Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions, Industrial  -  July 17, 2023

Premier Packaging Reaches Net-Zero Scope 1, 2 Emissions

Premier Packaging reached net-zero Scope 1 and 2 GHG emission goals for its operations through measures such as purchasing carbon offsets and renewable energy credits. 

The manufacturing, packaging, warehousing, and distribution company set a goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.

“We recognize that purchasing carbon offsets is not a perfect solution to reach carbon neutrality, but it is one thing we can do now to reduce our carbon footprint while we work to achieve true net-zero operations,” said Premier Sustainability Manager Mackenzie Crigger in a statement. “This is very exciting.”

Carbon offsets are tradable “rights” or certificates linked to activities that reduce the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. Premier purchased the carbon offsets from a United Nations-backed project in India, the production of fertilizer through a carbon-neutral process by Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Limited. These offsets are used to counter Premier’s Scope 1 emissions.

Renewable energy credits are produced when a renewable energy source, such as wind or solar, generates one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity and delivers it to the grid. By purchasing the credits, Premier is buying the “renewable” aspect of the electricity and can use it to counter its Scope 2 emissions.

Purchasing these assets is only part of Premier’s multi-faceted strategy to reach net-zero carbon emissions.

 “We are tracking emissions across our operations, buildings, and transportation and working to reduce them,” Crigger said. “This includes understanding how packaging design impacts our products’ carbon footprint and reducing energy consumption in our facilities. We’re working with lower-carbon suppliers when we can, exploring cleaner ways of moving and shipping goods—and much more.”