Goal #4 Reduce CO2e emissions

At the heart of Ragn-Sells’ Sustainability Pledge is a commitment to actively contribute to the reduction of climate emissions in our value chain.

The goal is to reduce our total climate footprint in line with the Paris Agreement.
Short-term: 50% reduction of CO2e by 2030* 
Long-term: Net zero CO2e by 2040** 

* Compared to 2020
** The defined net zero level allows for up to 10% residual emissions, which include landfill gas from historically deposited organic materials, emissions from concrete- and steel-based materials, and emissions from fossil-based aviation fuel.

Even if Ragn-Sells’ main contribution to reducing the climate emissions in society lies in developing circular solutions that can replace and reduce the use of virgin materials, we remain a significant emitter of CO2e from our operations. 

After 2030, CO2e reductions will continue progressively, reaching net zero by 2040 across both our own operations (Scope 1 and 2) and the value chain (Scope 3). Solutions for removing the remaining 10% will be explored to ensure consistent and effective CO₂e removal.
 
Our emissions mainly come from landfills, transport, and treatment plants. To address this, we focus on optimising transport logistics; transitioning to renewable fuels; and completing landfill coverage. Regarding transport, strategies differ across markets, but focus are on fossil free transport.


Sweden prioritises the use of HVO over diesel, electrifies heavy machinery, and explores electro fuels in collaboration with partners in the vehicle industry. Norway is focusing on electrification of the vehicle fleet, complemented with some gas-powered vehicles, while Denmark and Estonia are following similar paths.

Our second major challenge is emissions from landfills, which account for 50% of Ragn-Sells’ operational emissions. Since 2005 it is not allowed to deposit organic waste at landfills, and we therefor anticipate that these levels will naturally decrease in the future.

However, landfills can also be an energy carrier and a resource. Ragn-Sells collect and incinerate the landfill gas, and through these efforts effectively collect the gas, which is then used for heating, cooling, and to generate electricity that our recycling processes can be run on.

During 2024 Ragn-Sells also started the process of developing scienced based targets using the Exponential Roadmap Initiative (ERI) framework.

"A transition of the vehicle fleet to non-fossil fuels, as well as continuing the work with streamlining our treatment processes and electrifying  our heavy machinery, is necessary to achieve our goal.”

Magnus Uvhagen, CEO of Ragn-Sells Recycling Sweden

Total emissions

This reporting year, Ragn-Sells’ total emissions of greenhouse gases amounted to 73,330 tonnes CO₂e (79,468 tonnes, 2023) including landfill gas. Total emissions of greenhouse gases, landfill gas excluded, amounts to about 43,138 tonnes CO₂e. The purchased electricity for all operations in Sweden is origin-marked renewable electricity.

In 2024 have we initiated a comprehensive mapping of our Scope 3 emissions. Once finalised, the total emissions will cover more categories and close the reporting gaps.

We report in accordance with Green House Gas protocol (GHG) including Scope 1, 2, and 3 when calculating our climate emissions.

Emissions from transports in 2024

A major part of our emissions, 39,647 tonnes CO₂e (43,310 tonnes, 2023), derive from transporting and handling of material, both from own vehicles and outsourced. The use of renewable fuels such as HVO and electricity have increased during 2024 compared to previous years which have resulted in a reduction of CO₂e emissions from transports and working vehicles at site. Emissions from business travel decreased in 2024 to 1,153 tonnes CO₂e (1,399 tonnes, 2023). The vehicle fleet for company cars consists of 94% electrified vehicles (94%, 2023).

Emissions from landfills in 2024

Climate emissions from Ragn-Sells’ landfills account for about 30,192 tonnes CO₂e.

Goal #3

Resource focus instead of waste focus