practices since 2012.
• Eight general principles guiding responsible procurement.
• Focus on increasing the proportion of FSC® Mix certified fibre and paper inputs.

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB)

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)
• Goal 13 (Climate Action)
• Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
• Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)

Targets designed to contribute to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Climate Change
• Circular Economy
• Responsible Procurement
• Health, Safety and Well-being
• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
• Community Involvement

Environmental Achievements

• Reduced scope 1 and 2 emissions for mills by -19% (kg of CO2 eq./MT) compared to 2019
• Increased scope 3 emissions by +26% (kg of CO2 eq./MT) compared to 2019
• Reduced scope 1 and 2 emissions for converting plants and other facilities by -19% (kg of CO2 eq.) compared to 2019
• Reduced water consumption by 26.1% (M3/MT) compared to 2019
• Recovered 68% of production residue

Social Achievements

• Allocated 74% of donations and sponsorships budget to causes aligned with the SDGs
• 24,887 hours of community involvement completed by employees
• 50% of employees trained on unconscious biases related to EDI
• Achieved Silver Parity Certification from Women in Governance

Governance Achievements

• Board of Directors: 45.45% women, 63.64% independent

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Increased GHG emissions due to the start-up of the Bear Island plant and energy mix challenges
• Contaminants in recycled fibre bales
• Lack of widespread recyclability for certain plastic packaging
• Challenges in doubling FSC Mix fibre supply due to exchange of parent rolls
• Reaching 70% responsible supplier sourcing

Mitigation Strategies

• Implementing several initiatives across the value chain to reduce GHG emissions
• Working with recycled fibre suppliers to reduce contaminants
• Developing alternative packaging solutions
• Continuing efforts to improve FSC Mix certified fibre supply
• Working with EcoVadis to assess supplier ESG practices

Supply Chain Management

Supplier Audits: 155 suppliers assessed by EcoVadis in 2023

Responsible Procurement

• Sustainable procurement policy
• Collaboration with suppliers who share Cascades' values
• EcoVadis assessment of supplier ESG practices

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks

• Extreme weather

Transition Risks

• Regulatory changes
• Market shifts

Opportunities

• Development of energy-efficient products
• Increased demand for renewable energy

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: SASB, TCFD, UNGC, SBTi

Certifications: FSC, BPI, CMA, Green Seal, UL ECOLOGO

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 1
• Goal 2
• Goal 3
• Goal 4
• Goal 8
• Goal 9
• Goal 11
• Goal 12
• Goal 13
• Goal 15

Cascades' sustainability action plan objectives align with 10 of the 17 UN SDGs

Sustainable Products & Innovation

• 100% recycled white linerboard (EnviroWhite™)
• Cardboard tray alternative to plastic
• Recycled corrugated board produce baskets

Awards & Recognition

• Prix Engagement communautaire at the 14th Envirolys Gala
• Giga-Guru supplier by Walmart
• Global 100 index (38th rank)
• Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada (18th rank)
• Canada’s Top 100 Employers
• Prix Prospère Employeur Innovant
• MSCI ESG rating A
• AICC Innovator of the Year for EnviroWhite™
• PAC Global Awards and Grands Prix DUX awards for produce baskets
• Finalist in U.S. Plastics Pact Sustainable Packaging Innovation Awards