MCC Verstraete attaches great importance to sustainability: we strive to work and produce as sustainably as possible and also to offer a product range that contributes to a circular economy for plastic packaging. Our vision of sustainability is therefore the common thread running through our daily operations and our product development.
We are always looking for ways to minimize the impact of our products and production processes on the environment. Focus areas include rational energy and raw material consumption, reducing our overall CO2 footprint and reducing and recycling production waste.
Milestone: C02 neutral production!
In March this year, we obtained the certificate of CO2 neutral production for our two Belgian production units. A milestone and a pioneering example within the MCC group, as we are the first site to obtain the CO2 neutral production certificate!
We are very proud of the recognition that this certificate brings to our IML business unit. For everyone at MCC Verstraete, this means recognition of their continued focus on sustainability. We hope to inspire other companies to follow in these carbon neutral footsteps!"
Stijn Billiet, Global Director Sustainability at MCC Label
From 5000 to 0
MCC Verstraete led its CO2 emissions from 5000 tons of CO2 eq. to zero. We did this through a number of projects, actions and optimizations that minimize greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the overall carbon footprint:
- Investments in more than 100 (software) systems for monitoring electricity, water, gas, etc.
- Switching to LED lighting.
- Replacement of light switches with presence detection
- Preventing standby consumption
- Optimization of cooling system
- Heat recovery
- 100% green electricity, part of which comes from our own solar panels
- Quarterly meetings with energy consultants
- EBO certification
- Cross-functional brainstorming sessions to generate ideas for further reduction
- -...
Forestry project in Guatemala
After installing all the above initiatives, we went from 5000 tons to 528 tons of CO2 emissions. We offset this remaining amount by investing in a forestry project in Guatemala, aimed at preserving and protecting the ecosystem.
At the end of March 2021, an independent third party issued the official CO2 neutral certificate for our Belgian production sites.
We have made many efforts to become CO2 neutral. The certificate is of course the icing on the cake, but knowing that our daily production has a minimal impact on the environment is even more so!
Benedict Haemers, Quality Manager at MCC Verstraete
