Charter NEX Films – Asami Tanimoto – 2018

Goals

Charter NEX Films, North America’s leading producer of high-performance specialty films, was beginning to consider what sustainability means for its business. Plastic pollution in oceans has been in the news a lot, and the company is continually seeking new ways to expand its product line. The company is developing films compliant with current recycling options as well as creating films using other sustainable materials/resources. Now, it’s a matter of “walking the talk” in their internal operations. EDF Climate Corps fellow, Asami Tanimoto, was enlisted to help launch this sustainability journey.

Solutions

Engaging the executive team, corporate managers, analysts, plant managers and engineers, and accountants, Tanimoto gathered information on what energy- and waste-related projects have been implemented, as well as their knowledge and willingness to embrace sustainability. She reviewed energy bills and calculated both energy use and Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions for 2016 and 2017. On the side, Tanimoto compiled documents needed for an EcoVadis supplier sustainability assessment and looked into the potential for a recycling program.

Next, Tanimoto revamped the draft Sustainability Management System so that GRI material topics and the UN Sustainability Development Goals are more closely aligned to the company’s internal goals and plans. Based on interviews, plant visits and other data gathered, she created a list of recommendations with details on the purpose of each recommendation, impacts to the firm, stakeholders and estimated time requirements.

Potential Impact

Tanimoto developed a framework to track progress and created a roadmap for next steps. Her recommended measures have the potential to help Charter NEX Films improve on its tracking metrics, implement new initiatives, and communicate to and engage all employees, helping to create an internal culture of sustainability awareness.