Birla Cellulose, the pulp and fibre business of Grasim Industries, a flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group, has set a goal for net zero carbon emissions across all its operations by 2040.

The company, however, is aspiring to reach the target five years earlier in 2035 and reduce its emissions intensity  to half by 2030, compared to 2019 levels.

It aims to reach its goals through increased use of renewable energy in its processes, investment in innovative low emission technologies, net positive carbon sequestration in its managed forests and a focus on circular fashion.

Currently, around 40% of the energy for Birla Cellulose’s global operations comes from renewable sources.

In addition, an assessment carried out by EY in 2019 found the carbon sequestered in its directly managed forests exceeded the entire Scope 1 and 2 emissions from global sites during the year.

H K Agarwal, Managing Director Grasim Industries Ltd and Business Director, Birla Cellulose said: “This is a natural progression in Birla Cellulose’s global leadership in the area of sustainability. Birla Cellulose’s climate target is at the core of its business strategy that aims to address climate change-related risks and adapt to changing consumer preferences for more sustainable, nature-based and low emission products.

“With a legacy of innovation in the MMCF [Man-Made Cellulosic Fibres] industry spanning seven decades, Birla Cellulose continues to work on cutting-edge technologies that will accelerate this transition.”