SanMar Corporation announces the approval of its science-based target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with climate science. In partnership with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), SanMar has set a company-wide target to meet the SBTi’s most ambitious temperature pathway to limit warming to 1.5 C and prevent the worst impacts of climate change.

SanMar’s approved target sets carbon emission reduction goals for both its scope 1 and 2 and scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions: SanMar commits to reduce scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 50% per pound of product by 2030 from a 2019 base year. SanMar also commits to reduce scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services 50% per pound of product within the same timeframe.

“Establishing audacious science-based targets is a landmark moment for SanMar and our industry,” said Emily Gigot, senior manager of sustainability at SanMar, in a press statement. “Collectively, we must all do our part to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, and this framework provides us with a roadmap to reduce our emissions in line with climate science.”

Many of the company’s initiatives to reach its emissions targets will focus on reducing the environmental impact of its products and engaging with suppliers to decrease the impact of its operations with an emphasis on efficient machinery, processes, and renewable energy.

The Science-Based Targets initiative is a greenhouse gas emissions reduction program that supports companies through a five-step process to create tangible goals and establish pathways to reduce emissions by an amount and timetable right-sized for the organization. The SBTi is a partnership between the CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute and the World Wide Fund for Nature.

In April 2021, SanMar formally committed to the SBTi and began the process of developing its science-based target and submitting it to SBTi for validation. The science-based target is the latest action in SanMar’s commitment to environmental stewardship.