Issaquah, Washington-headquartered SanMar (PPAI 110788, S16), the promotional products industry’s largest supplier, has begun its mission to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with a company-wide target.

On Wednesday the company announced that goal has been approved by Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which helps drive climate action in the private sector by aiding organizations to set science-based emissions reduction targets.

The Target

SanMar’s target for carbon emission reduction states that the company is dedicated to reducing scope 1 and 2 GHH emissions 50% per pound of product by 2030 from a 2019 base year. It also commits to reduce scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services 50% per pound of product within the same time frame.

SanMar states that many of the company’s initiatives to reach its emissions targets will focus on reducing the environmental impact of its products and engaging with suppliers to decrease the impact of their operations with an emphasis on efficient machinery, process and renewable energy.

SBTi employs a five-step proves to create tangible goals and establish pathways to reduce emissions by an amount and timetable that first the size of the company they are working with. Targets are consistent with the level of decarbonization that, according to climate science, is required to keep global temperate increase within 1.5°C to 2°C compared to pre-industrial temperature levels.

SanMar formally committed to SBTi in April of 2021, and the company’s 2030 target has officially been approved.

SanMar’s Perspective

“Establishing audacious science-based targets is a landmark moment for SanMar and our industry,” says Emily Gigot, senior manager of sustainability at SanMar. “Collectively, we must all do our part to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, and this framework provides us with a roadmap to reduce our emissions in line with climate science.”