We create the conditions that help our customers become more sustainable

We take responsibility for how our entire business affects our operating environment, both now and in the future, by concrete measures to improve our energy efficiency, reduce our global carbon footprint, and set clear and validated emissions targets.

Group-wide forum for energy-saving initiatives

We have created a forum, where local initiatives by our subsidiaries may be shared across the entire group, working to inspire and spread experiences in energy-saving measures. 

Concrete measures for energy efficiency

With our “Save the Planet” booklet, we provide educational material for our employees to learn and foster a mindset keeping energy saving a priority. We use surplus heat from equipment to heat both premises and warehouse buildings and we have guidelines for shutting down manufacturing equipment when not in use. Pressure in compressed air systems has also been reduced and leakages minimized. 

Reducing our carbon footprint

Purchased fossil-free electricity makes up 83 % of total energy consumption and comes from hydropower (59 %), biogas and biofuel (13 %), wind power (23 %), and solar energy (6 %). 

Cutting carbon footprint in China

In China, we have switched from coal to fossil-free power sources such as wind and hydropower. This has reduced our Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 76 % for 2023, compared with base year 2021. 

Solar power in Nolato Sweden

15 % of Nolato Sweden’s electricity comes from a dedicated solar power farm, sourced from one of Sweden’s largest solar farms located near Åhus in Skåne, which was established through a joint initiative between Nolato, Bixia, and Alight. 

Validated GHG emissions targets by the Science-based Targets initiative (SBTi)

We are committed to reducing our Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 70 % by 2030, compared to base year 2021. For the same period, we also commit to reducing our Scope 3 emissions by 25 %. 

Mapping our Scope 3 emissions according to the GHG Protocol

Our mapping shows that 95 % of Nolato Group’s total climate emissions pertain to Scope 3. Understanding this is fundamental to identifying concrete reduction measures and the allocation of resources. 

Glocal business

Nolato Group’s global presence and decentralized organization allow us to locate production close to our customers. This not only provides the environmental benefit of fewer transports, but allows also faster response time and decision-making, higher accountability and proximity to the customer. To avoid the shipment of materials, we also strive as far as possible to identify corresponding materials produced by local suppliers closer to production. 

Mass balancing

By using the mass balancing method, we are gradually replacing fossil raw materials with bio-based circular raw materials in our customers’ products. Examples include a urine catheter made by Nolato for one large healthcare customer, where the plastic’s carbon footprint has been reduced by 55 %. 

Phasing out hazardous chemical substances

The use of chemicals in our production is limited. Phasing out these substances is partly about reducing our environmental impact, but also about removing substances that can have a negative or directly harmful effect on the work environment for our employees. During 2023, 20 chemicals were replaced with other alternatives.

Operational Excellence is our framework for developing consistent competitiveness. By following the principles of LEAN and the 5S methodology, our framework pushes us to run our operations in a resource efficient manner, which provides benefits for our organization, for our customers, as well as for the environment as a whole.

Just-in-Time

We regulate production by limiting unnecessary inventory, including materials and finished products. The purpose is to standardize operations to create work processes that are repeatable, reliable, and less individual dependent, which enhances stability and reduces fluctuations. 

Sustainable development

When designing processes, we observe an environmentally sound approach by limiting CO2-footprint and minimizing waste, including energy, water and non-renewable resources. Our production facilities shall be certified according to the environmental management system ISO 14001. 

Safe working environment

Through daily management via the Green Cross and safety inspection we continuously improve safety in the workplace. We observe, draw conclusions and continuously take measures to reduce risk factors to prevent accidents. Our production units are encouraged to be certified according to a relevant international occupational health and safety management system. 

Quality

By adopting the principles within Lean and good manufacturing practice (GMP), we may deliver the highest possible value and quality to our clients. We identify problems, develop solutions, and continuously improve by documenting and analyzing relevant data that help us ensure operational efficiency.  

Our Lean Culture

By using the 5S methodology, we work to continuously raise our standards and increase efficiency. The methodology makes problems visible, helping us understand the reasons for waste and provides a solid foundation for making improvements.  

Continuous improvement

We minimize the “Eight Wastes” that reduce value, including overproduction, waiting time, inappropriate processing, defects, unnecessary inventory, unnecessary or excess motion, unnecessary transports and unused employee creativity.  

EcoVadis Gold Medal

We have steadily improved our rating within EcoVadis and placed in the 96th percentile in 2024. Our high rating stems from our advancements within four areas: (1) Complete reporting on the Group’s climate impact, including Scope 3, (2) Approved and validated climate targets by the Science-Based Targets initiative, (3) Improved and more transparent sustainability reporting in our most recent annual report 2023, (4) Establishment of a Supplier Code of Conduct and introduction of our new Sustainable Procurement Initiative, which demonstrates our active engagement in our value chain and strong commitment to promoting climate measures among our supplier base.