Avery Dennison joins WBCSD

The materials science leader joins other multinationals working to accelerate the system transformations needed for a net-zero, nature positive, and more equitable future.

Geneva, Switzerland, January 12 2023—Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE: AVY) has joined a group of over 200 of the world’s leading sustainable businesses as the newest member of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).

Avery Dennison is a global manufacturing company producing a wide variety of labeling and functional materials that enhance branded packaging, carry or display information that connects the physical and the digital and improve customers’ product performance. It employs more than 35,000 people in over 50 countries.

“We are looking forward to bringing our expertise and scale to bear in tackling the most pressing sustainability issues our industry faces. This partnership with WBCSD reflects our commitment to being both a leader and a trusted partner in the global efforts to reduce carbon emissions,” said Pascale Wautelet, VP R&D and Sustainability, Label and Graphic Materials.

Avery Dennison’s 2030 sustainability goals are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and encompass innovations that advance the circular economy, actions to reduce the environmental impact of its operations and supply chains as well as making a positive social impact.

As part of its membership, Avery Dennison will join projects within WBCSD Climate Action and Nature Action Imperatives and within the Products & Materials Pathway. WBCSD’s Climate Action Imperative is focused on accelerating climate action and tackling Scope 3 transparency and its Partnership for Carbon Transparency (PACT) particularly seeks to address the challenge of Scope 3 GHG emissions accounting by developing the methodological and technical infrastructure required for the exchange of primary product emissions data based on a common approach.

Setting ambitious 2030 sustainability goals, Avery Dennison has committed to reducing absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 70% from a 2015 baseline year and reducing absolute scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services and end-of-life treatment of sold products by 30% from a 2018 base year. These targets have been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as consistent with levels required to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. The company’s overall ambition is to have net-zero emissions by 2050.

Dominic Waughray, WBCSD Executive Vice President said: “By joining WBCSD, Avery Dennison will be part of a  global community of leading businesses driving systems transformation for a better world. We are pleased to welcome them as our newest member in 2023. Materials science and process engineering are important innovations to achieve circularity and reduce environmental impact. Together we will work toward a regenerative future and strive for a world where  9+ billion people live well, within planetary boundaries.”