AFERA launches web tool to standardise carbon footprint calculations in adhesive tape industry
As the pressure mounts on industries worldwide to adopt sustainable practices, the European Adhesive Tape Association, Afera, has taken a significant step in equipping companies to navigate these challenges. In collaboration with the German Adhesives Association (IVK) and the sustainability consultancy Sphera, Afera has developed the Tape and Adhesives Calculation Kit (TACK), a web-based tool aimed at helping adhesive and adhesive tape manufacturers evaluate the sustainability of their products. TACK is designed to facilitate Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) calculations in accordance with ISO 14067 standards and Together for Sustainability (TfS) guidelines.
The toolkit's primary purpose is to provide an accessible, standardised, and cost-effective mechanism for assessing the environmental impact of products throughout their entire life cycles. This initiative is particularly timely, as it aligns with upcoming European Union regulations, including the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation and the Battery Regulation, which will enforce stricter environmental compliance for manufacturers across various sectors. By also facilitating the creation of Digital Product Passports, TACK promises to enhance transparency in the adhesive tape market.
In a recent webinar hosted by Sphera, Pablo Englebienne, Afera's regulatory affairs and sustainability manager, discussed the collective efforts that led to the fruition of this innovative tool. With approximately 120 member companies, Afera represents over 80 per cent of adhesive tape manufactured in the EU. This significant representation underscores the urgency of a unified approach to sustainability amid escalating market demands for transparency and accountability in carbon emissions reporting.
Initially, Afera's working group faced challenges due to limited expertise in life cycle assessments (LCA), prompting the association to seek external guidance. Collaborating with IVK from early 2023, they embarked on a rigorous development process that included weekly meetings to map data and navigate the varied terminologies prevalent within the industry. The end goal was to create a tool accessible not just to larger corporations but also to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that may lack extensive experience in sustainability metrics.
The outcome of this collaboration is currently undergoing third-party verification to ensure reliability and credibility before its anticipated release to members. This tool represents not only a crucial advancement in standardising sustainability reporting within the adhesive tapes industry but also exemplifies how strategic partnerships and industry-wide cooperation can foster substantive improvements in sustainable practices.
In addition to the TACK tool, Afera has also issued a position paper aimed at promoting a cohesive methodology for calculating PCF values across the sector. This document emphasises the need for transparency and accuracy in reporting carbon footprints, further supporting compliance with EU regulations. By providing guidelines that enhance understanding around sustainable practices, Afera is positioning itself as a leader in the push towards responsible manufacturing and environmental stewardship.
Continued efforts are likely to propel the adhesive and adhesive tape industry towards a more sustainable future, with increasing engagement from various stakeholders. Afera's initiatives reflect a broader trend within industrial sectors to prioritise sustainability, ultimately benefiting the entire supply chain, from raw material suppliers to end consumers. With the launch of TACK and ongoing advocacy for sustainable practices, Afera demonstrates that collective action can lead to impactful, industry-wide transformation in the quest for environmental responsibility.