October Newsletter 🍂
Root Sustainability
Life cycle assessment for the entire product portfolio, made easy for everyone
Hi there,
Fall is in full swing, and so is our journey toward a more sustainable future! This month’s newsletter is packed with fresh insights and exciting updates. We’re kicking things off with The Green Debate, our new section where we tackle thought-provoking and controversial topics in sustainability. Plus, don’t miss our Spotlight of the Month where we dive into Patagonia’s groundbreaking efforts in tree-free packaging.
And here’s a bonus: we’re hosting an exclusive webinar with Root's co-founder and LCA Expert - Gijs de Mol, this is a can’t-miss opportunity to get practical insights straight from the source.
So, grab your favorite fall drink and let’s dive into this month’s edition ☕️
🤔 The Green Debate: Are Regulations Driving Change or Creating Noise?
Lately, we've noticed a growing conversation about the overwhelming number of regulations companies are expected to manage. From CSRD and ESG to IPCC and GRI, the alphabet soup of sustainability standards can feel endless. But with so much focus on reporting, are companies being distracted from taking real, impactful action?
While regulations are crucial to ensuring that companies don’t continue to pollute and destroy, it’s important that they are clear about what’s required and why it matters. The point shouldn’t be reporting for the sake of reporting but for the purpose of reducing environmental impact year after year. Progress should be tracked, and if companies fail to make meaningful changes, governments should intervene. Likewise, businesses that genuinely pursue net-zero goals should be rewarded for their efforts.
So, here’s our question: How do you feel about the current state of sustainability regulations? Are they driving the impact we need, or creating barriers?
🌳 Company Spotlight: Patagonia’s Tree-Free Packaging for a Greener Future
This month, we’re highlighting Patagonia, a brand known for pushing the boundaries of sustainability. Patagonia recently introduced tree-free packaging made from agricultural by-products, a bold move that reduces reliance on deforestation-heavy paper packaging. By embracing this innovative alternative, Patagonia is once again setting a high standard for eco-friendly business practices.
This initiative is just the latest in Patagonia’s long history of environmental leadership. From their 1% for the Planet program, where they donate 1% of sales to environmental causes, to their Worn Wear initiative, encouraging customers to repair and reuse products instead of buying new ones, Patagonia has always strived to minimise its environmental footprint. They were also among the first companies to adopt recycled materials in their clothing production and have consistently advocated for fair labour practices across their supply chain.
While Patagonia has made impressive strides in sustainability, particularly through initiatives like engaging suppliers in renewable energy and promoting product repairability, transportation and logistics remain a significant challenge. The global nature of their supply chain contributes heavily to their carbon footprint, especially through emissions from shipping and air freight. In fact, 95% of Patagonia's total emissions come from their supply chain and the materials used in their products, classified as Scope 3 emissions.
As Patagonia continues its push toward carbon neutrality by 2025, reducing Scope 3 emissions, will be their biggest challenge—just as it is for most companies. Achieving this ambitious goal within the next few months may seem daunting, but if any company can do it, it's Patagonia. Their ability to scale these initiatives across their entire operation would not only be a remarkable achievement but also a powerful lesson and inspiration for other businesses. It would demonstrate that being both sustainable and profitable is possible, offering a roadmap for companies navigating similar challenges.
Regulation Spotlight: The Global Circularity Protocol
The Global Circularity Protocol (GCP), led by the WBCSD and One Planet Network (UNEP), is a major initiative to standardise how businesses measure, report, and set targets for resource efficiency and circularity. By 2025, the GCP will help businesses transition to circular models, reducing material consumption, CO2 emissions, and air pollution. The full version of the protocol is set to launch in November 2025 at COP30, and it’s expected to fast-track the circular economy by up to 11 years, positioning circularity as a key focus for businesses worldwide.
Why is this important? The GCP provides companies with a clear framework to align with circular economy goals, helping them reduce their environmental impact and strengthen their sustainability strategies. As circularity becomes central to global sustainability, adopting the GCP could give businesses a competitive edge.
Learn more about the circular economy and its business impact in our blog post here.
In this blog, we break down the key differences between Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, and why understanding them is essential for businesses aiming to reduce their environmental impact. These categories cover everything from direct emissions to those embedded deep within your supply chain. By identifying and managing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, businesses can set effective carbon reduction strategies and meet growing regulatory demands.
Read the full article here.
In this blog, we delve into the concept of ecodesign and how it is transforming product development for a sustainable future. By integrating environmental considerations from the design phase, businesses can create products that minimise waste, reduce carbon emissions, and increase efficiency throughout the entire product lifecycle. Learn how adopting ecodesign principles can help your business meet regulatory requirements, improve sustainability performance, and gain a competitive edge in today's market.
Read the full article here.
In this blog, we explore the fundamentals of environmental sustainability and how businesses can integrate sustainable practices into their operations. From reducing carbon footprints to conserving natural resources, environmental sustainability is about making choices that protect the planet for future generations. Learn how adopting sustainable strategies can enhance your business’s resilience, meet regulatory requirements, and drive long-term growth.
Read the full article here.
This webinar will feature a dynamic discussion between Root's Sustainability expert, Charlie, and LCA expert and co-founder of Root, Gijs de Mol, who will dive into why balancing both footprints is essential for long-term success.
Key Topics Discussed:
📆 When: Wednesday, October 30
⏱ Time: 16:00 - 17:00 CET
☕️ Join Our Weekly Product Demo Sessions
Curious about how our platform can work for you? Join our weekly product demos where you’ll see our platform in action, and get answers to all your burning questions. This is your chance to explore features, ask anything, and see firsthand how we can support your sustainability goals.
Check Root’s calendar and choose the day that works best for you—we can’t wait to connect with you!
🤝 Root partners with Atlas Metrics
We’re thrilled to announce our new partnership with Atlas Metrics, a leader in end-to-end ESG reporting solutions!
This collaboration combines Root’s data expertise with Atlas Metrics’ streamlined platform, making it easier than ever for businesses to meet regulatory requirements and achieve their sustainability goals.
Atlas Metrics offers a range of benefits, including:
✅ Simplified ESG compliance and reporting processes
✅ A user-friendly platform that saves time and costs
✅ Proactive identification and management of ESG-related risks
✅ Support in setting and achieving sustainability goals
✅ Enhanced market positioning through transparent and reliable ESG data
Together, we’re committed to helping you navigate your ESG journey with ease and confidence.
If you’d like to learn more about how Atlas Metrics can support your business, feel free to reach out directly to daniel.krainz@atlasmetrics.io or by scheduling a meeting.
Thank you for reading our newsletter! We can’t wait to continue sharing insights, news, and inspiration with you each month. If you have any suggestions, feedback, or topics you’d love to see, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’d love to hear from you!
Contact us anytime, and we’ll be back with more exciting content in November!
With Love,
The Root Team 💚