July 20, 2022
Nouryon, a global specialty chemicals manufacturer, announced that five of its manufacturing sites in Brazil are carbon neutral. The company’s sustainability agenda, includes targets to reduce operational greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40 per cent by 2030, versus a 2019 base year, as well as its aspiration to be a net-zero organization by 2050.
The five carbon neutral sites are part of the company’s Integrated Manufacturing Model, offering on-location sodium chlorate and/or chlorine dioxide production. Modern pulp mills normally generate excess utilities—such as steam and water from the pulping process—that can be used as fuel in other manufacturing processes. Nouryon uses renewable energy from its customers sourced primarily from biomass. These reused resources effectively lower the carbon footprint of the site while producing chemicals more efficiently. In addition, on-site production reduces transportation requirements.
“Nouryon recognizes that this is an important step in our sustainability journey. We will continue to look for GHG emissions reduction opportunities throughout our operations, and in collaboration with customers, suppliers and partners as part of our longer-term commitments,” said Eduardo Nardinelli, senior vice-president, South America & Global Carbon Business Leader. “Our plans include improving efficiency in our operations, optimizing our fuel mix, as well as increasing our use of renewable energy through power purchase agreements, on-site renewable projects, utility programs and renewable electricity certificates.”
These five sites have low Scope 1 GHG emissions and reported zero Scope 2 GHG emissions, which has been independently assured by ERM CVS. These low, remaining emissions are offset by the purchase of certified carbon offsets, created from renewable energy projects.