Publish on: 21 March 2023 at 17:34
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What is the Difference between Carbon Neutral Products and Net Zero
As the world becomes increasingly aware of the impact of climate change, more and more companies are committing to reducing their carbon footprint. Two terms that are often used interchangeably and come up in these discussions are “carbon neutral” and “net zero”. While these two terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to different approaches to reducing carbon emissions.
Carbon Neutrality
Carbon neutrality is achieved when the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere during the production, transportation, and disposal of a product is balanced by the amount of carbon dioxide that is removed from the atmosphere. This is typically achieved by purchasing carbon offsets, which are credits that represent the reduction or removal of one ton of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through activities such as reforestation or renewable energy projects. Carbon offsets are often purchased from third-party organisations that specialise in carbon reduction or removal activities.
Carbon neutrality is a popular approach to reducing carbon emissions, as it allows companies to continue producing products while offsetting their carbon emissions. It is often seen as a more achievable goal than net zero, as it can be implemented relatively quickly and does not require significant changes to a company’s operations or supply chain.
However, some critics argue that carbon neutrality is not sufficient to address the scale of the climate crisis, as it does not actually reduce emissions. Instead, it simply balances emissions with carbon removal activities, which may not be sufficient to prevent catastrophic climate change. Additionally, some carbon offset projects have been criticised for being ineffective or even harmful to local communities.
Net Zero
Net zero, on the other hand, is a more ambitious approach to reducing carbon emissions. Net zero means that no carbon dioxide is emitted in the first place. This requires the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible, followed by the use of carbon removal techniques to offset any remaining emissions. Net zero can be achieved through a combination of measures such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, electrification, carbon capture and storage, and natural solutions like reforestation and soil carbon sequestration.
Net zero is seen as a more comprehensive approach to addressing climate change, as it requires companies to reduce their carbon emissions as much as possible before resorting to carbon removal techniques. It also encourages companies to invest in renewable energy and other sustainable technologies, which can have long-term benefits for both the environment and the economy.
While net zero is a more ambitious goal than carbon neutrality, it is also more challenging to achieve. It requires significant changes to a company’s operations and supply chain, as well as a commitment to investing in new technologies and practices. Additionally, some industries may find it more difficult to achieve net zero than others, particularly those that rely on fossil fuels or other high-emission activities.
Despite the challenges of achieving net zero, many companies are committing to this goal as part of their sustainability efforts. In 2020, a group of over 1,000 companies, including major corporations like Amazon, Microsoft, and Nestle, pledged to reach net zero emissions by 2050 or earlier. This commitment represents a significant shift in the corporate world, as more and more companies recognise the urgency of addressing climate change and the benefits of sustainable practices.
What is the difference?
So, what is the difference between carbon-neutral products and net-zero products? Carbon-neutral products have a net zero carbon footprint, as their emissions are balanced by carbon removal activities. Net zero products, on the other hand, have no carbon footprint, as their emissions are reduced as close to zero as possible and any remaining emissions are offset through carbon removal techniques. However, not every product will be able to achieve Net Zero, and therefore, we need solutions that will help businesses like yours reduce your carbon output or offset either materials or carbon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, reducing carbon emissions and adopting sustainable practices are crucial for the future of commercial printing. Whether through carbon neutrality or net zero practices, companies that prioritise sustainability can benefit from improved brand image, compliance with regulations, cost savings, and future-proofing their business. As such, it is important for commercial printers to consider their environmental impact and take steps to reduce their carbon footprint.
