Environment

VIENNA, Austria, March 20, 2020 (Press Release) -WHY WE NEED FORESTS TO TACKLE THE CLIMATE CRISIS

Saturday 21st March 2020 marks the International Day of Forests and, while the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic means that initiatives to raise awareness are likely not to be at the forefront of people's minds, it’s worth taking a moment to acknowledge the vital role of forests across the globe, particularly in tackling the climate crisis.

According to the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2018 Report we have just 12 years to act if we are to keep temperature increases to below 1.5°C.[1]

Although momentum is building against a backdrop of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), action is needed to halt deforestation and improve the resilience of the world’s forests to the impacts of climate change.

The IPCC has highlighted the vital role they play in limiting global warming and we must take a holistic approach that integrates responsible forest management, water stewardship and reducing emissions.[2]

Forests are second only to oceans as the largest global stores of carbon.[3]

Trees and forests are one of the most effective nature-based solutions to combating climate change. These incredibly diverse ecosystems are the best and most cost-effective carbon-capture technology available. Up to one-third of the annual carbon mitigation needed could be achieved by addressing deforestation and forest degradation.[4]

Forests are key to managing climate change and water

The world’s forests provide vital ecosystem services. They regulate climate and water cycles, provide food, shelter and an income for over a billion people, and are home to roughly 80% of the world’s land-based animal and plant species.[5]

Up to 75% of the fresh water used globally for agricultural, domestic, industrial and environmental purposes comes from forests, and 90% of the world’s cities rely on them for their water supply.[6] With more than three quarters of the world’s population facing water insecurity, the management of forests for water is crucial.

Deforestation is responsible for 15% of global carbon dioxide emissions annually.[7]

Globally, about half of all forest cover has been cleared or degraded.[8] This is a major problem contributing to climate change, biodiversity loss and poverty.

Forests are threatened by growing consumption, infrastructure, and food production. While climate change means that some areas will see a longer growing season, it will also bring about increased losses due to frequency of drought, storms and forest fires, and the expansion of pest outbreaks.

The need for a holistic approach

As countries and companies look for solutions to meet their climate targets and move towards more sustainable development pathways, new and innovative ways to protect forest landscapes are needed.

We all have a responsibility in ensuring forests are protected and managed sustainably. At Mondi, our Working Forest model acknowledges that forests take many forms around the world – from high-yield plantation forests in the south to vast lower-yield boreal forests in the north.

It integrates productive renewable forest sites with effective ecological networks to ensure thriving biodiversity, water and other ecosystem services, with the ultimate goal of maintaining and increasing their natural and social capital.

Managing risks across our operations and supply chain

Our primary wood sourcing regions are South Africa, North West Russia and Europe, and we apply a risk-based approach through our Due Diligence Management System to ensure we source responsibly across our entire supply chain. Of our more than 2 million hectares of managed forests in Russia and South Africa, 24% is set aside for conservation, and we plant more than 28 million seedlings each year.

We also want to understand and mitigate the impacts of our industry on fresh water resources across both our manufacturing and forestry operations and are continually identifying opportunities to reduce our water use and safeguard freshwater ecosystems on a landscape level[9]. Since 2014, we have promoted a landscape approach to water stewardship, encouraging individual and collective action across entire water catchments. This means working together with farmers, local government, and industries, who all share a common interest in maintaining freshwater ecosystems and services at the water catchment level.

As we look to the future, we are confident that sustainably managed forests – and responsibly manufactured fibre products – can play a crucial role in managing the climate crisis and meeting society’s need for sustainable packaging and paper solutions.

If you'd like to learn more about Mondi's position on sustainability, our Sustainable Development report 2019 will be published on 24 March 2020.

About Mondi

Mondi is a global leader in packaging and paper, delighting its customers and consumers with innovative packaging and paper solutions that are sustainable by design. Our business is fully integrated across the packaging and paper value chain – from managing forests and producing pulp, paper and plastic films, to developing and manufacturing effective industrial and consumer packaging solutions. Sustainability is embedded in everything we do. In 2019, Mondi had revenues of €7.27 billion and underlying EBITDA of €1.66 billion.

Mondi has a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange (MNDI), and a secondary listing on the JSE Limited (MNP). Mondi is a FTSE 100 constituent, and has been included in the FTSE4Good Index Series since 2008 and the FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment Index Series since 2007.

Mondi shares thoughts of why we need forests to tackle climate crisis

Posted in: Environment 03/20/2020 - 09:49

VIENNA, Austria, March 20, 2020 (Press Release) -WHY WE NEED FORESTS TO TACKLE THE CLIMATE CRISIS

Saturday 21st March 2020 marks the International Day of Forests and, while the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic means that initiatives to raise awareness are likely not to be at the forefront of people's minds, it’s worth taking a moment to acknowledge the vital role of forests across the globe, particularly in tackling the climate crisis.

According to the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2018 Report we have just 12 years to act if we are to keep temperature increases to below 1.5°C.[1]

Although momentum is building against a backdrop of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), action is needed to halt deforestation and improve the resilience of the world’s forests to the impacts of climate change.

The IPCC has highlighted the vital role they play in limiting global warming and we must take a holistic approach that integrates responsible forest management, water stewardship and reducing emissions.[2]

Forests are second only to oceans as the largest global stores of carbon.[3]

Trees and forests are one of the most effective nature-based solutions to combating climate change. These incredibly diverse ecosystems are the best and most cost-effective carbon-capture technology available. Up to one-third of the annual carbon mitigation needed could be achieved by addressing deforestation and forest degradation.[4]

Forests are key to managing climate change and water

The world’s forests provide vital ecosystem services. They regulate climate and water cycles, provide food, shelter and an income for over a billion people, and are home to roughly 80% of the world’s land-based animal and plant species.[5]

Up to 75% of the fresh water used globally for agricultural, domestic, industrial and environmental purposes comes from forests, and 90% of the world’s cities rely on them for their water supply.[6] With more than three quarters of the world’s population facing water insecurity, the management of forests for water is crucial.

Deforestation is responsible for 15% of global carbon dioxide emissions annually.[7]

Globally, about half of all forest cover has been cleared or degraded.[8] This is a major problem contributing to climate change, biodiversity loss and poverty.

Forests are threatened by growing consumption, infrastructure, and food production. While climate change means that some areas will see a longer growing season, it will also bring about increased losses due to frequency of drought, storms and forest fires, and the expansion of pest outbreaks.

The need for a holistic approach

As countries and companies look for solutions to meet their climate targets and move towards more sustainable development pathways, new and innovative ways to protect forest landscapes are needed.

We all have a responsibility in ensuring forests are protected and managed sustainably. At Mondi, our Working Forest model acknowledges that forests take many forms around the world – from high-yield plantation forests in the south to vast lower-yield boreal forests in the north.

It integrates productive renewable forest sites with effective ecological networks to ensure thriving biodiversity, water and other ecosystem services, with the ultimate goal of maintaining and increasing their natural and social capital.

Managing risks across our operations and supply chain

Our primary wood sourcing regions are South Africa, North West Russia and Europe, and we apply a risk-based approach through our Due Diligence Management System to ensure we source responsibly across our entire supply chain. Of our more than 2 million hectares of managed forests in Russia and South Africa, 24% is set aside for conservation, and we plant more than 28 million seedlings each year.

We also want to understand and mitigate the impacts of our industry on fresh water resources across both our manufacturing and forestry operations and are continually identifying opportunities to reduce our water use and safeguard freshwater ecosystems on a landscape level[9]. Since 2014, we have promoted a landscape approach to water stewardship, encouraging individual and collective action across entire water catchments. This means working together with farmers, local government, and industries, who all share a common interest in maintaining freshwater ecosystems and services at the water catchment level.

As we look to the future, we are confident that sustainably managed forests – and responsibly manufactured fibre products – can play a crucial role in managing the climate crisis and meeting society’s need for sustainable packaging and paper solutions.

If you'd like to learn more about Mondi's position on sustainability, our Sustainable Development report 2019 will be published on 24 March 2020.

About Mondi

Mondi is a global leader in packaging and paper, delighting its customers and consumers with innovative packaging and paper solutions that are sustainable by design. Our business is fully integrated across the packaging and paper value chain – from managing forests and producing pulp, paper and plastic films, to developing and manufacturing effective industrial and consumer packaging solutions. Sustainability is embedded in everything we do. In 2019, Mondi had revenues of €7.27 billion and underlying EBITDA of €1.66 billion.

Mondi has a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange (MNDI), and a secondary listing on the JSE Limited (MNP). Mondi is a FTSE 100 constituent, and has been included in the FTSE4Good Index Series since 2008 and the FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment Index Series since 2007.

First fiber producer to have an approved science-based target – CO2 neutrality by 2050
Breakthrough in REFIBRA technology – worn textiles can also be used as fiber raw material
Pioneer in the introduction of blockchain technology for fiber recognition
On track to meet all sustainability targets

Just ahead of the “Day of Forests” on March 21, which the FAO (Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations) introduced in the 1970s in response to global deforestation, the Lenzing Group presents its Sustainability Report 2019. This sets out how the company is actively dealing with the global challenges.

Lenzing produces fibers from the renewable raw material wood and is well known among its customers and partners in the global textile and nonwoven fabric industry for the clear position it takes as a sustainable producer. It is no accident that the new report is appearing on the International Day of Forests. Lenzing’s sustainable practices in procurement, especially for wood and pulp, were once again ranked as leading in the 2019 reporting year (Hot Button Report).

“Stand up! Against business as usual”

Under the motto “Stand up! Against business as usual”, Lenzing emphasizes its wider responsibilities over and above its products. Business-as-usual scenarios have to be overcome, in particular for climate protection. With a science-based target, Lenzing is taking action to master the problems caused by climate change. The Lenzing Group is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions per ton of product by 50 percent by 2030 (baseline: 2017). The Science Based Targets initiative has approved Lenzing’s climate target as science-based.

“Climate change is the most daunting challenge humanity faces. By making the strategic commitment to be climate-neutral by 2050, we will contribute to reducing the speed of global warming and to accomplishing the targets of the Paris climate agreement. Despite the substantial investment that is necessary, we are convinced that this is not only a very responsible step but that it will also be a value-generating move”, says Stefan Doboczky, Chief Executive Officer of the Lenzing Group. “The big challenges of our day demand new answers. Lenzing is at the forefront in being part of the solution.”

Breakthrough in REFIBRA technology

One of Lenzing’s strategic principles under its “Naturally positive” sustainability strategy and a focus in the 2019 Sustainability Report is the circular economy – an area in which Lenzing makes significant contributions. To address the enormous textile waste challenges of industry and society, Lenzing has developed a unique recycling technology branded REFIBRA™. This technology enables garment production waste to be reprocessed into fibers. By recycling worn garments for the first time in the production of TENCEL x REFIBRA fibers, Lenzing achieved a further milestone in 2019 in establishing this pioneering technology in the global market.

“REFIBRA combines the production technology of lyocell fibers, which are widely recognized as being the most environmentally responsible wood-based cellulosic fibers, with a closed-loop production process and the recycling of cotton materials”, says Robert van de Kerkhof, Chief Commercial Officer of the Lenzing Group. “Lenzing’s vision is to turn the recycling of textile waste into a common standard process like paper recycling. This includes recycling fabrics and garments made from Lenzing materials. We want Lenzing fibers produced with REFIBRA™ technology to contain up to 50 percent of recycled materials”, states van de Kerkhof.

Transparency as the basis for transformation

Aside from climate protection and the efficient use of raw materials, transparency along the value chain also represents a huge challenge and, at the same time, forms the basis for greening the industry. Lenzing offers an innovative solution based on blockchain technology in cooperation with TextileGenesis. This enables customers and consumers to trace the production of a garment back to the raw material by simply scanning a barcode. In 2019, Lenzing presented its first pilot project at the Hong Kong Fashion Summit.

Sustainability targets

In its sustainability strategy, Lenzing has defined seven core areas in which it makes significant direct contributions to the attainment of several Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (SDGs). In those areas, Lenzing has set concrete, ambitious targets, and the Lenzing Group continued to work hard to achieve them in the reporting year.

Significant improvements were achieved in the following areas:

9 percent saving in specific primary energy consumption and 8 percent reduction in specific greenhouse gas emissions (base year in both cases: 2014)
Reduction of about 30 percent in sulfur emissions from production
Reduction of about 30 percent in sulfur dioxide emissions from energy production
7 percent reduction in specific water consumption compared to the baseline 2014 ˜ Reduction in other waste water effluents

About the Lenzing Group

The Lenzing Group stands for ecologically responsible production of specialty fibers made from the renewable raw material wood. As an innovation leader, Lenzing is a partner of global textile and nonwoven manufacturers and drives many new technological developments.

The Lenzing Group’s high-quality fibers form the basis for a variety of textile applications ranging from elegant ladies clothing to versatile denims and high-performance sports clothing. Due to their consistent high quality, their biodegradability and compostability Lenzing fibers are also highly suitable for hygiene products and agricultural applications.

The business model of the Lenzing Group goes far beyond that of a traditional fiber producer. Together with its customers and partners, Lenzing develops innovative products along the value chain, creating added value for consumers. The Lenzing Group strives for the efficient utilization and processing of all raw materials and offers solutions to help redirect the textile sector towards a closed-loop economy.

Lenzing publishes its Sustainability Report 2019

Posted in: Environment 03/20/2020 - 03:28

First fiber producer to have an approved science-based target – CO2 neutrality by 2050
Breakthrough in REFIBRA technology – worn textiles can also be used as fiber raw material
Pioneer in the introduction of blockchain technology for fiber recognition
On track to meet all sustainability targets

Just ahead of the “Day of Forests” on March 21, which the FAO (Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations) introduced in the 1970s in response to global deforestation, the Lenzing Group presents its Sustainability Report 2019. This sets out how the company is actively dealing with the global challenges.

Lenzing produces fibers from the renewable raw material wood and is well known among its customers and partners in the global textile and nonwoven fabric industry for the clear position it takes as a sustainable producer. It is no accident that the new report is appearing on the International Day of Forests. Lenzing’s sustainable practices in procurement, especially for wood and pulp, were once again ranked as leading in the 2019 reporting year (Hot Button Report).

“Stand up! Against business as usual”

Under the motto “Stand up! Against business as usual”, Lenzing emphasizes its wider responsibilities over and above its products. Business-as-usual scenarios have to be overcome, in particular for climate protection. With a science-based target, Lenzing is taking action to master the problems caused by climate change. The Lenzing Group is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions per ton of product by 50 percent by 2030 (baseline: 2017). The Science Based Targets initiative has approved Lenzing’s climate target as science-based.

“Climate change is the most daunting challenge humanity faces. By making the strategic commitment to be climate-neutral by 2050, we will contribute to reducing the speed of global warming and to accomplishing the targets of the Paris climate agreement. Despite the substantial investment that is necessary, we are convinced that this is not only a very responsible step but that it will also be a value-generating move”, says Stefan Doboczky, Chief Executive Officer of the Lenzing Group. “The big challenges of our day demand new answers. Lenzing is at the forefront in being part of the solution.”

Breakthrough in REFIBRA technology

One of Lenzing’s strategic principles under its “Naturally positive” sustainability strategy and a focus in the 2019 Sustainability Report is the circular economy – an area in which Lenzing makes significant contributions. To address the enormous textile waste challenges of industry and society, Lenzing has developed a unique recycling technology branded REFIBRA™. This technology enables garment production waste to be reprocessed into fibers. By recycling worn garments for the first time in the production of TENCEL x REFIBRA fibers, Lenzing achieved a further milestone in 2019 in establishing this pioneering technology in the global market.

“REFIBRA combines the production technology of lyocell fibers, which are widely recognized as being the most environmentally responsible wood-based cellulosic fibers, with a closed-loop production process and the recycling of cotton materials”, says Robert van de Kerkhof, Chief Commercial Officer of the Lenzing Group. “Lenzing’s vision is to turn the recycling of textile waste into a common standard process like paper recycling. This includes recycling fabrics and garments made from Lenzing materials. We want Lenzing fibers produced with REFIBRA™ technology to contain up to 50 percent of recycled materials”, states van de Kerkhof.

Transparency as the basis for transformation

Aside from climate protection and the efficient use of raw materials, transparency along the value chain also represents a huge challenge and, at the same time, forms the basis for greening the industry. Lenzing offers an innovative solution based on blockchain technology in cooperation with TextileGenesis. This enables customers and consumers to trace the production of a garment back to the raw material by simply scanning a barcode. In 2019, Lenzing presented its first pilot project at the Hong Kong Fashion Summit.

Sustainability targets

In its sustainability strategy, Lenzing has defined seven core areas in which it makes significant direct contributions to the attainment of several Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (SDGs). In those areas, Lenzing has set concrete, ambitious targets, and the Lenzing Group continued to work hard to achieve them in the reporting year.

Significant improvements were achieved in the following areas:

9 percent saving in specific primary energy consumption and 8 percent reduction in specific greenhouse gas emissions (base year in both cases: 2014)
Reduction of about 30 percent in sulfur emissions from production
Reduction of about 30 percent in sulfur dioxide emissions from energy production
7 percent reduction in specific water consumption compared to the baseline 2014 ˜ Reduction in other waste water effluents

About the Lenzing Group

The Lenzing Group stands for ecologically responsible production of specialty fibers made from the renewable raw material wood. As an innovation leader, Lenzing is a partner of global textile and nonwoven manufacturers and drives many new technological developments.

The Lenzing Group’s high-quality fibers form the basis for a variety of textile applications ranging from elegant ladies clothing to versatile denims and high-performance sports clothing. Due to their consistent high quality, their biodegradability and compostability Lenzing fibers are also highly suitable for hygiene products and agricultural applications.

The business model of the Lenzing Group goes far beyond that of a traditional fiber producer. Together with its customers and partners, Lenzing develops innovative products along the value chain, creating added value for consumers. The Lenzing Group strives for the efficient utilization and processing of all raw materials and offers solutions to help redirect the textile sector towards a closed-loop economy.

LONDON, March 19, 2020 (Press Release) -The Environmental Services Association (ESA), the voice of the UK’s recycling and waste management industry, has today called on the government to help keep vital waste services moving, as the closure of schools risks bringing the country to a halt.

The ESA has urgently called on Government to:

Ensure frontline recycling and waste industry workers are classified as key workers and can continue to gain access to childcare, so that they can perform their vital roles – this is the ESA’s number one priority.

Allow some short-term flexibility around planning and permitting conditions to allow services to continue in the event of a reduced workforce, or inability to move recyclable or waste material to its normal destinations.

Prioritise the sector as a critical industry to ensure the continuation of supplies necessary for it to keep operating, such as fuel.

Ensure that temporary provision is in place to relieve operators from contractual performance penalties with the local authorities it serves, during this pandemic. For now, the industry must focus on keeping services running, and not on meeting contractual targets.

Executive Director of the Environmental Services Association (ESA), Jacob Hayler, said: “The current circumstances are unprecedented and with the closure of schools across the country there is a risk that essential recycling and waste services grind to a halt – allowing waste to pile up in our homes and streets.

Protecting the ability of employees to come to work is our number one priority so we are urgently calling on government to classify frontline recycling and waste operatives as Key Workers, so they can continue to provide the vital services upon which we all rely.

Our sector also relies heavily on access to fuel, so it is imperative that Government views the recycling and waste management sector as a critical industry so we can keep the wheels turning.

ESA members are concerned that strict operational and technical rules around the operation of waste sites will force otherwise functioning facilities to close. For example, it might not be possible to move waste material to its normal destination, necessitating temporary storage of waste material in larger volumes than would normally be allowed. While ESA members respect these rules and will make every effort to comply with them, we need assurance from Government that temporary unavoidable infractions will not be met with penalties, otherwise essential facilities may have to close.

ESA members provide a large proportion of the recycling and waste management services to local councils across the UK under contract. Normally, operators might incur contractual financial penalties for not meeting agreed performance criteria, such as recycling targets. Our industry needs assurance from Government and local authority partners that any temporary decline in performance measures will not be penalised. ESA members will, of course, continue to provide the best level of service possible, but these are times of crisis and the sector must focus on keeping core services moving – not on meeting targets.

The ESA is in close dialogue with both Defra and the Environment Agency to raise these issues and concerns at the highest levels, so we can provide critical updates to our members on this fast-moving situation.”

Defra has assured the ESA that it is safe for recycling and waste sector workers to continue in their normal roles, as long as they follow correct risk-assessed procedures.

Jacob Hayler added: “Our sector is well-versed at keeping its employees safe in respect of workplace hygiene, but it is now more important than ever that frontline recycling and waste workers follow the guidance provided by their respective employers regarding safe waste handling practices. While every employer will have its own specific workplace practices, these typically include correctly wearing all of the necessary Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) provided for specific roles; ensuring good personal hygiene practices, particularly in respect of food; and reporting any symptoms of illness promptly.

The public has been asked by Defra to ensure that any waste produced in a non-medical setting, associated with a person who has symptoms of COVID-19, is double-bagged, tied securely and left inside for at least 72 hours before being placed in the bin, after which time the virus is no longer viable. This is to prevent the transmission of infection and helps protect waste workers. Furthermore, we would urge the public not to put tissues and other sanitary items in their recycling – they should be disposed of in the general waste.

ESA seeks help from UK government to keep vital waste services moving amid coronavirus pandemic

Posted in: Environment 03/19/2020 - 11:06

LONDON, March 19, 2020 (Press Release) -The Environmental Services Association (ESA), the voice of the UK’s recycling and waste management industry, has today called on the government to help keep vital waste services moving, as the closure of schools risks bringing the country to a halt.

The ESA has urgently called on Government to:

Ensure frontline recycling and waste industry workers are classified as key workers and can continue to gain access to childcare, so that they can perform their vital roles – this is the ESA’s number one priority.

Allow some short-term flexibility around planning and permitting conditions to allow services to continue in the event of a reduced workforce, or inability to move recyclable or waste material to its normal destinations.

Prioritise the sector as a critical industry to ensure the continuation of supplies necessary for it to keep operating, such as fuel.

Ensure that temporary provision is in place to relieve operators from contractual performance penalties with the local authorities it serves, during this pandemic. For now, the industry must focus on keeping services running, and not on meeting contractual targets.