Axis cuts emissions but Scope 3 remains the challenge

Axis Communications has released its 2025 Sustainability Report, outlining the company's environmental, social and governance progress across its operations and supply chain.

The report shows lower operational emissions, a higher share of renewable energy in Axis's own energy use, and wider use of renewable carbon-based plastics in products launched during the year. It also highlights that Scope 3 emissions remain the main source of the group's greenhouse gas footprint.

The renewable share of energy consumption linked to Axis's own operations rose to 50.4% in 2025 from 48.9% a year earlier. Energy intensity improved by 5.6% over the same period.

Scope 1 emissions fell by 14.6% to 589 tCO2e from 690 tCO2e, while market-based Scope 2 emissions dropped by 22.8% to 821 tCO2e from 1,063 tCO2e. Compared with its 2022 base year, Scope 1 and 2 emissions were down 41.5%, leaving the company ahead of its current target path.

Scope 3 challenge

Most of the company's emissions still sit outside its direct operations. Scope 3 emissions account for about 99% of its total greenhouse gas emissions, underlining the pressure on technology groups to work with suppliers, logistics providers and customers if they are to make deeper cuts.

Although absolute Scope 3 emissions increased in 2025, emissions intensity in target categories improved slightly to 86kg CO2e per sold unit from 87kg CO2e per sold unit. Axis has set a goal of cutting Scope 3 emissions per sold unit by 51.6% by 2030 against a 2022 baseline.

The figures come as Axis continues to grow. The company reported sales of SEK 20.8 billion, equivalent to USD $2.1 billion or GBP £1.56 billion, and ended the year with 5,273 employees across more than 50 countries.

That scale helps explain why the report places as much emphasis on procurement, logistics and product use as it does on offices and facilities. For many global manufacturers and technology suppliers, emissions linked to purchased goods, transport and the use of sold products can outweigh direct operational emissions by a wide margin.

Materials shift

Axis also reported further progress in the materials used in new products. More than 80% of products launched in 2025 contained more than 20% renewable carbon-based plastics, up from 76% of cameras launched in 2024.

The company has set a separate target for at least 50% of plastics consumption in Axis-designed parts to come from renewable carbon-based plastics by 2028. That goal is part of a broader effort to reduce the environmental impact of product design and sourcing.

Alongside climate and materials targets, the report describes work on responsible sourcing, supply-chain due diligence and human rights processes. Axis developed sustainability procedures, supplier expectations and governance structures during 2025, including work tied to European reporting and due diligence rules.

The company cited the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards as part of that governance effort. These frameworks are increasing pressure on businesses operating in Europe to document supply-chain risks and disclose environmental and social performance in greater detail.

Linn Storang, Regional Director, Northern & Eastern Europe, Axis Communications, linked the report's findings to the company's wider operating model.

"Sustainability is not a separate workstream at Axis, it is part of how we think about innovation, responsibility and long-term business value," said Linn Storang, Regional Director, Northern & Eastern Europe, Axis Communications.

She said the clearest gains so far have come in areas where the business has more direct control.

"The 2025 Sustainability Report shows encouraging progress in areas we can influence directly, including energy use, operational emissions and product materials. It also makes clear where the bigger challenge lies. For a global technology company, meaningful progress depends on collaboration across the entire value chain, from suppliers and logistics partners to customers and the way products are used over time," Storang said.

She also highlighted the importance of disclosure and accountability as reporting standards become more detailed and face closer scrutiny from investors, regulators and customers.

"Transparency matters because it allows businesses to move beyond intention and show progress, gaps and priorities clearly," Storang said. "The latest Axis Sustainability Report demonstrates that Axis is making measurable progress, but also reiterates that sustainability is a long-term commitment. Our focus is on practical action, responsible growth and working with others to raise standards across the industry."