In the past decades, sustainability has transitioned from a marketing buzzword to a critical component of any successful corporate strategy. Organizations worldwide are increasingly recognizing the importance of measuring, managing, and reducing their environmental impact. At the forefront of this movement is the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), a global non-profit organization that drives companies and governments to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and safeguard natural resources – and one of the most fundamental environmental reporting frameworks globally. 

The latest version of EPAT (Environmental Paper Assessment Tool), EPAT 4.1, marks a significant milestone in our commitment to enhancing sustainability transparency. Among the key enhancements to the platform is the inclusion of CDP - as part of our expanded reporting on Corporate Sustainability Initiatives. By adding CDP commitment of suppliers, EPAT now provides buyers of paper and packaging products with deeper insights into the environmental performance of their suppliers, specifically in areas related to climate change, water security, and deforestation.

What is the CDP?
Founded in 2000, the CDP serves as a comprehensive disclosure system for companies, cities, states, and regions to manage their environmental impacts. It operates on behalf of over 800 institutional investors, representing a staggering $100 trillion in assets. The CDP provides a standardized platform for reporting environmental data, focusing on three primary areas: climate change, water security, and deforestation.

The Importance of Environmental Disclosure
Transparency is a cornerstone of effective sustainability practices. By disclosing environmental data through the CDP, organizations demonstrate accountability and commitment to environmental stewardship. This transparency not only builds trust with stakeholders but also provides valuable insights for investors, enabling them to make informed decisions based on a company's environmental performance and risks.

Moreover, the very act of environmental disclosure encourages organizations to critically assess their operations, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to reduce their environmental footprint. This fosters a culture of continuous improvement and helps position companies to better navigate the risks and opportunities associated with climate change and resource scarcity.

Why CDP Ratings Matter in EPAT
EPAT is deeply aligned with the principles and goals of the CDP. EPAT’s sophisticated web-based platform allows suppliers and buyers to share sustainability metrics, leveraging measured data from pulp, paper, and packaging mills. The platform evaluates over 30 performance indicators across the lifecycle of paper-based products, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of sustainability practices.

Industry Examples
Their participation reflects the broader industry trend of using CDP not only as a benchmark for sustainability performance but as a tool for driving continuous improvement across their global operations. EPAT’s integration of CDP ratings builds on this momentum, offering buyers a clearer understanding of their suppliers’ environmental impacts and enhancing decision-making based on credible, transparent data.

For more on EPAT, go to www.epat.org or contact [email protected].