Our environmental sustainability pillars
Our focus areas include decarbonisation, water efficiency, responsible sourcing of wood fibre and circularity
2024 outcomes at a glance
8% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions from 2023 levels
500,000+ tonnes of recycled wood fibre produced
600,000+ tonnes of waste paper collected
96% of wood fibre sourced by our mills are certified by FSC, PEFC or both
Our commitments
Decarbonising our operations and value chain
We are committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. We have an interim target of a 45% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 2030 against an FY21 baseline. We are decarbonising our operations by looking to transition from natural gas to biomass and biogas, expanding on-site renewable generation and investing in energy efficiency. In 2024, Opal saw an 8% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions compared to 2023.
Circularity
Paper and cardboard are among the most recycled materials in Australia — and Opal is at the centre of that cycle. In 2024, our sites collected more than 600,000 tonnes of waste paper which was recycled into new, high-performance papers. This valuable resource is used to create a variety of packaging solutions, helping our customers meet National Packaging Targets.
Water efficiency
Water plays a crucial role in papermaking by breaking down fibres, transporting pulp, removing impurities and forming the pulp into paper. Our paper mills use a combination of freshwater, recycled water, stormwater or bore water. Our packaging manufacturing and converting sites across Australia and New Zealand also use freshwater, with many converting sites also utilising on-site wastewater treatment systems.
Responsible sourcing of wood fibre
Opal is committed to sourcing fibre from responsibly managed plantations and maximising use of reclaimed and recycled material. Opal preferentially procures wood and fibre products from suppliers which are endorsed under the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) or the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Opal holds Chain of Custody certifications FSC-C127957 and PEFC/21-31-08. In 2024, our Maryvale Mill expanded the scope of it’s Chain of Custody Certification.