In recognition of an increasingly profound biodiversity crisis .
There are several initiatives aiming to improve global accountability practices of organizations regarding their impacts on biodiversity. Some of these initiatives include the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), which is planning an update to the 2016 GRI 304 standard, the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, The Plastics Pact Network by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, among others...
As businesses, it may be challenging for us to reflect information across the supply chain and be aware of their externalities, given that many biodiversity impacts are beyond the scope of the company's own operations.
At Circularpacking Solutions, we care about diversity, which is why we have created a practical summary for companies to start developing their strategy, taking into account the following areas;
Action levers:
1. Climate: Analyze current CO2 emissions in tons and create a realistic reduction plan with a specific time frame to save CO2 emissions and avoid them for our customers.
2. Sustainable Procurement: Green Materials, Packaging, Zero Carbon Project.
3. Local Action: Create local programs for biodiversity conservation and restoration.
Key elements contributing to our biodiversity footprint:
1. Scope 1, 2, and 3 CO2 emissions.
2. Wood sourced for cardboard and pallets.
3. Production processes that prevent air, water, or soil pollution.
4. Product use phase.
The 5 commitments to best practices:
1. Measure and disclose
Quantify and regularly publish an assessment of our biodiversity footprint throughout our value chain.
2. Align with science and commit
Commit to reducing our impacts and align biodiversity goals with science. Commit to achieving a net loss of biodiversity in direct operations within a specific time frame (Scope 1).
3. Develop biodiversity solutions
Develop solutions and technologies that contribute to biodiversity preservation.
Examples of solutions:
a) Stock management solutions.
b) Reduce CO2 emissions from customers.
c) Build traceability and circularity of resources.
d) Create a guide for eco-design and sustainability of packaging.
e) Establish biodiversity programs and guidelines at company facilities, fairs, and other in-person events.
4. Engage and transform the value chain (increase traceability)
Traceability is key to achieving the following:
a) Increase sustainable material content in products by 50%.
b) Achieve 100% single-use plastic-free packaging using recycled cardboard.
c) Reduce CO2 emissions from operations with suppliers.
d) Circularity: Avoid the consumption of tons of natural resources with end-of-life recovery.
5. Act locally, involving employees and partners:
Partner with local actors/NGOs that raise awareness (e.g., COPADE, COTEC, Global Footprint Network, WWF). Collaborate with nature restoration investment funds...
a) Annual awareness events:
- World Environment Day (June 5th)
- International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22nd)
- Earth Day (April 22nd)
- World Soil Day (December 5th)
b) Activities:
- Training/Awareness sessions.
- Guest speakers from local NGOs.
- Local business fair promoting environmentally friendly offerings.
- Community clean-up events.
c) Create strategic messaging internally and externally.
Glossary
Biodiversity:The term refers to the wide variety of living organisms on Earth and the natural patterns it forms, resulting from billions of years of evolution through both natural processes and the increasing influence of human activities. Biodiversity also encompasses the variety of ecosystems and the genetic differences within each species (genetic diversity), allowing for the combination of multiple forms of life, which, through their interactions with the environment, sustain life on Earth.
Ecosystem: All living organisms in an area and how they affect each other and the environment.
MSA.km²: This is a metric for measuring biodiversity. 1 MSA.km² represents the number of living organisms in 1km². MSA stands for Mean Species Abundance.
No net loss of biodiversity: In a given system, all biodiversity losses are offset by biodiversity gains. The system can be the Earth, a geographical area, or a company.
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