Every year, World Emissions Day reminds us of the urgent need to address the environmental crisis by reducing our carbon footprints. Since its introduction in 2008, it has focused on raising awareness, inspiring action, and promoting individual and corporate environmental responsibility. Through the Paris Agreement, the global scientific community emphasises limiting global warming to 1.5–2°C to prevent catastrophic climate impacts. Achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century is essential to maintaining safe temperature levels.

At Modulex, we are deeply committed to reducing our carbon footprint and advancing sustainability across our operations. Our decarbonisation efforts include:

• Powering our Billund factory with 100% renewable electricity through Green Power certificates from European wind farms.
• Shifting from natural gas to district heating fuelled by 90% renewables.
• Reducing our total water usage by 20% since 2019.
• We continuously assess our energy consumption as part of our broader strategy to become net zero by 2045 and lead the visual communication industry towards a greener future.

Encouraging Action and Raising Awareness

• We’ve taken several significant steps to reduce our carbon footprint and raise awareness:
• Optimising our operations: We continually review our energy usage and production methods and have reduced natural gas consumption by 56% and bottled gas consumption by 48% since 2019.
• Promoting sustainable products: Our green products are made from recycled and low-carbon materials, significantly reducing the ecological footprint of our assortment and production.
• Recycling practices: In our Billund factory, 92% of all our manufacturing waste was recycled or sent to W-t-E (incineration with energy recovery) in 2023.

At the individual level, here are a few practical steps to reduce your emissions and contribute to the global effort:

• Reduce your transportation emissions: Consider going car-free for the day, using public transport, walking, or cycling.
• Lower your energy consumption: Consciously switch off or unplug unused appliances and lower heating and cooling when possible.
• Switch to energy-efficient appliances: Opt for energy-efficient electronics and lighting, such as LED bulbs and Energy Star-rated devices.
• Make sustainable purchases: Choose products from recycled materials or those with a lower carbon footprint.
• Buy local and seasonal products: Purchase locally grown and in-season produce to reduce the carbon footprint of food transportation.
• Reduce air travel: Fly less or choose direct flights to minimise the carbon footprint from aviation.
• Plant trees or support reforestation efforts – Trees absorb carbon dioxide and help fight climate change.

What Do The Numbers Say?

Between 2019 and 2023, Modulex reduced its CO₂ emissions by 46%, from 461 tons to 248 tons CO₂ eq. This reduction and a stable turnover reflect an 82% improvement in revenue per kg of CO₂ emitted. In practical terms, Modulex now produces significantly more economic value while emitting far less CO₂.

Written by Yves Plazanet, Sustainability Analyst at Modulex Group.