Septodont accelerates action to cut transport-related greenhouse gas emissions in France

FRET21 is a pioneering French initiative that encourages companies to integrate the impact of transport into their sustainable development strategies. Since joining the program in 2024, Septodont has been actively reinforcing its commitment to reducing transport-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, targeting a 16% reduction from its France-based expeditions by 2026 from a 2023 base year.

Supporting our ambitious low-carbon strategy

In 2022, Septodont launched an ambitious program to reduce its GHG emissions by 50% across scopes 1 and 2* by 2032, and to align with the Paris Agreement for scope 3**. For several years, the Group has been initiating various projects and taking tangible steps to limit its environmental footprint, both in manufacturing processes and logistics operations.

Comprehensive mapping of transport flows and identification of key action levers

To reinforce our decarbonization policy for scope 3, Septodont joined FRET21 in 2024.

A decarbonization roadmap was defined with the help of Citwell, a consulting firm specializing in logistics transformation, including clear objectives and concrete measures to fulfill our commitments under the FRET21 initiative.

As a first step, Citwell carried out a detailed mapping of our logistic flows, considering the specific features of our supply chain. They then identified and evaluated several decarbonization levers, assessing not only their carbon footprint impact but also their financial cost, feasibility (in-house or through service providers), benefits, and potential impact on customers. This in-depth analysis enabled us to define priorities and classify levers according to their ease of implementation, timeline, and potential impact.

“Septodont’s products are available in more than 110 countries. We needed a structured approach to design a clear and actionable roadmap to reduce our transport-related GHG emissions. Engaging our teams was also essential, as well as building a solid case to support and motivate our decisions,” said Jean-Yves Doré, Director of Global Supply Chain.

Decarbonization trajectory: a multi-year plan

As a result, key actions include:

1. 75% reduction in air freight by consolidating orders and shifting to sea and rail, reserving air for urgent shipments.
2. Switch to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) biofuel for inter-site shuttles.
3. Optimized shipping schedules to improve truck load rates in Europe.
4. Carrier certification under the EVE program, with five partners already engaged.
5. Exploration of low-carbon solutions, including cargo sailboats.

This action plan is expected to reduce GHG emissions from shipments originating in France by 16% over the next three years, equivalent to approximately 500 tonnes of CO₂, despite an anticipated increase in logistics flows. The measures implemented in France’s supply chain will gradually be extended to Canada in a second phase, incorporating action levers tailored to the market’s specific characteristics and constraints. However, the methodology developed by Citwell within the FRET21 initiative will remain unchanged.

"We are committed to the progressive decarbonization of our portfolio and value chain and are working in parallel to preserve natural resources. It is a long-term commitment we are fully invested in", concluded Loïc Allanos.

_{*Scope 1 = direct emissions / Scope 2 = indirect emissions (owned)} 

_{**Scope 3 = indirect emissions (not owned)}