ALESCO2 NEUTRAL:
Answers for climate neutrality

To keep track of this complex subject we compiled a list of FAQs. If you have any further queries regarding ALESCO2 NEUTRAL, please do not hesitate to contact our sales staff or our SERVICE-TEAM.

01. WHY IS CO2 HARMFUL?
Carbon dioxide, or CO2, occurs naturally as a constituent of the earth's atmosphere, with a concentration of approximately 0.038 %. This colourless and odourless gas arises from expiration and from the decomposition and combustion of fossil materials. Since the industrial revolution in the 17th century, the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere has risen by 34% due to the use of energy sources such as black and brown coal, peat, natural gas and oil. As a result of this considerable increase, the gas has the same effect as the glass in a greenhouse - heat comes from the sun and passes through the atmosphere, but can no longer escape again. The result is what we call the greenhouse effect.

02. HOW DOES THE PRINCIPLE OF CARBON NEUTRALITY WORK?
As long as we can't completely stop the emissions of greenhouse gases, we can at least neutralise the effect of them. The international recognised principle of carbon neutrality has prevailed here - which, in simple terms, means that a climate protection project is financially supported as compensation for every kilogram of CO2 emitted.

03. HOW IS CARBON NEUTRAL PRODUCTION CALCULATED?
All production-relevant processes are analysed to determine how much CO2 they produce. This involves taking into account the whole chain, including production of granulates (as a raw material for our films), our employees' daily commute and all production stages leading up to final delivery to our customers. The result is called a carbon footprint and states the volumes of greenhouse gases arising from all parts of the production chain. We can then use this carbon footprint to calculate how much CO2 is released during the processing of an order. In order to neutralise this volume, we purchase so called emission reduction certificates. The proceeds from these certificates are then invested in high-impact climate protection projects. On request, you can decide which project should be supported for each production run.

04. WHICH ALESCO PRODUCTS ARE CLIMATE NEUTRAL?
Bio-film products supplied by alesco are carbon neutral as standard. The resulting extra cost for these carbon neutral bio-films is borne entirely by alesco. Carbon neutral PE film products can also be purchased on request. In such cases, the only extra charge you pay is the actual cost of acquiring the requisite emission reduction certificates, which we simply pass on directly without adding any margin.

05. DOES ALESCO CALCULATE ITS CARBON NEUTRAL STATUS ITSELF?
No. The analysis required to calculate the CO2 footprint is carried out by the consulting business ClimatePartner Deutschland GmbH. Each such audit is valid for 12 months and is then recalculated in order to take account of any changes in production conditions.

06. HOW ARE THE CO2 EMISSIONS FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL ORDER CALCULATED?
Our consulting partners, ClimatePartner, have drawn up a formula for our entire product portfolio on the basis of the carbon footprint. This allows alesco to calculate the CO2 emissions per kilogram of packaging film produced. Such calculations include the type of film produced, the levels of processing (for example printing, tailoring, lamination), the transport distance for delivery and a range of other variable factors. The result of the calculation is not simply the volume of CO2 released, but also states the number of emission reduction certificates necessary for the neutralisation and their purchase price.

07. WHAT HAPPENS TO THE PROCEEDS OF THE EMISSION REDUCTION CERTIFICATES?
The proceeds from the acquisition of the emission reduction certificates go to the neutralisation projects for which they are issued. In the case of carbon neutral alesco bio-films, the money supports a project promoting the production of renewable energy from biomass sources in India. alesco customers generally also have the choice of which project to support when purchasing carbon neutral orders. A list of the current certified projects can be found here.

08. DOES ALESCO MAKE MONEY FROM THE SALE OF EMISSON REDUCTION CERTIFICATES?
No. We at alesco simply pass on the actual price of the emission reduction certificates without the addition of any margin. In the case of bio-films, we bear the whole cost of purchasing the emission reduction certificates - without this resulting in a higher purchase price when the customer buys the product. The cost of administering the certificates is always borne by alesco. An independent auditor also checks the accuracy of the calculation of all the certificate fees once a year.