A strong commitment to accelerating the transition

2024 YEAR IN REVIEW – TOOLS FOR CHANGE

Turning Commitment into Action

Over the span of one year managing the Carbon Footprint Project, initial assessments revealed that practices varied – some companies were just getting started, while others have already built a foundation.

In response, a structured support program was launched to facilitate progress at all levels of maturity. This included:
✅ A simplified calculation tool
✅ A practical guide adapted to the specificities of the abrasives sector
✅ Targeted training sessions to build internal capabilities.

The focus in 2024 was on building internal capacity and fostering autonomy – laying the groundwork for the more ambitious targets in 2025.

2024 RESULTS – A GROWING MOVEMENT

Building Collective Momentum

Participation in the SEAM program has continued to grow, and with it, the industry’s capacity to evolve.

👉 Over 350% increase in SEAM memberships between 2021 and 2023
👉 4 new members in 2024
👉 19 companies and 59 factories engaged

Most notably, the first results are beginning to show: participating companies have reported a measurable reduction in direct emissions (Scopes 1 & 2) – a promising step forward.

2024 FOCUS – LOOKING BEYOND THE FACTORY GATES

Tackling Scope 3 and raw materials

In 2025, the SEAM Carbon Footprint Project enters a new phase, addressing a more complex but essential challenge: estimating Scope 3 emissions. Covering all indirect emissions occurring across the value chain, Scope 3 remains one of the most difficult areas to quantify.

Within the abrasives industry, raw materials represent a significant share of these emissions. For this reason, the current focus is on Scope 3.1. To support this transition, we have already developed a dedicated roadmap and improved our calculation tool, offering tailored support for members entering this new phase.

A progressive approach will be rolled out throughout 2025, culminating in the development of a sector-wide action plan. This plan will identify key levers for reducing emissions across the entire value chain. Recognizing the challenges linked to Scope 3, the strategy offers a realistic pathway toward achieving our goals and strengthening the industry’s overall impact.

SEAM + FEPA – A POWERFUL COLLAORATION

Joining Forces for a More Sustainable Industry

The strategic alignment between SEAM and FEPA remains essential to advancing sustainability across the abrasives industry. In 2024, this shared direction was reinforced through complementary initiatives that offer a consistent and practical framework for environmental progress.

FEPA launched the Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) of abrasives, designed to run in parallel with the SEAM Carbon Footprint Project. While SEAM Carbon Footprint supports companies in measuring and managing their operational emissions, the LCA initiative broadens the perspective by focusing on product-level impacts. Both follow similar stages of modeling, calculation, and implementation of concrete actions.

Looking ahead to 2025, the aim is to strengthen this approach further— by improving performance, engaging more manufacturers, and extending the coverage to additional production sites. Together, SEAM and FEPA continue to equip the industry with tools to support its environmental transition.

Ready to take the next step in your environmental transition?

SEAM EXPLORES STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

Pushing Further Together…

The transition toward a more sustainable abrasives industry depends not only on technological advancements but also on meaningful collaborations. In this context, SEAM is currently exploring strategic partnerships with Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to enhance the carbon emissions management. While discussions are ongoing and no formal agreements have been signed, these initiatives signal a strong commitment to structured and impactful climate action.

SEAM x CDP: Structuring Carbon Data
SEAM is in active discussion with CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project), a globally recognized platform for environmental transparency. The aim is to explore how CDP’s Supply Chain program could support the collection and reporting of essential carbon data, especially Scope 3 emissions. This approach would help lay the groundwork for harmonized emissions tracking across the abrasives sector, aligning with evolving regulatory frameworks such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

SEAM x SBTi: Defining Climate Ambitions
In parallel, SEAM is engaging with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) , a leading organization that guides companies in setting science-based climate goals. This eventual collaboration would support SEAM members in setting credible and measurable climate goals, with the long-term vision of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.