Month: February 2024

Originally published in the SEE Impact Report 2022

To mitigate the impacts of climate change across the value chain, global packaging provider SEE drives strategic initiatives to manage and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Net Zero by 2040

SEE has committed to achieving net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2040 across its operations (Scopes 1 and 2). Since the development of our net-zero road map in 2021, SEE has initiated five sustainability workstreams with clear objectives that are designed to achieve our ambitious commitment. The workstreams focus on energy-efficient projects, energy conservation measures, waste reduction, reduction in water use, electric vehicles, and renewable energy. Through the efforts of these sustainability workstreams, we have seen a reduction in compressed air leaks, SF6 gas, and water usage while increasing opportunities to recover and recycle waste materials. Through our renewables workstream, we are using renewable energy certificates, pursuing the viability of power purchase agreements, and investigating solar energy opportunities at multiple global sites. Our net-zero road map is a key component to our pledge to leave our world better than we find it.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions 

SEE follows the revised edition of the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard with a centralized approach to quantify GHG emissions. SEE measures and manages GHG emissions generated by its operations on a monthly basis. Scope 1 includes GHG emissions from fleet, operations, or sources owned by SEE. Scope 2 is the indirect GHG emissions from purchases of electricity. The values for global warming potential for each source of GHG emissions are obtained using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report. SEE calculates total metric tons of GHG emissions, expressed as CO2eq. A third party performed limited assurance verification of SEE’s emissions and usage data for the 2022 reporting year in accordance with ISO 14064-3. The third party verified 85% of SEE’s GHG emissions. SEE did not generate perfluorocarbons nor nitrogen trifluoride emissions during reporting year 2022.

Science-Based Targets

In 2021 SEE committed to reduce absolute Scopes 1 and 2 GHG emissions 46% by 2030 from a 2019 base year and to reduce absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services, as well as use of sold products by 15% within the same time frame. According to the Science Based Targets initiative’s (SBTi’s) target validation team, which defines and promotes best practices in emissions reductions and net-zero targets in line with climate, SEE’s proposed reduction in Scopes 1 and 2 emissions is aligned with a rate of decarbonization consistent to keep global temperature increase to 1.5°C compared to preindustrial temperatures. SEE’s Scope 3 target exceeds the minimum ambition for the 2°C pathway in the target year of 2030 and is, therefore, considered ambitious.

Absolute Emissions – Scopes 11 , 22 , and 33 (Tonnes CO2eq – tCO2eq)

Scope 1

2022: 109,301

2021: 146,113

2020: 123,025

2019: 131,377

Scope 2

2022: 269,678

2021: 285,848

2020: 342,145

2019: 323,950

Scopes 1 & 2

2022: 378,979

2021: 431,961

2020: 465,170

2019: 455,327

Scope 3

2022: 2,549,914

2021: 3,077,772

2020: 3,159,286

2019: 3,342,000

1. Scope 1 = GHG emissions in SEE facilities and fleet. Contributing factors from refrigerants and fire suppressants have not been included in Scope 1 emissions calculations. The breakdown of gross Scope 1 emissions by type are as follows: CO2 – 74.5% CH4 – 0.09% N2O – 0.35% SF6 – 25.06%

2. Scope 2 = GHG emissions from the electricity SEE purchases and includes owned and leased offices and facilities. For consistency in reporting against SBTi-aligned goals, market-based emission factors are used whenever possible and supplemented with location-based data where market-based data is not available

3. Scope 3 = GHG emissions from upstream, specifically the purchased goods and services, and downstream, processing of sold products and use of sold products. This does not include all categories of Scope 3 emissions.

Through 2022, SEE reduced absolute Scopes 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 16.8% from the 2019 base year. Absolute Scope 3 emissions for the categories defined were reduced by 23.7% between 2019 and 2022. While the reductions in absolute Scope 3 emissions well exceeded our 2030 SBTi target of 15%, SEE continues to pursue opportunities for further reductions in these emissions and other categories of Scope 3 emissions.

Climate Recognition

SEE discloses its climate change impacts through CDP, a global nonprofit that runs the leading environmental disclosure platform. For the past nine years, SEE has received scores of A or A- from CDP for its climate efforts. In 2022, SEE received a CDP climate change score of A-, which is in the CDP leadership band. This is higher than the North America and global average scores of C and higher than the plastic product manufacturing sector average score of C. SEE also received a supplier engagement rating of A, which is also in the CDP leadership band. This is higher than the North America regional average of C and higher than the plastic product manufacturing sector average of C-. SEE has been recognized by CDP as a leader in supplier engagement for four years.

Greenhouse Gas Intensity

In addition to its Science-Based Targets to reduce absolute emissions, SEE has committed to reduce GHG intensity (Scopes 1 and 2) 30% by 2025 and 46% by 2030 from a 2019 base year. Intensity is calculated by dividing the total tonnes of CO2eq by the net trade sales. To normalize foreign exchange rates and inflation fluctuations, net trade sales are adjusted to 2019 foreign exchange rates, except for one currency that has been designated as highly inflationary under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and continues to use 2022 foreign exchange rates.

Greenhouse Gas Intensity of Operations

2022: 0.065 kg CO2eq/USD

2021: 0.078 kg CO2eq/USD

2020: 0.094 kg CO2eq/USD

2019: 0.095 kg CO2eq/USD

SEE measured a 31.6% reduction in GHG intensity from a 2019 base year.

Read the full SEE Impact Report 2022

Abbott

The PROTALITY™ brand provides nutritional support for adults pursuing weight loss in the form of a high-protein nutrition shake featuring a blend of fast- and slow-digesting protein designed to feed muscles for up to seven hoursAs people eat less and lose weight, a portion of what’s lost may be from muscle, which is vital to overall health and physical functioningMore than 7 in 10 adults are overweight or have obesity in the U.S. and many turn to diets, whether combined with medication, surgery or calorie restriction, to lose weight and improve overall health1

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., February 5, 2024 /3BL/ – Abbott (NYSE: ABT), a global leader in science-based nutrition, announced today the launch of its new PROTALITY™ brand. The high-protein nutrition shake is the first product in this line to support the growing number of adults interested in pursuing weight loss while maintaining muscle mass and good nutrition.

Losing weight is a complex and personal process. Nearly half of U.S. adults attempted to lose weight in the past year.2 Whether pursuing weight loss by taking GLP-1 medications, undergoing a weight-loss surgery or following a calorie-restricted diet,3,4,5 people risk losing 11-50 percent muscle6,7,8 which plays an integral role in daily activities, movement and energy metabolism. Protein can help preserve muscle as people lose weight.

To preserve muscle mass during weight loss, research shows adults may need at least 50 percent more protein than the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA).9,10,11,12 High protein consumption can also support weight loss maintenance.13,14,15,16

”It’s critical for adults on weight loss regimens to prioritize good nutrition to ensure they get enough micronutrients and protein to preserve muscle mass while consuming limited calories,” said Hakim Bouzamondo, MD, MSC, MBA, division vice president of Nutrition Research and Development at Abbott. ”We’ve studied muscle health and nutrition for decades at Abbott. We understand that a weight loss journey can be challenging, which is why we’re launching the PROTALITY brand to give adults nutritional products with an excellent source of high-quality protein and nutrients to support muscle health.”

The Importance of Preserving Muscle During Weight Loss 
There are more than 650 muscles in the human body. Muscles help support daily activities, movement and energy metabolism. Protein is an important building block for muscles, as well as skin, tissue and bones, and plays a vital role in metabolism, satiety and weight maintenance.

”We’ve learned from people on weight loss journeys — including those on GLP-1 medications — that they experience decreased appetite and thoughts of food,” said Dominique R. Williams, MD, MPH, medical director and obesity specialist at Abbott. ”Whether it’s due to decreased appetite or a busy schedule, it can be difficult for people losing weight to get the protein, vitamins and minerals they need to support their unique health goals. Our PROTALITY brand provides a nutrient-dense option designed to address gaps that may result in their diets.”

Targeted Nutrition to Feed Muscles and Busy Lifestyles 
PROTALITY is a new brand created for people pursuing weight loss. The first product available is a high-protein nutrition shake for people who may have difficulty getting enough protein and other essential nutrients to support muscle mass and function. The formulation is equivalent to the nutrition in Abbott’s successful Ensure® Max Protein drink and will serve as a base to continue further innovations under the brand.

”We’re serving a new group of people who may be at a higher nutritional risk because they may be overweight or have obesity and use weight loss medications,” said Bouzamondo. ”Abbott intends to develop additional science-backed nutrition products and conduct clinical research to address the targeted nutrition needs of people losing weight.”

Each PROTALITY shake has key nutrients to support weight loss journeys:

30 grams of high-quality protein to help preserve muscle8 essential B vitamins for protein and energy metabolism4 grams of comfort fiber for digestive health1 gram of sugar150 calories25 vitamins and minerals

”As people start to see results from their weight loss programs, many look for ways to maintain progress, including their nutrition goals,” added Williams. ”Whether that’s planning meals or snacks, they are looking for nutritious, easy protein options like PROTALITY that work with their busy schedules and support their personal nutrition goals.”

Individuals on a weight loss journey should always discuss their nutritional plan with their healthcare provider.

PROTALITY Availability Online and at Retailers 
PROTALITY joins Abbott’s trusted portfolio of adult nutrition products that includes Ensure® and Glucerna®.

The new shake comes in Milk Chocolate and Vanilla flavors in 11-ounce, four-pack units. PROTALITY is now available at Amazon.com, Walmart.com and Kroger.com and coming to stores including Kroger, ShopRite (February), Albertsons (March), CVS (March), Walmart (April), Publix (April), and Meijer (May).

Visit PROTALITYNutrition.com to learn more and follow us on Instagram @PROTALITY_US and Facebook @PROTALITYUS.

About Abbott: 
Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 114,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

1 Fryar CD, Carroll MD, et al. NCHS Health E-Stats, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2020. Updated Feb. 8, 2021.

2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. NCHS Data Brief No. 313, July 2018.

3 Chaston TB, et al. Int J Obes (Lond). 2007;31(5):743-750.

4 Pownall HJ, et al. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2015;23(3): 565-572.

5 Sargeant JA, et al. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul). 2019;34(3): 247-262.

6 Chaston TB, et al. Int J Obes (Lond). 2007;31(5):743-750.

7 Pownall HJ, et al. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2015;23(3):565-572.

8 Sargeant JA, et al. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul). 2019;34(3): 247-262

9 Kim JE, et al. Nutr Rev. 2016;74:210-224.

10 Soenen S, et al. J Nutr. 2013;143:591-596.

11 Layman DK, et al. J Nutr. 2003;133:411-417.

12 Leidy HJ, et al. Obesity. 2007;15:421-429.

13 Drummen, M. et al. Study. J Nutr.2020;150:458-463.

14 Leidy, H.J. et al. Obesity2007;15:421-429.

15 Lejeune, M.P. et al. Br J Nutr.2005;93:281-289.

16 Claessens, M. et al. Int J Obes (Lond).2009;33:296-304.

SOURCE Abbott

For further information: Abbott Media: Michelle Schott, (614) 286-4727; Rachel Bassler, (224) 441-0470; Abbott Financial: Ryan Aliff, (224) 234-4228

SAN FRANCISCO, AMSTERDAM and HONG KONG, February 5, 2024 /3BL/ – In a milestone development, the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) and the Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP) announce a deepened strategic collaboration as SLCP has completed its separation from SAC and transitioned into an independent non-profit foundation.

Launched by SAC in 2015, SLCP’s continued aim is to reduce audit fatigue and improve working conditions in the apparel industry. Over eight years, SLCP has grown significantly, gathering more than 250 signatories and implementing the Converged Assessment Framework (CAF) in over 60 countries. Key achievements include:

Over 11,000 facilities have completed an SLCP-verified assessment, across diverse sectors in over 60 countries.Adoption of the CAF has unlocked an estimated $23m annually through reduced duplicative audits.Public acceptance of SLCP data by over 70 prominent brands and organizations underscores the impact of these collaborative efforts.

In September 2023, SLCP signatories voted in favor of SLCP’s five-year Strategy, which included the plan to transition to an independent organization. That same month, the SAC Board also approved the plans for separation.

SLCP officially separated from SAC on February 1, 2024. Its new legal entity is a Dutch non-profit foundation known as a “stichting.” Both SAC and SLCP reaffirm their commitment to a closely-knit strategic collaboration, aligning their tools and strategies for a shared vision of improved global working conditions. The SAC is steadfast in supporting and incorporating the CAF as the preferred social compliance assessment framework for its Higg Facility Social & Labor Module (FSLM) tool.

“As both organizations navigate this exciting new phase, our commitment to shared goals and values is greater than ever and propels us toward catalyzing collective action at scale,” said Andrew Martin, executive vice president at SAC. “Leaders stand out by their ethics, integrity, accountability, and responsibility. It is no longer enough to deliver value to shareholders without lasting positive human impact and societal change. We believe our collaborative efforts will continue to uphold safe, respectful working conditions and establish new benchmarks for sustainability and social responsibility.”

“We are excited to be moving forward with the next stage of SLCP’s evolution, building on the strong foundation and the impact we have already achieved with SAC, our signatories, and partners,” said Janet Mensink, chief executive officer at SLCP. “Our collaboration with SAC is a testament to the power of industry-wide cooperation. Through the adoption of the CAF and the Higg FSLM, we are able to create a more streamlined approach to social compliance assessments and reallocate resources to fulfill our shared ambition of improving working conditions. We are grateful to everyone who has helped and supported us to get to this point, and I look forward to continuing and deepening our relationship with SAC to drive even greater impact.”

Recognizing the importance of industry convergence, the organizations will work together to expand the reach of the CAF into adjacent product categories and industries. This joint effort aims to streamline assessments, reduce duplication, and foster harmonization in social and labor tools across sectors. Moreover, SAC and SLCP will synergize their efforts to accelerate insights based on CAF/Higg FSLM data. This collaboration extends to the production of aggregated industry reports, providing stakeholders with comprehensive and actionable information.

“SLCP has just completed its first five years as a live program,” said Jonathan Obermeister, SLCP’s independent chair. “During that time, we have demonstrated the value we can bring, built critical mass and achieved financial self-sufficiency. We’re now ready to take the next step as a fully independent organization, with ambitious plans for growth while maintaining the multi-stakeholder ethos which has been such an important factor in our success so far. The new foundation board has total confidence in SLCP’s future and high-performing team, and we are excited about what we can accomplish together in the years ahead.”

“Together, SAC and SLCP will continue to call for harmonized assessment frameworks and increased adoption, fostering a culture of responsibility and accountability within the industry,” said Tamar Hoek, SAC board chair. “This collaboration is a testament to what can be achieved when organizations work together with a shared vision for a better, more sustainable future.”

This holistic approach to convergence, industry adoption and data insights, and marketing collaboration underscores the depth and breadth of the strategic collaboration between SAC and SLCP.

About the Sustainable Apparel Coalition

The Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) is a global, non-profit alliance of over 300 organizations in the apparel, footwear, and textile industry. Initially formed to create standardized sustainability metrics, the SAC has sharpened its focus to driving pre-competitive, collective action across three foundational pillars. As an independent entity, the SAC brings together brands, retailers, manufacturers, NGOs, academics, and industry associations to combat climate change, ensure decent work, and contribute to a nature-positive future. Central to the SAC’s mission is the Higg Index, a suite of comprehensive tools that empower members to measure, evaluate, and improve sustainability performance across the supply chain. To support evolving industry needs, the SAC also brings together a focus in policy, transparency, and programs for collective action.

About the Social & Labor Convergence Program

SLCP is a multi-stakeholder initiative driving decent work in global supply chains. Central to SLCP’s operations is the Converged Assessment Framework (CAF) – a universal tool that eliminates the need for proprietary audits – allowing saved resources to be redirected into improvement programs for workers. In addition, SLCP aims to support stakeholders accessing credible and actionable social and labor data for Human Rights Due Diligence implementation and enable collaborative solutions to improve working conditions. Since its launch of operations in 2019 it has gathered more than 250 signatories and over 70 prominent brands and organizations publicly accept SLCP data. The CAF has been implemented by over 11,000 facilities in over 60 countries unlocking an estimated $23m annually through reduced duplicative audits. SLCP is registered as an independent non-profit foundation (stichting) based in the Netherlands.