Packaging giant Amcor has added a new feature to the ASSET lifecycle assessment service it provides to customers to measure their packaging’s carbon footprint from raw materials through end-of-use. Brands are now also offered the option of qualifying for and carrying the ‘Reducing CO2 Packaging’ label from the Carbon Trust on their Amcor packaging Carbon labelling is a way for brands to demonstrate their commitment to a lower carbon economy.
Called the Advanced Sustainability Stewardship Evaluation Tool - ASSET - and first launched over 10 years ago, this software tool is an integral part of the company’s product development process. It enables Amcor to apply a life cycle-based approach to identify opportunities to improve the sustainability of packaging solutions. Detailed packaging lifecycle reports provide data-based comparisons of the environmental impact of different packaging solutions, enabling brand owners to make informed packaging decisions. In financial year 2020, Amcor conducted 1,459 assessments using ASSET, bringing the total number of assessments in the database to 9,614.
“We work with customers to help them measure and reduce their packaging’s carbon footprint,” said Gerald Rebitzer, Sustainability Director for Amcor Flexibles. “This can be achieved by using lower-impact materials such as films made from plant-based material instead of fossil-fuels; by designing for recycling streams; light-weighting and other methods.”
The system’s background methodology and reporting content is certified by the Carbon Trust, a global leader in carbon management and carbon footprint certification based in London, UK. Every year, the Carbon Trust audits and certifies the methodology used in ASSET, so brands can be assured that their lifecycle assessments are up-to-date and meet relevant industry standards.
Products carrying the Reducing CO2 label are certified to have achieved a reduction of their carbon footprint year on year. The label indicates that the company has committed to achieving ongoing footprint reductions.
“Consumers are concerned about climate change and want to reward those brands that demonstrate they are taking action,”Rebitzer said.
Qualification for the use of the label is based on the ability to demonstrate a carbon footprint reduction of 20% or more. The first Amcor customer pilot for this labelling service has been successfully completed, and roll-out will accelerate in coming months.
Amcor is a leading producer of responsible packaging for food, beverage, pharmaceutical, medical, home- and personal-care, and other products. The company is focused on making packaging that is increasingly light-weighted, recyclable and reusable, and made using an increasing amount of recycled content. A workforce of some 47,000 generates US$12.5 billion in sales from operations that span about 230 locations in 40-plus countries.