The probiotics specialist maintains that from 2030 onwards it will “leave no carbon footprint behind” and in this way make “a significant contribution to the objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement”.
The Net Zero target is achievable as a result of its partnership with CNG and the ensuing strategy to reduce CO2 emissions on transport, packaging, and energy.
CNG Consultant Bas Ooteman commented: “Winclove understands the importance of a good carbon footprint so they can work on an effective reduction strategy.
“They are driven to involve their customers and their suppliers, also in the supply chain of their products, in their climate policy, which accelerates the process.”
Partnership gains
Creating strategic partnerships forms an integral part of Winclove’s ambition to “become the best company for the world”, the company says.
The partners have worked together to develop realistic solutions to climate issues, with significant input from Winclove employees, according to Ooteman.
“In the process in which we have guided and advised Winclove, we were surprised by the high level of involvement of various departments,” he said.
“The employees actively contribute to the reduction strategy and think ‘outside-the-box’. This generates good ideas and stimulates innovation.”
Several initiatives have already been introduced as a result of the partnership. These include switching exclusively to green electricity and more sustainable packaging; encouraging staff to travel to work by public transport or on food, and investing in sustainable sites that use solar panels, for example.
More recently, CNG mapped out Winclove’s CO2 emissions using a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to reinforce and inform future sustainability strategies.
Green transition
Winclove previously joined forces with non-profit organisation Justdiggit (in 2020) to offset emissions by “regreening” Tanzania, as part of its transition to carbon neutrality. Justdiggit works closely with communities and local partners in Africa to restore dry land, using ‘regreening’ techniques, such as rainwater harvesting, tree restoration and developing grass seed banks.
The probiotics specialist subsequently attained B Corporation certification for ‘meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability and transparency’, in relation to employee benefits and supply chain practices.
Maarten Pekelharing, CEO of Winclove Probiotics commented: “B Corp calls us out to turn our good intentions into concrete actions. What really matters is behaviour. I believe that companies must aspire to serve as an example in this and to motivate and inspire others.”
Winclove’s ambition has also translated into a multitude of company-wide working groups and initiatives in which colleagues make not only their own workplace more sustainable, but also the local region (North Amsterdam) as a whole.
Supportive role
CNG was established in 2002 to help organisations reduce their impact on the climate. Its challenge is to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees and facilitate climate change goals to reach Net Zero CO2 by 2050.
The team offers advice on carbon offsetting, reductions, and footprint. In addition, organisations can apply for Climate Neutral Certification, which requires them to scale back their emissions year on year to achieve a 25% reduction by 2030.
The pathway to Net Zero is independently tested and assessed by third party Certification Bodies.
CNG has supported more than 3,000 companies globally to reduce carbon emissions and has offset over 12 million tonnes of CO2. Following its recent merger with Anthesis Group, it now operates in 20 countries.