Decarbonisation & Net Zero Strategy

Decarbonisation and energy

Leading innovation for net zero

The road to Net Zero is critical to James Cropper. We have developed a comprehensive roadmap to rethink energy consumption, reduce primary energy use and shift to renewable energy sources.

Carbon

A New Net Zero Strategy

The Group has previously set out an ambitious decarbonisation strategy, including a target to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. While some progress has been made towards reducing carbon generation intensity, and steps were taken during FY23 and FY24 to enable an engineering- led transition to full site electrification, this target has been reconsidered as part of the Company’s broader review of strategy. The Group remains firmly committed to decarbonisation over the long term. Management and the Board will continue to assess viable options to reduce emissions and decarbonise operations in a way that aligns with the Group’s long-term strategic objectives and capital allocation priorities. As a result, the timeline for achieving net zero is expected to extend beyond 2030, but the Group’s commitment to this goal remains unchanged. In parallel, the Group continues to develop and deliver products and services that support the transition to a low-carbon economy. Through innovation in sustainable materials, circular design and renewable fibre-based solutions, the Group’s portfolio is increasingly aligned with the needs of customers seeking to reduce their environmental impact. This strategic alignment reinforces the Group’s role as an enabler of decarbonisation across the value chain.

Energy

Energy Use

The underlying energy data used to calculate carbon emissions includes electricity, natural gas and other fuels purchased for use on-site and for transport. Energy used in FY25 year across our global locations totalled 166,712,748 kWh, which compares to 151,203,785 kWh in the previous year.

Renewable Energy

Manufacturing Powered by Renewables

1.2 MW of Solar PV is currently installed across six different locations on or around our Burneside site. Most of these installations are subject to power purchase agreements with Burneside Community Energy Ltd, a community benefit society which uses the funds it generates to support local initiatives. Over the year, total solar generation was 854,122 kWh, compared to 851,385 kWh in FY24 and 793,054 in FY23. We saw a decrease in FY25 in the electricity generated by the hydroelectric plant adjacent to the site located on the River Kent. This was caused by river flow in the period. Electricity from this plant is supplied under a power purchase agreement with the Ellergreen Group. In the year, total generation was 233,458 kWh, compared to 301,309 kWh in FY24 and 210,627 kWh in FY23.

Grid Electricity

Carbon Certified Grid Electricity

In FY25, we consumed 13,607,754 kWh of grid electricity globally, compared to 11,831,279 kWh in FY24. 94% of electricity from the Grid is purchased under Carbon Trust Certified Tariffs (categorised as A+) from wind and solar sources. For information on our carbon performance, see below.

Our sustainable commitment

James Cropper cares strongly about people, sustainable manufacturing and responsible business practices. This drives our approach to decision making across the whole planning horizon.

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Scope 1 and Scope 2 Emissions

Our greenhouse gas emissions in FY25 across Scope 1 and Scope 2 were as set out in the tables available here.

Data is reported in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Carbon Reporting and Accounting Standards. Data is reported against the prior year and baseline performance in 2021/22 to demonstrate progress made over time. All carbon data is collected internally and reviewed externally by MyCarbon (Carbon Green Limited).

Scope 3 Emissions

In FY25 we reviewed our approach to collecting Scope 3 carbon data, which currently includes reporting against selected upstream categories consistent with the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard and the Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Accounting and Reporting Standard.

Our Scope 3 emissions reporting currently includes upstream categories where we have access to reliable data, such as purchased goods and services, capital goods, fuel- and energy-related activities, upstream transportation and distribution, waste generated in operations, business travel, employee commuting and upstream leased assets.

At present, downstream Scope 3 categories are not included in our footprint calculation due to data limitations and the complexity of value chain mapping beyond our operational control. However, we recognise the importance of a comprehensive value chain assessment and will continue to enhance the completeness of our emissions reporting over time.

Our Scope 3 emissions data for FY25 and FY24 are available here. These figures have been calculated using the Company’s data and reviewed externally by MyCarbon (Carbon Green Limited).

Dedicated to net zero

Committed to decarbonisation

James Cropper material solutions are solving some of the worlds social and environmental challenges, but we acknowledge that we must also change our own manufacturing practices to safeguard our future. Together, we have set ambitious net zero goals, with decarbonisation objectives to hit by 2030 and to be 100% net zero emissions by 2050.

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Propelling society into a sustainable future