The ongoing climate crisis is the biggest and most important challenge humans face. The private sector has been a part of the problem. We must be held accountable and work to be a part of the solution. At dbramante1928 we take that responsibility seriously. Working towards sustainability is not only important for me on a personal level. It is also crucial from a business point of view. Firstly,
companies rely on ecosystem services. The state of our planet defines the state of our businesses. Secondly, the legal requirements for setting climate targets are only getting sharper. Companies must immediately act to seize business opportunities and secure long-term business prosperity. As-per-usual practices will be of little value in the green economy. Those willing to change today will stand stronger in the future.
“Ensuring transparent, detailed, and scientifically credible climate targets is the backbone of our sustainability journey’s success so far and in the future.
With this report, dbramante1928 demonstrates that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks are integrated across our entire business model. Through our actions and concrete plans, we also reaffirm our continued support of the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) in the areas of Human Rights, Labor, Environment, and Anti-Corruption. Sustainable development is at the very core of our business strategy.
A science-based sustainability-first approach
By taking a science-based sustainability-first approach, we ensure the proper focus and investments needed to create change in the coming years, allowing us to realise our vision and purpose to contribute to a better future for the planet and people.
dbramante1928 has been working with sustainability and corporate social responsibility since 2012. In 2020 we took an important step to ensure alignment with climate science when we became partners to WWF Denmark’s ‘Towards Nature and Climate Positive’ programme. In 2021, we strengthened our ambition to support the goals of the Paris Agreement joining the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) with a short-term target to reduce scopes 1 and 2 by 30% by 2030.
In 2024 the SBTi also approved our net-zero target. The approval from SBTi validate our shortterm and long-term targets set to reach corporate net-zero by 2050 as science-based and reinforce we are on the right track.
Ensuring transparent, detailed, and scientifically credible climate targets is the backbone of our sustainability journey’s success so far and in the future. While we recognise tremendous work is
ahead of us, I am proud of our achievements. With the guidance from WWF Denmark and the SBTi framework, I am confident we will deliver on our targets.
Together towards a sustainable future I would also like to thank everyone who makes up the fabric of dbramante1928’s sustainability journey - from our partners and customers to every single employee. A collective effort is key to tackling climate change. No business leader can stand alone. I am truly thankful for everyone making it possible for us to continue our work.
Always Forward,
Dennis Dress CEO and Co-founder
ABOUT DBRAMANTE1928
dbramante1928 is a Danish CE accessories brand focused on device protection, power accessories and carrying solutions made from recycled and 100% recyclable materials or durable upcycled full-grain leather.
Protecting your devices and the planet in style since 2011, dbramante1928 has been making
high-quality products that are as beautiful as they are durable.
TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
dbramante1928 works for sustainable production for all its products, distribution, packaging, and energy consumption. We have set ambitious climate targets in line with the Paris Agreement
Towards nature and climate positive guided by WWF
and are fully committed to delivering on these targets.
While we are proud of our achievements, we won’t stop here. There’s still much work ahead to achieve a net-zero future.
The climate science is clear: ALL COMPANIES MUST ACT NOW!
SCIENCE-BASED CLIMATE TARGETS
dbramante1928 believe real climate action is linked to transparent, valid, and science-based plans. We have set ambitious climate targets through the international climate initiative, Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
SBTi is a non-profit initiative created in partnership between the Carbon Disclosure Project (CPD), the World Resources Institute (WRI), the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and the UN Global Compact (UNGC). Increasingly, companies are turning to
SBTi as the preferred and most recognized global standard for their climate efforts and reduction targets.
The initiative guides companies in setting sciencebased climate goals and assesses the validity of companies’ specific action plans.
Our SBTi journey started back in 2021 when it committed to its near-term target to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 by 30% by 2030 with 2018 as the base year. This target has later been optimesed to 50% by 2030.
TOWARDS A NET-ZERO FUTURE
The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has stipulated that all companies must achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
We are following suit and have set approved netzero targets joining SBTi’s ’Corporate Net-Zero Standard,’ which is the world’s only science-based framework for how companies achieve net-zero.
We are one of
Danish companies that has joined SBTi*
We are one of companies worlwide with an approved net-zero target*
WE ARE THE FIRST CE ACCESSORIES BRAND TO GET NET-ZERO TARGETS APPROVED BY THE SBTI
* Data retrieved March 7th, 2025 from https://sciencebasedtargets.org/
P RODUCT E NVIRONMENTAL F OOTPRINT
At dbramante1928, we believe in full transparency. That’s why we’re proud to be the first in our industry to provide Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) data for all our products.
PEF is the only EU-backed method for measuring a product’s environmental footprint across its entire lifecycle—from raw material extraction to disposal. Unlike traditional Life Cycle Assessments
(LCAs), PEF-based LCAs adopts a stricter and standardised approach, reducing individual interpretations or personal evaluations regarding what should be included in a life cycle assessment.
This methodology ensures greater consistency, accuracy, and comparability in sustainability data.
To guarantee the highest accuracy, we collaborate with Danish company MÅLBAR, experts in PEF methodology.
INFORMED CHOICES
WHY PEF DATA MATTERS
Informed Choices
Compare products based on their full environmental impact.
MORE THAN JUST CARBON
REGULATORY READINESS
IMPROVED DECISION-MAKING FOR BUSINESSES
SCIENCE-BASED & EU-BACKED
Regulatory Readiness
Stay ahead of EU sustainability reporting requirements with standardised and verifiable data.
More Than Just Carbon
PEF evaluates 16 key environmental impact areas, including water use, pollution, and resource depletion.
Science-Based & EU-Backed
As the only environmental impact assessment method developed by the European Commission, PEF guarantees accuracy, credibility and comparability across industries.
Improved Decision-Making for Businesses
The data gathered through PEF enables businesses to pinpoint areas for enhancing environmental performance, reducing costs, and refining product design.
WE ARE IN THE TOP 2% OF ALL
ECOVADIS-ASSESSED COMPANIES
EcoVadis is the world’s most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings, benchmarks, and scorecards to businesses across all levels of the global supply chain. Over 90.000 companies worldwide has been assessed by EcoVadis.
We have retained our gold medal status from the world´s most trusted business sustainability rating tool, EcoVadis, placing our company’s environmental, social and ethical performance in the:
*Data retrieved on the 19.03.2025 from www.ecovadis.com
The EcoVadis gold medal assessment focuses on 21 sustainability criteria that are grouped into four themes: Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. These criteria are based on recognized international sustainability standards.
GUIDED BY EXPERTS:
WWF DENMARK PARTNERSHIP
Towards nature and climate positive guided by WWF
To achieve our mission to operate in a way that helps protect the planet for future generations, we have partnered up with WWF Denmark. Through the partnership, we have committed to becoming a climate positive company.
To achieve this, we:
1. Promote sustainable choices by designing products that are made from recycled and recyclable materials or upcycled materials that would otherwise go to waste.
2. Strive towards 100% renewable energy and phase out fossil fuels as well as continually improve energy efficiency in our supply chain, and enable our customers to do the same through the products and services we offer.
3. Work together with WWF Denmark with Hempel foundation as the main contributor on a joint biodiversity programme that aims to conserve and rebuild rainforest in Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Uganda, for the benefit of people, nature and the climate.
In general, the guidance from WWF Denmark also assures that our sustainability efforts are in line with the latest climate science.
OUR WORK FOR RWENZORI NATIONAL PARK HAVE RESULTED IN:
>1.69m
1,692,562 new trees planted in the buffer zones of the park
>2000
local farmers involved in the reforesting
3613
Approx. 3613 football pitches of restored forest
GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
When it comes to sustainability we must not forget that in the end sustainability is about people’s well-being. To us, sustainability and social responsibility go hand in hand.
As a Danish company with its leather factory in Kolkata, India, we believe it is essential to give back to the community we work in. By purchasing any dbramante1928 product,
€345,588 donated to LittleBigHelp between 2016-2024
1,031,340
some of the profit it generates goes to the Danish NGO LittleBigHelp, who work to create better opportunities for vulnerable children and women in West Bengal, India. meals for hungry children
RECOGNISED INDUSTRY LEADERS
IN SUSTAINABILITY
dbramante1928 at the UN General Assembly Week 2024
dbramante1928 proudly participated in the UN General Assembly Week in New York City in September 2024, represented by our CEO, Dennis Dress, and CSO, Kristian Gunvald. As the only vendor from our industry invited to participate, their involvement underscored dbramante1928’s role as a leader in responsible business practices. Throughout this influential week, they engaged with world leaders, CEOs, and sustainability advocates at high-profile events. This engagement reinforces dbramante1928’s dedication to leading the charge for sustainable practices both within our company and the industry as a whole.
A PIVOTAL MOMENT: PRIVATE SECTOR FORUM
A significant highlight of the week was our attendance at the Private Sector Forum, hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres. This exclusive gathering convened only 100 CEOs from around the globe to address pressing global challenges. Dennis had the honour of shaking hands with the Secretary-General himself and contributed valuable ideas on how to bridge the gap between the public and private sectors.
“Being invited to the Private Sector Forum and meeting the UN Secretary-General was an incredible honour for me. It reinforced my belief that every company, regardless of size, has a vital role to play in shaping sustainable solutions. It’s a collective journey, and I’m proud that our company is part of it,” shared Dennis Dress, CEO and Cofounder of dbramante1928.
UN GLOBAL COMPACT COMMITMENT
As a part of the UN Global Compact - the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative - we have committed to adopting sustainable and socially responsible policies in correspondence with their ten principles around human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.
Furthermore, we have been chosen by the UN Global Compact Denmark to be a part of its published CEO statement from 40 Danish business standing together to advocate for the green transition and a net-zero future.
As representatives of Danish companies driven by high sustainability ambitions, operating globally across various sectors, we take UN SecretaryGeneral Guterres’ call for ambitious and credible commitments and clear and transparent plans and pledges to “rescue the SDGs” very seriously.
Therefore, we stand united, resolute in our determination to take even bolder and measurable steps for a more sustainable and just future and towards combating the climate crisis, reaching our net-zero targets, and upholding the principles of the Paris Agreement.
TOWARDS A WASTE-FREE FUTURE: RECYCLED AND RECYCLABLE
MATERIALS
In line with WWF’s “No Plastic in Nature” initiative, we work to reduce plastic pollution by replacing single-use plastic products with products made from recovered and recycled plastic materials.
All our TPU cases, silicone cases, PET bags, chargers, cables and other plastic-based products are made with recycled and recyclable materials
with no compromise on quality, functionality and design.
GRS-CERTIFIED RECYCLED PLASTIC
Our recycled plastic products are verified by GRS (Global Recycled Standard) –a voluntary product standard for tracking and verifying the content of recycled materials in a product.
The GRS certification entails both a recycled content certification of the products themselves and a responsible social, environmental and chemical practices certification of their production.
We are currently the only CE accessories brand that uses 100% GRS-certified recycled plastic for our phone cases, chargers, cables and screen protection.
Did you know virgin plastic pollutes
6 times
more than recycled plastic?
In 2021-2024 our recycled product line has resulted in single-use 0,5L plastic bottles kept out of nature
6,299,213
OWN LEATHER FACTORY:
100% RENEWABLE ENERGY
All our leather goods are produced in our factory in Kolkata, India. We fully control the entire production of our leather goods. This way, we can ensure that our products are of the highest quality, that our production is as sustainable as possible and that our employees work in the best possible conditions.
Our leather factory is 5,000 m2 and is powered by green energy and solar cells placed on the roof. We can proudly say that our leather production is run on 100% renewable energy.
100%
Our leather production is run on 100% renewable energy
5000 m2
factory entirely powered by solar panels and green energy
1.12 UPCYCLED FULL-GRAIN LEATHER
Our leather products are handcrafted from the finest and strongest type of leather, full-grain leather. Due to the material’s durability, fullgrain leather prolongs the product life cycle. As full-grain leather develops a beautiful patina with time, it also ensures that our products look great for ages.
All of the hides we use as raw materials are byproducts from the meat and dairy industry that would otherwise go to waste.
RECOGNIZED SUSTAINABILITY TRAILBLAZERS:
HM KING CHARLES III COMMEMORATIVE ALBUM
Launched as part of the celebrations to mark His Majesty King Charles III’s 75th Birthday, dbramante1928 features in the commemorative album HM King Charles III: The Leadership and Vision of a Modern Monarch.
The book reflects on the ideas and issues HM King Charles III championed throughout his life, including his ongoing advocation for a sustainable future and highlights examples of achievement and progress across social, cultural, technological and commercial spheres.
OFFICIAL PARTNER K ING CHARLES III
CORONATION A ND 75TH BIRTHDAY
COMMEMOR ATI V E A LBUM
Recognised in this book as ’sustainability trailblazers’, it shares our journey and showcases how we are front-runners in adopting sustainable and socially responsible policies in line with HM King Charles III’s own direction.
1.9 DANISH PRODUCTION
Our journey producing recycled plastic phone cases started in 2020 in China. Focusing on and investing in a recycled plastic product range, and even getting the entire production GRS-certified, has been a massive step towards achieving our sustainability goals set alongside WWF Denmark.
To ensure continuous commitment in the years ahead, 2023 was the year where we moved parts of our production to Denmark.
THE BENEFITS OF GOING LOCAL
From a sustainability perspective, there are countless reasons why insourcing to local Danish production facilities is preferred, including:
A massive reduction of our CO2 footprint through local production
A significantly decreased freight emission by not having inventory shipped from China
An improved TTM
Less overproduction as we can produce on a daily basis to respond to real-time demand
The opportunity of creating a circular economy by reusing returns/write-off products to produce new
A reduction of our CO2 emissions by 85% (compared to a virgin plastic production in China)
FSC-CERTIFIED PACKAGING
All our packaging is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) approved, which confirms that the forest is being managed in a way that preserves biological diversity and benefits the lives of local people and workers, while ensuring it sustains economic viability. FSC-certified forests are managed to strict environmental, social, and economic standards.
SCOPE 3: FREIGHT
Improving our CO2e emissions is a top priority for us. To achieve this, we have taken measures to switch to more sustainable power sources and freight methods. By having our factory entirely powered by green energy, we have already saved 389 tonnes of CO2e.
In addition, we are proud to share that our Scope 3 freight emissions for 2023 have only increased by 2%, despite a 90% increase in tonnes of products shipped, compared to 2021. We remain committed to minimizing our carbon footprint and contributing to a more sustainable future.
ONLY
Tonnes of CO2e saved in our leather production
increase in CO2e emissions despite a 90% increase in tonnes of products shipped 2%
2.0 HOW WE WORK TO SUPPORT THE SDG s
There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 targets in total. While they are all important and interrelated, some will be more relevant to an organization than others.
While our biggest focus lies on our commitment to the environment, we have made significant progress towards achieving several of the SDGs.
Our work to support the SDGs primarily entails:
• Our commitment to using sustainable materials and reducing our impact on the environment.
• Our partnerships aimed to help achieve our sustainability goals (WWF, SBTi, UN Global Compact)
• Our donations to LittleBigHelp and their projects in India
• Our policies around ensuring good health and well-being, gender equality and decent work
• Our collaboration with suppliers that share our commitment to sustainably and socially responsible business practices
2.1 PRIORITY SDG s
The SDGs and related initiatives presented in the following section comprise the most prevalent and prioritised SDG work of dbramante1928.
DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING 3 12 13 15 17 5 8 GENDER EQUALITY
RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION CLIMATE ACTION LIFE ON LAND
PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS
GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
GOVERNANCE
dbramante1928 recognizes the importance of promoting good health and well-being among its employees. The company has implemented various initiatives to support the physical and mental health of its employees, including offering flexible working hours, providing healthy snacks in the office, and organizing team-building activities.
HUMAN RIGHTS
LABOUR
To promote the good health and well-being of employees, dbramante1928 has taken the following governance measures:
• Employee handbook given to all employees
• ‘Code of Conduct’ document given to all employees
• Company-negotiated health and dental insurance for employees
• Budgets allocated for team building and social activities
• Ensuring all policies and policy-related documents are communicated to all employees and approved at the most senior level of the company
To support employees’ good health and well-being in the area of human rights, dbramante1928 has included the following human rights topics within a broader policy or as a stand-alone policy:
• Freedom of expression
• Access to water and sanitation
• Digital security/privacy
• Working conditions (wages, working hours)
To support employees’ good health and well-being in the area of labour, dbramante1928 has included the following labour rights principles within a broader policy or as a stand-alone policy:
• Freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining
• Forced labour
• Freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining
• Safe and healthy working environment
• Working conditions (wages, working hours)
GOVERNANCE GENDER EQUALITY
HUMAN RIGHTS LABOUR
dbramante1928 has a strong commitment to promoting gender equality in its workforce. The company has a gender-balanced team and actively recruits women for leadership roles. Additionally, the company has implemented policies to prevent gender-based discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
To promote gender equality within dbramante1928, it has taken the following governance measures:
• ‘Code of Conduct’ document which includes policies around gender-based discrimination and workplace harassment
• Ensuring all policies and policy-related documents are communicated to all employees and approved at the most senior level of the company
dbramante1928 has the material human rights topic ‘Gender equality and women’s rights’ connected with its operations and value chain. This is evident in:
• Policies around gender-based discrimination and workplace harassment
• Employees and direct suppliers receive training on ‘Gender equality and human rights’
• A gender-balanced workforce
• The employment of women in leadership roles
To promote gender equality within the area of labour, dbramante1928 has included the labour rights principle ‘Non-discrimination in respect of employment and occupation” within a broader policy or as a stand-alone policy.
DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
GOVERNANCE
HUMAN RIGHTS
LABOUR
ANTI-CORRUPTION
dbramante1928 is committed to providing decent work and promoting economic growth. The company ensures that all of its employees receive fair wages and benefits and provides opportunities for professional development. Additionally, dbramante1928 works with suppliers and partners who share its commitment to responsible business practices.
To promote full and productive employment and decent work for all, dbramante1928 has taken the following governance measures:
• Employee handbook given to all employees
• Code of conduct document given to all employees
• Annual employee performance review and development planning (in Denmark known as ‘MUS’)
• Allocating budgets towards educational courses for employees
• Audits of suppliers and partners to ensure alignment with responsible business practices
• Investment in software and other digital tools
• Documenting essential tasks and processes
To support full and productive employment and decent work within the area of human rights, dbramante1928 has identified the following human rights topics as connected to its operations and value chain:
• Child labour
• Non-discrimination in respect of employment and occupation
• Documenting essential tasks and processes
To support full and productive employment and decent work within the area of labour, dbramate1928 has included the following labour rights principles within a broader policy or as a stand-alone policy:
• Freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining
• Forced labour
• Child labour
• Non-discrimination in respect of employment and occupation
• Safe and healthy working environment
• Working conditions (wages, working hours)
In addition, dbramante1928 work with WWF in Uganda contributes to the livelihood of the locals who are directly involved with the conservation work.
To support full and productive employment and decent work within the area of anti-corruption, dbramante1928 has implemented policies and recommendations for employees on how to act in case of doubt and/or in situations that may represent a conflict of interest. In addition, all direct supplier receives training on anticorruption and integrity.
RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION
dbramante1928 is committed to responsible practices regarding its production and consumption practises. The company uses leather from certified tanneries, ensuring an environmentally friendly and socially responsible production. The company also uses recycled materials. Furthermore, dbramante1928 reduces waste by using leftover leather scraps to make smaller products like cardholders.
GOVERNANCE
HUMAN RIGHTS AND LABOUR ENVIRONMENT
To ensure responsible consumption and production, dbramante1928 has taken the following governance measures:
• Ensuring proper certifications such as GRS certificates and FSC certificates
• Auditing suppliers and partners to ensure responsible practices
To support a socially responsible production dbramante1928 has implemented policies regarding the following human rights and labour topics:
• Forced labour
• Child labour
• Non-discrimination in respect of employment and occupation
• Safe and healthy working environment
• Working conditions (wages, working hours)
To support environmentally responsible production and consumption practices, dbramante1928 has:
• Implemented analysis tools to understand the environmental and social footprint of products
• Reduced manufacturing impacts by replacing virgin materials with recycled and upcycled materials
• Applied modular design to ensure the different parts of products can be easily separated and therefore easily recycled
• Enabling better waste management for example by producing locally and partnering with recycling programmes
• Choosing production methods that require minimal or light-weight machine use
• Source energy from renewable sources
CLIMATE ACTION
dbramante1928 is taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint. The company is a member of the Science-Based Targets initiative, which means it has set targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Agreement’s goals. The company has also committed to sourcing renewable energy for its operations.
GOVERNANCE ENVIRONMENT
To ensure steps are taken to tackle climate change, dbramante1928 has taken the following governance measures:
• Measuring and reporting on environmental impact
• Using assessment tools like the SBTi, EcoVadis and The Greenhouse Gas Protocol
• Signatory to UN Global compact
To take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts dbramante1928:
• Has joined initiatives such as the SBTi and UN Global Compact
• Works to reduce emissions across the entire value chain (Scope 1, 2 and 3)
• Uses renewable energy sources for its production and distribution
• Works to reduce GHG emissions from transportation by using lower carbon freight option and local production
• Uses recycled and upcycled materials for products
• Installed renewable energy generation capacity on-site (Factory in Kolkata)
• Ensure an environmentally responsible product portfolio that enables customers to reduce their impact on the environment
• Finance restoration of degraded land for conservation purposes
GOVERNANCE
LABOUR ENVIRONMENT
dbramante1928 is a partner of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Through this partnership, dbramante1928 supports WWF’s efforts to protect forests, which are vital habitats for many species. The company also uses leather from certified tanneries, ensuring an environmentally and socially responsible production.
To contribute to the protection of eco-systems, dbramante1928 has taken the following governance measures:
• Contractually binding partnership with WWF Denmark with a commitment to work towards Nature and Climate Positive
• Auditing suppliers and partners to ensure responsible practices
• Ensuring certifications like FSC and GRS
dbramante1928’s work to protect forests in Uganda also touches on the human rights topic ‘rights of indigenous people‘ as the biodiversity programme aims to better the livelihood of locals.
To protect natural ecosystems, dbramante1928:
• Finance restoration of degraded land for conservation purposes
• Use recycled materials to reduce plastic pollution
• Commit to and implement responsible sourcing practices - applying environmental and social safeguards - for all raw materials and commodities
• Works to reduce GHG emissions
17 HUMAN RIGHTS AND LABOUR
PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS
dbramante1928 is a participant in the UN’s Global Compact - a voluntary initiative that aims to promote sustainable business practices. The company is committed to upholding the Compact’s ten principles regarding human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption. Additionally, the company has partnerships with WWF and LittleBigHelp and has the joined the SBTi.
GOVERNANCE
ENVIRONMENT
To ensure dbramante1928´ s support of global partnerships for the goals, dbramante1928 has taken the following governance measures:
• Signatory to UN Global Compact
• Public commitment to the SBTi
• Contractual partnership with WWF Dennmark
To enhance the global partnership for sustainable developemt in the area of human rights and labour, dbramante1928:
• Works with WWF on a joined biodiversity programme in Uganda which also aims to better the livelihood of locals
• Is partners with the NGO LittleBigHelp working to create better oppurtunities for vulnerable women and children in India
To enhance the global partnership for sustainable developemt in the area of the environment, dbramante1928:
• Is a signatory to the UN Global Compact
• Has joined the SBTi
• Works with WWF on a joined biodiversity programme
• Is partners with the NGO LittleBigHelp working to better the lives in India
3.0 CLIMATE PROGRESS REPORT
The following chapter highlights our progress in achieving our climate targets and tracks the progresses made from 2018 to 2022.
The chapter presents:
-Our GHG emissions reduction targets.
- An introduction to GHG calculations and the GHG protocol.
- An introduction to the differet scopes and scoping methogology
- Our calculation methodology
- Our Scope 1, 2 and 3 emission reduction results
- Our work beyond our value chain mitigation
- Our plans for the future
3.1 TARGET SETTING AND ASSESSES MENT
To assess our GHG emissions reductions targets, we employ the international climate initiative, Science-based Targets initiative (SBTi).
As mentioned SBTi is a partnership between CDP, the United Nations, World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The initiative aims to drive ambitious
climate action in the private sector by enabling organizations to set science-based emissions reduction targets.
SBTi shows companies and financial institutions how much and how quickly they need to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to prevent the worst effects of climate change.
By guiding companies in science-based target setting, SBTi enables them to tackle global warming while seizing the benefits and boosting their competitiveness in the transition to a netzero economy.
3.2 OUR APPROVED TARGETS
Through the SBTi system we have set ambitious GHG emission reduction targets which has been validated by the SBTi as science-based. We have set both a near -term and a long-term target which are the means to achieve our overall target to reach net-zero by 2050.
The SBTi Net-Zero Standard defines corporate net-zero as:
1. Reducing scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions to zero or to a residual level that is consistent with reaching net-zero emissions at the global or sector level in eligible 1.5°C-aligned pathways
2. Neutralizing any residual emissions at the netzero target year and any GHG emissions released into the atmosphere thereafter.
Overall net-zero target:
dbramante1928 commits to reach corporate netzero by 2050.
Near-term target:
dbramante1928 commits to reduce scope 1 and scope 2 GHG emissions 30% by 2030 from a 2018 base year.
Long-term target:
dbramante1928 commits to reduce scope 1+2+3 emissions 90% by 2050 from a 2018 base year.
3.3 GHG INTRODUCTION
This is dbramante1928’s first full 5-year GHG based carbon report. It provides an overview of the majority of our greenhouse gas emissions and is an integrated part of our climate strategy.
Carbon accounting is a fundamental tool in identifying tangible measures to reduce GHG emissions. The annual carbon report enables us to benchmark performance indicators and evaluate progress over time. This report comprises dbramante1928’s total operations. It has not been verified by a third party.
Going forward, we are committed to perform annual calculations of our GHG emissions across all 3 scopes, which will enable the analysis of
trends over time as well as provide insights into how changes in materials, products, production and freight have affected our total emissions from year to year. This 2022 carbon report will be superseded by a more detailed 2023 report, which will be based upon LCA calculations, resulting in a Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) measurement down to each sold product. The PEF system is implemented with the assistance of the Danish company maalbar.dk and data will be validated by 3rd. Party Bureau Veritas.
3.4 GHG CALCULATIONS
WHY WE CALCULATE
At dbramante1928, we prefer to make wellinformed decisions to be sure they have the desired impact. In 2018, we developed our very first internal carbon accounting report based on our activities in the fiscal year 2018 to learn more about the impact of our organisation, value chain and products. It allowed us to analyse our, At that time, known emissions and identify any reduction
opportunities, both big and small. Based on that report, we have set objectives and commitments to help us reduce our CO2e impact over time.
A transparent, objective and understandable report also allows us to communicate our impact and objectives to external stakeholders and employees. We want everyone to understand the level of our commitment, and know that every
action, change and choice matters, and that they can help be a part of our change.
WE COMMIT
Having concluded our first report, and calculations of our GHG emissions, we are now taking steps towards reducing our impact and setting a more detailed reduction target within each scope. We will already by 2023 reporting time, be
recalculating our scopes, as we have found many more sources of emissions in the detailed level of our upcoming PEF calculations. As the numbers are expected to break the threshold of resubmission of 5%, we will resubmit new base-year numbers and the following years updated and changed scope results so far.
3.5 GHG PROTOCOL
The dbramante1928 2018-2022 Climate Progress Report has been made in accordance with the guidelines of International Accounting and Reporting Standards, Green- house Gas (GHG) Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard and Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Standard.
The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) is the most widely used and recognised international standard for measuring greenhouse gas emissions and is the basis for the standard related to calculating and reporting GHG emissions ISO
14064-1. The GHG Protocol was developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
The input data is based on consumption data from internal and external sources, which are converted into tonnes CO2-equivalents (TCO2e).
The reporting considers the following greenhouse gases, all converted into CO2e (equivalents): CO2, CH4 (methane), N2O (nitrous oxide), SF6, HFCs, PFCs and NF3.
SCOPE 2 (Indirect)
Purchased electricity, steam, heating & cooling for own use
SCOPE 1 (Direct)
Company facilities and vehicles
SCOPE 3 (Indirect)
Purchased goods & services, transportation & distribution, capital goods, leased assets, business travel, employee commuting
3.6 THE SCOPES
SCOPE 1, 2 & 3
The GHG Protocol divides emissions into three scopes, Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3.
SCOPE 1
All emissions related to a company’s direct GHG emissions should be reported in Scope 1.
This includes all use of fossil fuels for stationary combustion or transportation, in owned and, depending on the consolidation approach selected, leased, or rented assets. It also includes
any process emissions from e.g. chemical processes, industrial gases, direct methane emissions etc.
SCOPE 2
All indirect emissions related to a company’s activities should be reported in Scope 2.
Specifically, this means all emissions from electricity as well as district heating and/or -cooling where the organisation has operational control.
SCOPE 3
Scope 3 gathers a company’s indirect emissions resulting from value chain activities. The Scope 3 emissions are a result of the company’s upstream and downstream activities, which are not controlled by the company, i.e. they are indirect. Scope 3 consists of 15 categories, of which not all will be relevant for a company to calculate emissions for. Furthermore, unlike Scope 1 and 2, Scope 3 emissions accounting is not obligatory for a company for it to be aligned with the GHG standard. This allows for companies to develop their Scope 3 accounting with time as data collection processes and structures mature.
3.7 SCOPING METHODOLOGY
This analysis is done in accordance with a Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard Revised edition, currently one of four GHG Protocol accounting standards on calculating and reporting GHG emissions. In general, the carbon accounting should include information that users, both internal and external to the company, need for their decision making. An important aspect of relevance is the selection of an appropriate inventory boundary which reflects the substance and economic reality of the company’s business relationships.
For corporate reporting, two distinct approaches can be used to consolidate GHG emissions: the equity share approach and the control approach. The most common consolidation approach is the control approach, which can be defined in either financial or operational terms. Dbramante1928 has chosen the operational control approach, meaning that leased assets should be included in Scope 1 and 2.
GHG accounting and reporting are based on the following principles:
RELEVANCE
The GHG inventory must reflect the GHG emissions of the company, so they can serve the decision-making needs of users.
COMPLETENESS
Account for and report on all GHG emission sources and activities within the chosen inventory boundary. Disclose and justify any specific exclusions.
CONSISTENCY
Companies must use consistent methodology so
they can compare emissions over time. If changes are made, methods must be described and explained.
TRANSPARENCY
All limitations and methodology choices are explained and justified.
ACCURACY
The quantification of GHG emissions is neither over nor under actual emissions, as far as can be judged, and uncertainties are reduced as far as practicable.
3.8 CALCULATION METHODOLOGY
When doing carbon accounting, several calculation methods can be used to calculate scope 3, all with different advantages and disadvantages. The chosen calculation method usually depends on which data is available. When lacking data, spend-based method is often used. When using the spend-based method, emissions are calculated based on finances spent on that activity. Using emission factors converting monetary value into greenhouse gas emissions, will provide an indication of which business activities might have the biggest impact but lacks the necessary accuracy to set targets and measure progress.
Using emission factors will provide further accuracy, as the method is like the spend-based method, but the input for the average-data method will be more relevant unit of measure than monetary value, such as kg for materials or km for business travel. This is called the average-data method.
The spend-based and the average-data method both rely on emission factors from existing scientific research resulting in industry averages. This is also referred to as secondary data.
To obtain even more knowledge on a company’s impact, it needs to collect data specific to the facilities or processes in which an activity takes
place. This is also referred to as primary data. When the carbon accounting is based on a mixture of primary and secondary data, it’s referred to as using the hybrid method. Usually, it will be a result of using supplier specific data for suppliers’ scope 1 & 2 emissions and average data for the remaining emissions. Lastly, the calculations can be done using the supply-specific method, where all calculations are based on primary data and average emission factors are not used. The goal should be to aim for an increased use of primary data, as this will provide more accurate representation of the impact.
This report is based on consumption data collected by dbramante1928 for the fiscal years 2018-2022, which has been recalculated into CO2e using relevant emission factors, i.e., the average-data method. The only exception to this is transportation, which is only partly based on reports on CO2e-emissions provided by the transportation companies, i.e., the supplier specific method. The combination of these approaches results in the hybrid method, which is expected to be the calculation method used going forward, but with an increase of primary data used onwards.
3.8 CALCULATION METHODOLOGY
SCOPE 2 EMISSION FACTORS
The electricity emission factors used for this report are based on national gross electricity production mixes from the International Energy Agency’s statistics (IEA Stat). Emission factors per fuel type are based on assumptions in the IEA methodological framework.
Factors for district heating/cooling are either based on actual (local) production mixes, or average IEA statistics.
In January 2015, the GHG Protocol published new guidelines for calculating emissions from electricity consumption. Primarily two methods are used to “allocate” the GHG emissions created by electricity generation to the end consumers of a given grid. These are the location-based and the market-based methods.
The location-based method reflects the average emission intensity of the grids on which energy consumption occurs, while the market-based method reflects emissions from electricity that companies have purposefully chosen (or not chosen).
Organisations who report on their GHG emissions will now have to disclose both the location-based emissions from the production of electricity and the market-based emissions related to the potential purchase of Guarantees of Origin (GoOs) and Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). The purpose of this amendment in the reporting methodology is on the one hand to show the impact of energy efficiency measures, and on the other hand to display how the acquisition of GoOs or RECs affect the GHG emissions. Using both methods in the
emission reporting highlights the effect of all measures regarding electricity consumption.
LOCATION-BASED METHOD
The location-based method is based on statistical emissions information and electricity output aggregated and averaged within a defined geographic boundary and during a defined period of time. Within this boundary, the different energy producers utilise a mix of energy resources, where the use of fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) result in direct GHG emissions. These emissions are reflected in the location-based emission factor.
MARKET-BASED METHOD
The choice of emission factors when using this method is determined by whether the business acquires GoOs/RECs or not. When selling GoOs
or RECs, the supplier certifies that the electricity is produced exclusively by renewable sources, which have an emission factor of zero grams CO2e per kWh. However, for electricity without the GoO or REC, the emission factor is based on the remaining electricity production after all GoOs and RECs for renewable energy are sold. This is called a residual mix, which is normally substantially higher than the location-based factor.
Since dbramante1928 has obtained RECs for electricity consumed since 2021, the calculated emissions from electricity are based on the market-based method to include these in the calculations.
3.9 LIMITATIONS AND FOCUS-POINTS
We have, in addition to calculating direct (Scope 1) and indirect (Scope 2) emissions associated with our operations, chosen to investigate selected value chain emissions (Scope 3). The selected value chain emissions are related to materials purchased and used in either production or packaging, transportation (up- and down- stream), and finally to business travel.
We have chosen to focus our resources on the categories where we expect the biggest emissions, resulting in some Scope 3 categories being left out, as we expect these to be insignificant and related to inconclusive data for now. These will be reassessed with future reports. These are: waste, employee commuting, leased assets, end-of-life treatment of sold products and use of sold products.
Moving forward we will include end-of-life treatment of sold products and use of sold products data , as this will be a part of the PEF numbers.
dbramante1928 does not have activities in the following Scope 3 categories: capital goods, fuel and energy related activities, processing of sold products, investments, franchises and these categories will be left with zero value.
Phones, television and communication equipment, computers and office machinery and Financial intermediation (i.e banking charges)
GHG calculation of kg CO2e/kg plastic usage
Quantifiable data
** 3. Fuel- and energy-related activities, 5. Waste generated in operations, 7. Employee commuting, 8. Upstream leased assets, 10. Processing of sold products, 12. End-of-life treatment of sold products, 13. Downstream leased assets, 14. Franchises and 15. Investments are not in scope
3.12 SCOPE REVIEW
RESULTS & COMMENTS
SCOPE 1 AND 2
With a focus on the changes, we immediately could implement within our own operations, we started our race to net zero with the following implementations; We chose to invest in electricity covered by RECs from 2021 and onwards, this is also the reason for us to have chosen market-based calculation rather than location based for our electricity emission calculations, as this then can include the RECs. We began implementation of heat pumps in summer 2021 to utilize a lesser polluting heating system for the rented offices. This can be seen reflected in the added electricity use and the reduction in district heating in 2021 and 2022 (Table 1).
By implementing these actions, we have achieved a major step towards reducing our scope 1 and 2 to the bare minimum possible. We have thereby already reduced our 2 first scopes down to a 19,8% (2,97 TCO2e) from our base year and been able to get below our short-term target which is a reduction down to 50% emissions in scope 1 and 2 before 2030.
3.12 SCOPE REVIEW
RESULTS & COMMENTS
SCOPE 3
We started monitoring our scope 3 from an upstream freight point of view in 2019 and began to include down-stream freight and production materials in 2020. This made us realize that we would need to change the whole core of our business within the next decade, to be able to meet our 2050 goal of becoming net zero by a 90% reduction from our base year and cover at least 10% of our scope 3 emissions within this target.
FREIGHT
On the up-stream freight, we have invested in freight types such as train and sea versus air,
wherever possible. This even if it meant having to bind economics for a longer time and having less manoeuvring space in adjustments of stock replenishment at warehouse due to the restricted time of reaction.
In the coming period of 2-3 years, the Maersk shipping line feeders and carriers, running on Power2X is set to start on our shipping routes, which should reduce our freight emissions on sea, further and the New Silk Road China freight train system, which recently changed from diesel to electricity will also have an impact on our footprint in the near future.
MATERIALS
Due to the high impact leather has on the environment, we have changed focus in the overall business perspective on full grain leather from India and have begun working on other materials such as recycled plastics from both our Indian vendor and by introducing Chinese vendors with relevant expertise in GRS certified recycled materials. We have been successful in new business areas where we have been able to offer products with less impact vs. the general market offering, such as screen protectors made of recycled PET materials rather than tempered glass and
charging products from recycled materials, that are designed for disassembly, again to lower the overall cradle to grave footprint.
The change of focus and the advocating for a better environment with change to a more sustainable choice of materials, productions, products and freighting methods, has given us the needed success to be able to change from the highly CO2e emitting leather products we have had as our traditional core business, towards alternatives like recycled TPE/TPU, nylon, PU leather and upcoming plant-based leather materials.
3.12
SCOPE REVIEW
RESULTS & COMMENTS
SCOPE 3 CONTINUED
The positive outcome has not only been detectable in our growing business, but also in an added focus from the channel on our journey towards a more sustainable business strategy. This drives us further not only towards less CO2e emissions, but also to reduce our overall footprint towards nature, biodiversity and water, which we also will put focus on the coming years.
However, we do not believe that changing to an inferior solution, just because it´s a better solution on paper, will automatically push the sustainable alternative into the markets we are in. We have to make sure, that we can change production without compromise on the overall sustainability of any given product. We do firmly believe that we will be able to both grow our business and shrink our footprint, with the plans we have ahead.
A small sign is now the relative CO2e footprint vs. our turnover in €, which is the first small sign, that we are managing to make a turnaround towards a cut-down of our scope 3 emissions.
3.13 BEYOND VALUE CHAIN MITIGATION
REFORESTATION OF THE CRITICAL BUFFER
ZONES SURROUNDING RWENZORI
MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK IN UGANDA –TOGETHER WITH WWF dbramante1928 works together with WWF Denmark to reforest the critical buffer zones surrounding Rwenzori Mountains National Park which benefits the biodiversity of the area and improves the livelihoods of the local citizens. This contributes to WWF overall climate goal of sustaining the natural world for the benefit of people and wildlife.
A HOTSPOT FOR BIODIVERSITY
Rwenzori Mountains National Park covers nearly 1,000 square kilometers of slopes of the lush Rwenzori Mountains called the Mountains of the Moon. The national park is categorized as a biodiversity hotspot. However, it is threatened by deforesting and poaching.
THE ISSUES AT HAND
The combination of a dense population and widespread poverty has resulted in communities facing significant challenges in acquiring farmland, employment opportunities, construction materials, and firewood.
As a result, individuals are compelled to engage in unlawful activities such as illegal logging and poaching within the park.
THE MAIN OBJECTIVES
The joined biodiversity project in Rwenzori Mountains National aims to:
1. Ensure biodiversity and strengthening the landscape’s resilience to climate change with an approach that balances both human development needs and conservation.
2. Restore forests in critical buffer zones surrounding Rwenzori Mountains National Park and adress the causes of deforestation.
4 Engage local farmers in tree planting and show increased awareness and knowledge on the benefits of reforesting their land
3. Improve livelihoods for communities through nature based enterprises such as the sustainable production of local wooden products has increased income to community groups and has
led to reduced illegal wildlife activities by 10 in known hot spots.
PROJECT RESULTS
As of 2023, dbramante1928s donations has contributed to:
1. Over 2,000 local farmers involved in the reforesting of the buffer zones with participating landowners having received training in tree planting and management, received seedlings to plant and joined local cooperatives.
2. A total of 2,582 ha forest have been restored in the buffer zones surrounding Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
3. 1.692.562 trees (a mix of eucalyptus, pine and indigenous trees) have been planted in the buffer zones of Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
4. Activities have contributed to a stable population of key fauna species and stable diversity of key flora species.
3.14 IDENTIFIED LONG TERM TARGETS/PLANS
POWER-2-X FREIGHT
With the upcoming Power-2-X technologies rolling out from amongst others Maersk, we will to be able to freight goods on environmentally friendly e-methanol feeder and container vessels within the coming years: We are in queue, to utilize this transport form once they become available, but the current outlook is 2024-2025 before we will begin seeing these freight systems in full operational state.
VENDORS JOINING SBTI/UN GLOBAL COMPACT
With the introduction of Code Of Conduct towards our vendors, we are now ready to take the next step into assisting them to join both SBTi and UN Global Compact within 2023. We believe that we are the first case manufacturer to demand our factories in India and China to join SBTi, which means they too will take major leaps in reducing their C02 in their production, and not just for us but for everyone they produce for .This will both make the Scoping easier for all and in the end, it will also align all links in our supply chain towards following the global goals needed to succeed in slowing down the global temperature rise we already see having an impact on the planet.
RETAIL PACKAGING – MOVE TO DENMARK
We have in 2022 begun working on reducing our total freight weight and cubic meters, by starting investigating and prototyping packaging Made
In Denmark. This would allow us to produce retail packaging in a true Cradle2Cradle environment, locally controlled, driven by green energy and on top, shrink volume/weight shipped from overseas into approx. 2/3 of what we ship today. This would also save further on Scope 3 transport emissions and allow us to transform bulk products to retail based on order. Unfortunately, this project has proven very difficult in terms of automation, given the current extreme constraints on robotic controllers and other chip based industrial controlling elements needed for this very flexible and advanced project. We have therefore had to push this project into sometime in 2024/2025, where access to these elements hopefully will become easier and we can experiment more freely with these automation processes to succeed on this very sustainable project
FURTHER ENGAGEMENT INTO THE PLANS AND ACTIONS DRIVEN BY WWF
As a part of our goal to climate positive, we will continue to support WWF’s in their efforts to protect wildlife and their habitats. We intend to follow WWF’s directions regarding the future actions we should take to ensure our continued commitment to creating an environmental benefit by removing additional carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
3.15
ALWAYS FORWARD
While we’re proud of our work, we recognise that we’re not perfect, and may never be. In an everchanging world, sustainability is and should always be a journey. Our biggest challenge is to maintain our climate goals while growing the business at the current rate.
Especially CO2 emissions and other climate areas towards nature are based on absolute numbers, which means we must be even more vigilant and problem-solving to stay on course with our very ambitious climate targets.
Becoming in line with the UN global goals and the set goals in SBTi can only be achieved if we
as a business daily turn every stone and evaluate where we, from a sustainability point of view, can do better.
We will continue to do so, not from an economic gain, but from a genuine wish to be a company that is becoming as sustainable as possible in all aspects of our business.
