WestRock announced the publication of WestRock's 2021 Sustainability Report, detailing the comprehensive efforts the company is making for, and with, customers to imagine and deliver on the promise of a sustainable future. The report reveals validation of WestRock's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction target by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) alongside its refreshed sustainability goals.
"Sustainability and innovation are fundamental to our vision to become the world's best paper and packaging company," said WestRock CEO David B. Sewell. "We're proud of the major strides we've made over the last year by investing in sustainability, supporting our teammates and setting meaningful, transparent targets to hold ourselves accountable. The measurable targets we've put forth in the report demonstrate how we deliver valuable support and innovation to our customers. It captures how we're helping them reach their sustainability goals while winning in the marketplace."
The report advances WestRock's sustainability strategy, emphasizing the key environmental, social and governance (ESG) components of its core pillars:
Supporting People and Communities: Serving the people we rely on and those who rely on us.
• Striving for a 100% safe culture by driving continuous improvement to reduce risk in the workplace and by supporting our teammates' well-being
• Investing in programs and systems to advance our leadership in diversity, inclusion and belonging for our teammates, customers, industry and communities
Bettering the Planet: Championing sustainable forestry and protecting the environment.
• A science-based target to reduce:
o Absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions by 27.5% by 2030 from a 2019 base year
o Absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services, fuel and energy activities, upstream and downstream transportation and distribution, and end of life treatment of sold products by 27.5% by 2030 from a 2019 base year
o Promoting sustainable forestry and seeking to ensure forests where we operate remain forest positive by:
o Sourcing 100% of virgin fiber from responsibly managed forests
o Investing in the future of sustainable forestry by supporting certification of 1.5 million acres of forestland to recognized forest management standards by FY30
Innovating for Our Customers and Their Customers: Innovating to achieve a more circular economy.
• By 2025, 100% of WestRock's products will be recyclable, compostable or reusable, driving the transition to a more circular economy through cutting edge innovation
The report continues to align with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Sustainable Accounting Board (SASB) standards.
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