Ahlstrom, a global leader in fiber-based specialty materials, announced that its near and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets have been approved, and net-zero science-based target by 2050 has been verified by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Setting ambitious climate targets is an integral part of Ahlstrom’s strategy and purpose to ‘Purify and Protect with Every Fiber for a Sustainable World.’

SBTi has classified Ahlstrom’s scope 1 and 2 target ambition as in line with the goal to limit global warming to no more than 1.5°C.

According to Ahlstrom’s near-term targets, the company commits to reducing absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 42% by 2030 from a 2021 base year. Ahlstrom also commits to reducing absolute scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services, fuel and energy-related activities, and upstream transportation and distribution by 25% within the same timeframe.

In the long-term targets, Ahlstrom is committed to reducing absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 90% by 2050 from a 2021 base year and reducing absolute scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services, fuel and energy-related activities, upstream transportation and distribution, processing of sold products and end of life treatment of sold products by 90% within the same timeframe.

“Sustainability is at the heart of what we do, and we’re fully committed to our sustainability journey. Having our targets verified is an important milestone, but it’s our actions that matter. We have worked hard on Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and there is still work to be done. Regarding Scope 3, we have started the work, but especially with this target, collaboration across the full value chain is key. As a specialty materials company, we have the capabilities and responsibility to bring change through our solutions by innovating products that are safe and sustainable by design and that can reduce the carbon footprint of our customers,” says Helen Mets, president and CEO of Ahlstrom.

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a collaboration between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI,) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The SBTi defines and promotes best practices in science-based target setting and independently assesses companies’ targets.