Polarica is on a solid path towards transitioning to green energy sources. In 2024, we reduced emission on our own operations (Scope 1 and 2) remarkably, up to 93% from the base year 2021. The emissions generated along the value chain (Scope 3) remain more challenging to reduce.
In 2023, Polarica committed to the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Our aims are clear: slash emissions on our own operations by 42% by 2030 and then go for 90% reduction across all scopes by 2035. While the long-term goal is ambitious, its progress depends on what we do today.
Transitioning to Green Energy Sources
We take a direct and active approach to emissions reductions. Our efforts are focused on addressing the source of emissions within all production markets, including Sweden, Finland, and Poland.
It entails evaluating the kind of energy we purchase, optimizing the energy efficiency of production lines, and updating the heating systems in our facilities.
In Sweden, we are now operating entirely on green electricity. In both Finland and Poland, we’ve been gradually transitioning our purchased electricity away from conventional fossil fuels. Our journey began with certified nuclear energy sources, and since 2024, all the electricity we purchase is backed by renewable energy certificates – primarily from certified hydro sources.
We are continuing this commitment in 2025, maintaining the purchase of electricity with guarantees of green origin. This step is part of our broader effort to reduce our carbon footprint and support the green energy transition.
We are also resourcefully using by-products in our Polish factory, where cherry stones left over from processing serve as a biomass heating source. It is a simple, circular economy solution that works and reduces waste.
Carbon Sequestration Efforts: Havulatva Project
In addition to reducing emissions across our operations, we have also contributed to carbon sequestration efforts through the Havulatva project – a Finnish forest initiative that removed an estimated 2,520 tonnes of CO₂e in 2023. Havulatva is a forest-based biological carbon sequestration project where you add nutrients to the forest to increase tree growth and bind more carbon dioxide. Other benefits of the project are increased root stock growth and berry harvest. Read more about the project from our other blog.
It should be noted, however, that this is not counted as compensation or offsetting, and the figure has not been deducted from our Scope 1, 2, or 3 emissions totals. Rather, it is reported separately to ensure transparency.
Tackling the Complexity of Value Chain Emissions
This year, we are continuing to refine how we collect and track our emissions data. Scope 1 and 2 (own operations) are relatively straightforward; Scope 3, generated on value chain, is a bit more complicated.
Data on Scope 3 emissions have been collected since 2021, with the 2024 reporting cycle currently in progress. However, an accurate assessment hinges on collaboration from our suppliers – and the availability of reliable emissions factors remains a challenge.
We’ve been working closely with our frozen fruit and berry suppliers to better understand their environmental practices and emissions data. The idea is to move away from generic emission numbers and build a system based on primary data coming straight from where our raw materials are sourced around the world.
Our future plan is also to develop a diversified energy mix with new in-house renewable electricity sources.