Climate protection in the packaging industry

Model AG teams up with ClimatePartner - for more sustainability.Together with the climate protection consultancy ClimatePartner, Model AG developed a web-based CO2 calculator. Above all, Model AG's customers benefit: "The transparent CO2 statement complements our range of innovative yet efficiently produced packaging solutions," explains Edoardo Finotti, Head of Model ICC. The Group produced 643 million m2 of corrugated cardboard packaging in 2012, including for markets in Switzerland, southern Germany and Austria.In order to optimize their own supply chain, greenhouse gas emissions are increasingly a co-deciding criterion for retailers and brand owners when selecting suppliers. "With the CO2 statement, Model AG creates clear added value for its customers and differentiates itself from the competition, " explains Moritz Lehmkuhl, managing director of ClimatePartner.A web-based CO2 calculator is used, which is based on a dynamic calculation model and takes into account all relevant factors for a product carbon footprint (PCF). "We place a lot of emphasis on efficient processing of customer orders. With the CO2 calculator, order-specific reporting of product emissions becomes part of our business processes," emphasizes Edoardo Finotti. The CO2 calculator can also be integrated into existing SAP systems.The basis for the new climate protection activities is the CO2 balance sheet for the Model Group headquarters in Weinfelden, where the paper and corrugated board divisions are located, which takes into account all greenhouse gas emissions caused by business activities. This also includes emissions from the company's own supply chain, such as purchased raw materials and delivery by trucks. "Economy and ecology work hand in hand at Model," emphasizes packaging specialist Finotti. The plant has very short transport routes, Thurpapier processes only recovered paper, most of the energy comes from the Weinfelden waste incineration plant, and biogas is used to generate heat. "Our goal is to reduce the CO2 emissions of our products as far as possible and to offset the unavoidable CO2 emissions by investing in recognized climate protection projects. "Emissions offsetting enables Model to offer climate-neutral packaging. "An ideal complement. Corrugated board is already a resource-saving product. By using the paper fibers several times, the raw material can be reused six to seven times," Edoardo Finotti continues. "The CO2 emissions are offset at the push of a button within the CO2 calculator, so employees hardly have to do any extra work," explains Moritz Lehmkuhl.