Project: Afera launches TACK – an industry-wide toolkit for carbon footprint calculation

From challenge to solution: building a tool for the full value chain

As regulatory pressure and customer demand for sustainability data increased, Afera identified a gap: adhesive tape producers – especially SMEs – lacked a uniform, accessible method for calculating the carbon footprint of their products. In response, Afera initiated a project to create a user-friendly tool based on internationally recognised standards, including ISO 14067 and Together for Sustainability (TfS) guidelines.

The toolkit, now known as TACK (Tapes and Adhesives Calculation Kit), was developed in an intensive, collaborative process involving weekly working group meetings, detailed data mapping, and the alignment of terminology across different segments of the industry. TACK was showcased in a 2-hour webinar on 20 March 2025, displaying its capabilities and working out some real-life use scenarios for both adhesives and adhesive tapes.

A spotlight on collaboration

The development of TACK was featured in a Sphera-hosted webinar on 27 March 2025. Afera’s Regulatory Affairs and Sustainability Manager, Pablo Englebienne, presented the project as a model of how industry associations can empower members to meet sustainability goals by offering practical, sector-specific tools. The webinar highlighted how TACK makes carbon footprint calculation feasible even for companies without internal LCA expertise.

A key success factor was the cooperative spirit among Afera members and partners – including direct competitors – who jointly worked toward a shared objective: enabling transparent, aligned sustainability metrics for the entire adhesive tape supply chain.

Third-party verified and ready to use

TACK is third-party verified to guarantee reliability and credibility. The tool is available to Afera members from now on and is expected to become a reference within the industry. TACK will be periodically updated with new data and features, following user feedback.

This project exemplifies the strategic role that industry associations can play in driving sustainability. By supporting their members not only with advocacy but also with hands-on, operational tools, associations like Afera demonstrate the value of working together across the value chain.

Role Lejeune Association Management

At Lejeune Association Management, we are proud to assist forward-thinking associations such as Afera in the realisation of impactful, future-proof solutions like TACK.

Our Lejeune Afera team (f.l.r): Karla Pastor, Sustainability Project Manager, Astrid Lejeune, Secretary General, Pablo Englebienne, Regulatory Affairs & Sustainability Manager & Stephanie Feith, Management Assistant.

More information? Check the Afera website: https://afera.com/news/launching-tack,-a-unified-pcf-calculation-tool-for-adhesives-and-tapes
Download PDF : https://afera.com/uploads/AFSP/Reference%20documents/TACK_JointPR_FINAL_May26_launch_ready.pdf