Supporting the European abrasives industry in calculating and reducing the carbon footprint of its manufacturers

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Supporting the European abrasives industry in calculating and reducing the carbon footprint of its manufacturers

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Introduction

Founded in 1955, FEPA (Federation of European Producers of Abrasives) today represents 90% of European manufacturers. After years of commitment to quality and safety in the use and production processes of abrasives, FEPA member companies created the SEAM (Sustainable European Abrasive Manufacturers) program in 2020.

This program aims to implement sustainability measures industry wide. In January 2024, SEAM selected the specialized industrial strategy consulting firm EFESO Management Consultants to assist in calculating the carbon footprint of industry players. This project combines innovation and pragmatism, highlighting the environmental dynamism of the European industry. The goal of this initiative is to have a reference framework usable by all industry members under the umbrella of the environmental quality label SEAM.

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Key Points

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Mobilization of a professional sector on the issue of company carbon footprint.
A topic promoting cooperation for mutual benefit. Competitors and suppliers collaborate on the elaboration of a tool to calculate a company’s carbon footprint.
A learning journey emphasizing pedagogy and human support. A mix of educational workshops and "assisted homework" combining theory and practical exercises.

A journey with concrete deliverables: trained champions, a carbon footprint calculation tool adapted to the industrial sector, roadmaps, and reduction targets.
Gaining autonomy on a crucial issue for the European industry.

Understanding, calculating, and controlling one's carbon footprint is a complex dynamic that cannot be achieved without a fine understanding of the associated industrial challenges. The project initiated by SEAM, which our firm has co-developed with industry players, is exemplary. It shows how a professional sector takes the lead in preparing for its future and strengthening its competitiveness.

— Jean-Marc Giraudeau, Vice-President EFESO Management Consultants

About SEAM

The SEAM program ensures that SEAM members, all from the abrasive supply chain, manufacture, process, supply, and distribute abrasives in compliance with sustainability standards regarding environmental efficiency (waste, energy, resources), quality in health and safety, and innovative production processes. Large, medium, and small-sized manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors of abrasives who have joined SEAM aim to establish a European sustainability standard that elevates the industry by balancing environmental efficiency, production performance, and worker safety. FEPA has received the European mark to certify that its SEAM members are using sustainable production methods.

EFESO’s Mission: Creating an Operational System Combining Support and Training to Decarbonize the Sector

In early 2024, SEAM tasked EFESO Management Consultants with assisting its members in calculating their company’s carbon footprint. Of the 18 SEAM member companies, a dozen decided to participate in this mission. EFESO conducted an initial audit phase to accurately understand the production challenges of industry players and the environmental maturity of the various SEAM members. After this phase, the objective was to equip these players with an analytical tool to autonomously assess their carbon impact.

"This initiative originated from a FEPA project to have a life cycle analysis of the products manufactured by its members. This was to identify their environmental impact through about fifteen criteria. The project was quickly complemented by a second one, SEAM members focused on their carbon footprint, to trigger the dynamic faster. Among the FEPA members are large groups with strong maturity on these environmental issues.

Many SMEs within the federation were requesting information on the carbon footprint topic. Some are suppliers to others. Therefore, it was necessary to find a solution and equip them with appropriate tools that allow the customers of industry players to have an environmental label based on an objective and applicable reference framework," explains Jean-Marc Giraudeau.

EFESO’s approach is collaborative. Initially, a carbon impact reference is identified in each company. Several successive workshops are conducted to train participants and create a tool adapted to the industry players' activities. During the first half of 2024, SEAM members are trained to be autonomous in calculating their carbon footprint. During the second half of the year, companies will calculate their footprint. A benchmark will be conducted to better assess the SEAM members’ environmental maturity. In early 2025, companies will be supported in defining the objectives and actions to be implemented to act and reduce their carbon footprint.