Semadeni is carbon neutral
Semadeni is carbon neutral
"Climate change is a major environmental problem which threatens our livelihoods," says Patrick Semadeni, CEO of Semadeni Plastics Group, before adding: "We must act quickly and decisively." Semadeni AG has done precisely this and has been carbon neutral since June.
In collaboration with Climate Partner in Zurich, the company's CO2 footprint was calculated and then an climate protection strategy was developed. The latter is designed to reduce emissions; for example, through an increased use of recyclate and reuse systems, but also via other measures such as exclusive procurement of energy-efficient machinery and equipment.
Furthermore, any unavoidable emissions are being offset by projects certified in accordance with the Gold Standard Verified Emission Reduction. Part of this offsetting takes place via the Plastic Bank project – people in Haiti, Indonesia, Brazil and the Philippines, collect plastic waste, which they can exchange for money, food, drinking water or even school fees at special collection points. The project is ensuring that less plastic ends up in the sea. Instead, it is recycled and turned into "social plastic", which then serves as a raw material for new products, such as packaging.
Anita Reichebner, Group Sustainability Officer, is pleased with what has been achieved to date: "In this way, we are making an important contribution to the preservation of our livelihoods." However, she also points out that the work is ongoing: "Our task now is to consistently implement and develop our climate protection strategy." The company plans to provide regular updates on its progress in a sustainability report starting next year.