Hygiene and health company Essity’s targets to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 have been validated by Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The validation applies to all near- and long-term targets in Scope 1, 2, and 3. The roadmap has been developed as part of the UN Global Compact’s ‘Business Ambition for 1.5°C’.

Essity’s long-term target is to achieve net zero emissions across the value chain no later than 2050. The company's near-term Scope 1 and 2 target (energy use within the company and purchased energy) is to reach a 35 per cent reduction by 2030 and the near-term Scope 3 target (including purchased goods and services, transportation, production waste and end-of-life treatment of sold products) has been updated from 18 per cent to a 35 per cent reduction within the same timeframe. All targets are relative to a 2016 baseline, the company said in a press release.

“Climate change is one of the defining issues of our time, and Essity has made a firm commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Our progress is driven by a sense of urgency throughout the organisation, together with a strong innovation focus, and collaboration with customers, partners, and suppliers,” said Magnus Groth, president and CEO of Essity.