Carbon-neutral standard labels

Press reports Paper Goods

02. February 2011

Premiere for carbon-neutral standard labels / Offset of green-house gas emissions from production to supply chain / Climate protection project with highly regarded foundation myclimate

HERMA is understood to be one of the first producers in the world to offer carbon-neutral standard labels. The greenhouse gases (GHG) arising throughout the production and supply chain for the new HERMA PREMIUM labels are offset in a climate protection project run by myclimate. "To the best of our knowledge, HERMA is the very first label producer to manufacture and distribute labels without leaving a carbon footprint," says Stefan Baumeister, managing director of myclimate Deutschland gGmbH. The GHG emissions associated with HERMA PREMIUM labels, arising during paper and label production, distribution and disposal, are offset. Among the relevant gases are carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. The emissions are calculated by measuring energy consumption – electricity, heat and fuel – the materials consumed, and other factors. "Depending on the packaging size each A4 sheet of labels gives rise to around 22 to 32 g of greenhouse gases," explains Baumeister. 

Cooperation with leading foundationThe greenhouse gases that are generated are offset by a solar project in Ethiopia. Its goal is to replace kerosene lamps with solar-powered lighting in rural areas of the country.The ultimate aim is to eliminate an annual amount of around 50,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide or its equivalents. Expressed in figures relating to the German economy, this volume corresponds to the annual average consumption of a community with 5,000 inhabitants. But the photovoltaic technology is being installed not only to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. "The purpose is also to improve people's living conditions, which is a major issue in the endeavour to ensure sustainability," explains HERMA managing director Sven Schneller. He continues, "We decided to collaborate with myclimate in order to make certain that this goal is actually achieved." According to independent studies, the organisation ranks among the leading offsetting providers worldwide. The charitable foundation complies with the very strict quality requirements imposed by the CDM and Gold Standard. The emission reductions it achieves are regularly verified by UN-accredited certification organisations, including TÜV, SGS and DNV.

End-to-end environment-friendly labels
HERMA PREMIUM labels are kind to the environment not only in view of their carbon-neutral credentials. They are also produced in a single facility by a coating plant with an exemplary performance profile as regards energy efficiency, heat recovery and waste avoidance. The label paper is also PEFC-certified, bleached without chlorine and acid-free, and the adhesive is solvent-free. As Schneller points out, "Unlike 20 years ago, consumers nowadays expect all products, not only those in niche eco-segments, to give due consideration to environmental aspects. According to recent studies, more than 70 percent of consumers are calling for carbon-neutral products, and 44 percent give preference to brands that comply with pro-environmental criteria."

About myclimate
myclimate was founded as a project by students and professors of ETH Zurich in 2002. The non-profit foundation, which employs 40 people, now ranks among the leading global providers of climate education, carbon management services and greenhouse gas offsetting through climate protection projects. These are conducted in compliance with the highest national and international standards (CDM, Gold Standard). In 2009, myclimate reduced CO2 emissions by around 300,000 metric tons through 34 climate protection projects worldwide. This marks an almost 50 percent year-on-year increase in the offset volume. As a charitable foundation, myclimate guarantees that at least 80 percent of the offset payments are channelled into climate protection projects.