Van Genechten Packaging secures SBTi validation

Van Genechten Packaging has received official validation from the Science Based Targets initiative for its near-term climate targets, confirming that the folding carton manufacturer’s emissions reduction plans are aligned with climate science.

The validation provides the company with a formal framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions across both its own manufacturing operations and its wider supply chain as it moves towards its 2030 sustainability objectives.

Scope 1 and 2 emissions targeted for 34.12% reduction

Van Genechten Packaging has committed to reducing absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 34.12% by 2030 compared with a 2024 base year.

These emissions include direct emissions from the company’s operations as well as those associated with purchased electricity and energy. Achieving the target will require continued improvements in energy efficiency, manufacturing processes and the transition towards lower-carbon energy sources across production sites.

Supply chain becomes central to climate strategy

The company says approximately 92% of its overall carbon footprint originates in its value chain rather than directly from its own operations. This makes supplier engagement a critical element of its decarbonisation strategy.

To address this impact, Van Genechten Packaging has committed to ensuring that suppliers representing 83% of its spending on purchased goods and services adopt their own science-based emissions reduction targets.

Paperboard sourcing plays an important role

For folding carton manufacturers, Scope 3 emissions can include paperboard production, inks, coatings, transport, waste management and other upstream and downstream activities.

Reducing these emissions therefore requires collaboration across the packaging value chain, particularly with suppliers of fibre-based materials, energy-intensive components and logistics services.

SBTi validation increases accountability

The Science Based Targets initiative assesses corporate climate commitments against pathways considered consistent with global climate objectives. Validation provides an external benchmark showing that the company’s targets meet established scientific criteria.

For packaging companies, this level of external verification is becoming increasingly important as customers and regulators demand stronger evidence behind environmental commitments and carbon reduction claims.

Focus shifts from targets to implementation

Van Genechten Packaging worked with Möbius Sustainability to develop and submit its targets for validation. With approval now secured, the company says its priority is to translate the commitments into measurable progress across sites, projects and partnerships.

Actions could include energy efficiency improvements, renewable electricity, optimisation of manufacturing processes and closer cooperation with suppliers to reduce emissions embedded in packaging materials.

Climate performance gains importance in packaging procurement

Carbon emissions are becoming a more significant factor in packaging procurement as multinational brands introduce science-based climate targets of their own and seek suppliers capable of supporting reductions throughout their value chains.

Packaging manufacturers with validated targets can therefore provide customers with greater transparency while demonstrating that environmental commitments are connected to measurable objectives rather than broad sustainability statements.

Folding carton sector faces wider decarbonisation challenge

Fibre-based packaging benefits from renewable raw materials and established recycling systems, but manufacturing paperboard, printing and converting still requires significant energy and creates emissions throughout the supply chain.

Van Genechten Packaging’s SBTi validation demonstrates how folding carton producers are increasingly extending climate strategies beyond individual packaging designs to address the environmental footprint of complete manufacturing and procurement networks.