Univar Solutions LLC (“Univar Solutions” or “the Company”), a prominent global provider of specialty ingredients and chemicals, has made significant strides in its commitment to sustainability and impact through its supply chain. In a notable advancement, Univar Solutions has set its first Scope 3 emissions intensity reduction target and introduced EcoScope, a collaborative supplier program aimed at minimising Scope 3 emissions intensity. Additionally, in April, Univar Solutions joined Together for Sustainability (TfS), a collaborative initiative among chemical companies focused on promoting and aligning sustainable practices throughout the chemical supply chain.
Leadership and Achievements
Leading these efforts is Alexa Colin, general counsel, corporate secretary, and executive ESG lead at Univar Solutions. In 2023, the Company successfully realised an impressive 19.9% decrease in its global Scope 1 and 2 emissions in relation to its baseline. Colin announced the establishment of a new target to reduce Scope 3 emissions intensity by 15 percent by 2030, part of Univar Solutions’ overarching goal of achieving net-zero emissions across all scopes by 2050.
Commitment to Environmental Goals
“I am extremely proud of the strides we have made in honouring our environmental commitments and am especially excited about this next stage of our ESG journey,” Colin remarked. “Our newly set objective to lower Scope 3 emissions intensity by 15% by 2030, based on a 2023 baseline, underscores our commitment to advancing sustainable practices and delivering environmental benefits across our business and global supply chain. Our partnership with TfS will be pivotal in realising our objectives for reducing Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions.”
Collaboration and Partnership with TfS
Through collaboration with 52 other manufacturers and distributors in the chemical and ingredient sector, TfS membership will enhance Univar Solutions’ capabilities in data sharing and supply chain advancement in critical sustainability areas. This includes broader emissions reductions across the value chain and the development of a Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) Guideline specific to the chemical sector.
Synergy in Sustainability Efforts
Kelly Gilroy, vice president of Commercial Sustainability at Univar Solutions, remarked that TfS serves as an ideal ally for the Company’s commercial sustainability initiatives, with the potential to significantly amplify its sustainability efforts. “We have identified an exceptional sustainability partner in TfS. Their exclusive focus on the chemical and ingredient industry provides us with valuable insights and opportunities to share best practices among peer organisations while applying consistent methodologies on key sustainability issues, including PCF,” Gilroy asserted. “Several of our supplier partners are already TfS members. Our membership will yield mutual advantages by promoting transparent and uniform processes that enhance our sustainability outcomes. Ultimately, our customers who prioritise sustainable sourcing will benefit from our association with TfS.”
Achieving Certifications for Sustainable Practices
Gilroy further highlighted that Univar Solutions received the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS in Europe in 2023 and is currently pursuing ISCC PLUS certification in North America. Achieving ISCC PLUS certification is fundamental to our strategy aimed at guiding our suppliers and customers toward sustainable, traceable, and deforestation-free supply chains. This certification encompasses all types of biomass supply chains including agricultural and forest biomass biogenic waste and residues, non-biological renewable materials, and recycled carbon-based materials. By expanding our certifications of materials with sustainable characteristics, we are contributing to enhanced sustainability in the chemical industry’s supply chain.”
