NOROHY's carbon footprint: a bold and committed approach
Understanding the NOROHY carbon footprint
What is the carbon footprint?
The carbon footprint represents the total quantity of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by our organization or its products. It is generally expressed in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). NOROHY’s carbon footprint is therefore a key indicator. In particular, it measures the environmental impact of vanilla production and related activities.
The three scopes of the carbon footprint: a broad scope between direct and indirect activity
To better understand NOROHY’s carbon footprint, it is essential to look at the three scopes of greenhouse gas emissions. The calculation of the carbon footprint is based on three different perimeters, defined in the 90s by the Green House Gas Protocol.
The first (Scope 1) inventories direct emissions generated by sources controlled or owned by NOROHY. This includes, for example, emissions from our production facilities, notably electricity, gas and refrigerant consumption.
The second, or Scope 2, takes into account indirect emissions linked to the consumption of electricity, heat, refrigeration or steam purchased by NOROHY for its operations.
Finally, scope 3 covers all other indirect emissions that occur in the company’s value chain, including those linked to the transport of goods, the production of raw materials and the use of products sold.
How is this calculation carried out?
To ensure the objectivity of the carbon footprint calculation, NOROHY commissioned an external expert to quantify the carbon dioxide equivalent generated by its vanilla business (upstream scope 3). The firm in question is Nitidae. The aim of this non-profit association is to design, develop and implement projects that combine environmental preservation and the strengthening of local economies. The calculation of NOROHY’s carbon footprint is based on business figures for 2022.
In addition, this information is consolidated by Carbone 4 to ensure its accuracy.
The method used to calculate our carbon footprint is based on the GHG Protocol and ISO 14069.
Finding: what is NOROHY's carbon footprint?
NOROHY’s carbon footprint is estimated at 1.1 ktCO2e, equivalent to 141 French men and women for one year (at a rate of 9.2 TCO2eeq/inhab).
As shown in the diagram opposite, scope 3 represents 99% ofNOROHY’s carbon footprint, 96% of which is upstream.
For NOROHY, the first emission item is linked to the purchase of products and services, representing 47% of total emissions. This includes all emissions relating to the manufacture of a purchased product or service, i.e. the extraction, transportation, refining/processing and distribution of fuel to manufacture the product or service.
Vanilla-related purchases account for 98.7% of total emissions in the purchasing category. The purchase of vanilla beans is the main source of emissions in purchasing, with 76% of total emissions and 75% of tonnages. Emissions from packaging (bags, cans, jars, caps) account for 0.96% of total emissions, followed by emissions from coffee bean pulp (0.27% and 0.06% respectively).
The second largest source of emissions is upstream freight transport, which accounts for 44% of total emissions. This is followed by business travel and commuting, each accounting for 2% of emissions. Our teams travel several times a year to plantations in Madagascar, Mexico, Tunisia and Bulgaria.
The remaining 4 points are divided between the following items: waste, downstream goods transport, product end-of-life, energy-related upstream, fixed assets and long-term leases…
What actions are already underway?
Preserving biodiversity and reducing the impact of vanilla cultivation
Since its creation, NOROHY has been promoting virtuous cultivation practices in all its sectors. To this end, we encourage best practices such as agroforestry.
Our specifications firmly condemn deforestation or changes in land use.
Finally, over 90% of the products marketed by NOROHY are organically grown. The use of organic fertilizers, the limitation of chemical inputs and the promotion of agroforestry are concrete examples of this commitment.
Supporting local communities: a bridge in Morafeno (Madagascar)
In addition to these actions, NOROHY is also directly involved in the field, co-financing infrastructure to support local populations. For example, NOROHY financed 25% of the construction of a bridge in Morafeno, Madagascar, to facilitate the safe transport of goods and open up the region.
Sailing vanilla from Madagascar
44% of NOROHY’s direct and indirect emissions are due to the upstream transportation of goods. NOROHY has therefore explored several alternatives to reduce this significant part of its carbon footprint.
At the beginning of 2023, NOROHY and Valrhona invested heavily (€300,000) in the construction of a sailing cargo ship to transport our vanilla from Madagascar by sea. The two brands have thus become partners in the Windcoop adventure.
This project echoes the cooperative organization of our industries, actively participating in their evolution. In its wake, this initiative blends ecological, ethical, economic and collaborative values.
By 2026, sailing should reduce NOROHY’s carbon footprint by almost 39% (-450.7T CO2e).
Clean-label recipes
NOROHY also strives to offer clean label recipes. This means that the range offered limits the list of ingredients used as much as possible. The aim is twofold: to reduce processing and impact, and to offer recipes without additives, preservatives or artificial flavourings. Our aim is to make the most of what nature does best, with the utmost respect.
Sustainable recycled and recyclable packaging
Packaging has a proportionally small impact on NOROHY’s carbon footprint. In fact, the brand takes particular care over the design of its packaging. We opt for recycled and recyclable materials (bags, RPET pots, bottles, etc.). What’s more, we reduce the inking on our labels as much as possible, as well as their dimensions.
In this way, NOROHY reduces waste and promotes the circular economy. These packaging choices demonstrate NOROHY’s commitment to a cleaner future.
Sustainable communication media
Similarly, we limit the number of pages in our catalogs and educational booklets. We take care to reduce inking and promote green printing. NOROHY also encourages its customers to opt for the digital version if the use of our catalog is only occasional.
Awareness-raising and education
NOROHY doesn’t just reduce its carbon footprint. It also makes its customers and partners aware of the importance of these issues. Information campaigns (educational booklets, blogs, social networks, etc.) and educational workshops are organized on a regular basis. They shed light on the uses of vanilla and our flavoring materials, as well as on the industry as a whole.