Indian viscose giant Birla Cellulose has committed to achieving net zero status by no later than 2040, and believes it could be reached by 2035. The firm claims this is the most ambitious target of its kind in the global man-made cellulosic fibre (MMCF) sector.
H K Agarwal, Birla’s Business Director, said: “This is a natural progression in Birla Cellulose’s global leadership in the area of sustainability.”
The company’s targets to achieve carbon neutrality and greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions includes scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions and have been calculated using science-based methods. The Mumbai-based business has also pledged to reduce its GHG emissions intensity to half by 2030 against a 2019 baseline.
“Birla Cellulose’s climate target is at the core of its business strategy that aims to address climate change-related risks and adapt to changing consumer preferences for more sustainable, nature-based, and low emission products,” Agarwal noted.
“With a legacy of innovation in the MMCF industry spanning seven decades, Birla Cellulose continues to work on cutting-edge technologies that will accelerate this transition.”
Birla topped Canopy’s Hot Button Ranking last year, which rates companies based on their use of alternative fibres, sourcing policies and contributions to conservation, amongst other things.
In line with plans to use technology to accelerate its work, Birla only recently committed to scaling the manufacture of its Liva Reviva viscose – which is made from pre-consumer cotton waste – to yield 100,000 tonnes of the fibre per annum by 2024.
As well as cutting emissions associated with raw material extraction by producing greater quantities of recycled textile, Birla says it will also look to increase its use of renewable energy within the supply chain. At present, only 40 percent of the group’s energy derives from renewable sources.
