Grade summary

Avery Dennison’s hazardous product portfolio contains three SIN List substances, which it claims are not produced but only purchased and mixed for adhesives. No matter what, the company should take more responsibility to reduce or eliminate their usage. Only 44% of its sold production is documented in EU/US markets, limiting transparency.

The company works with lists and warning systems to track regulations, safety and environmental impacts but would benefit from a more proactive approach with clear strategies for phasing out harmful chemicals. Avery Dennison aims to eliminate any hazardous chemical that is banned somewhere in the world. While commendable, further voluntary engagement to address hazards not yet under regulatory scrutiny would be good. The company garners full points for their circular policy and circular Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), which include clear targets, such as striving for $1 billion in revenue from circular products designed for reuse, recycling, composting, or use-phase resource efficiency.

How did we come to this score?

Opportunities for improvement

1. Market safer alternatives
   Avery Dennison does not have any safer alternatives evaluated by independent third parties in its product portfolio. Safer alternatives replace the use of hazardous substances and are crucial in order to put an end to chemical pollution. The company should, therefore, start producing safer alternatives or market existing ones on an independent third-party platform. A good place to advertise is ChemSec’s Marketplace, where buyers and suppliers can find and market safer alternatives.

2. Enhance product assessment and phase-out plans
   We recommend Avery Dennison to do a more detailed assessment of its products to identify hazardous ingredients as well as to formulate clear phase-out plans. This should encompass substances not only banned by legal regulations but also those that pose potential health risks and environmental harm. Taking voluntary actions to eliminate such substances will demonstrate the company’s commitment to safety and sustainability.

3. Increase transparency in product portfolio
   To improve transparency, Avery Dennison should consider disclosing the percentage of revenue generated by products containing Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs). Additionally, the company should expand the publication of its global hazardous portfolio to regions beyond the EU and US markets. This will provide stakeholders with a more comprehensive view of its hazardous product portfolio and bolster transparency efforts.

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