Partner innovation at DSM
At DSM, we believe that long-term strategic supplier relationships are the key to helping us bring successful innovations to market.
It goes without saying that reducing our carbon footprint is good for the planet. It’s the new normal - and good for business. DSM has set ambitious reduction targets on its carbon footprint emissions. These targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as being aligned with the Paris climate agreement.
By reducing carbon emissions (for example by sourcing renewable instead of fossil-based electricity) it’s possible to future-proof a business. This is a topic that DSM has embraced for years. It is increasingly valued by our customers; and now we are asking our suppliers to do the same.
So, let’s do it together.
Given the length and complexity of value chains today, it’s up to all of us to take responsibility for our own emissions, as well as those of our suppliers and partners.
To put that into perspective, by 2030 we aim to achieve a 28% intensity reduction in what’s known as Scope 3 emissions. This covers everything from purchased services and goods like raw materials; to transportation and distribution; as well as the waste generated in operations.
We know this won’t be easy, but we need to take action now. And of course, we can get there – if we work together.
One way of making a huge environmental impact is for companies to switch from traditional fossil-based electricity to renewable electricity to reduce their carbon footprint.
To give you an idea of the feasibility, at DSM we increased the amount of purchased electricity from renewable sources globally from negligible in 2015 to 72% in 2021 (and we have a target of 100% by 2030 if not sooner).
The cost difference between fossil-based and renewable electricity can be limited, or even be in favor of renewable electricity, and it’s possible to start making a real and significant impact on your emissions almost immediately. In the first instance, we suggest that you reach out to your current electricity supplier. You can also consult their competitors and you will find a growing number of renewable electricity developers and consultants who can provide useful advice.
We regularly organize workshops for suppliers that have shown a willingness to make the move to renewable electricity. These workshops are available via invite only, so if you’d like to know more, please get in touch with us.
Today, the biggest portion of DSM’s total carbon footprint comes indirectly, via our suppliers (ie Scope 3 emissions). No matter how hard we work at DSM, we can only reduce our carbon footprint and solve climate change by working smarter together. Which is why we run a dedicated supplier engagement program called CO2REDUCE aimed at reducing upstream emissions in the value chain.
The program invites key suppliers to share both their sustainability ambitions and Greenhouse Gas emission reduction activities.
Our CO2REDUCE supplier engagement program covers a broad range of activities. Here are 7 ways we can work together to tackle climate change:
Ultimately, climate change is everyone’s challenge. So, if you have any ideas or potential solutions concerning any of these seven themes, we would love to hear from you.
At DSM, we believe that long-term strategic supplier relationships are the key to helping us bring successful innovations to market.
Transacting with our suppliers in a fast and efficient way is essential so we are always working to make doing business easier.
Contact DSM's sourcing specialists.