Material Topics
Systematic prioritization of sustainability topics
Everything LANXESS does must have due regard for our strategic guidelines, the relevant interests of our stakeholders, and the material effects of our actions on our company and society. A materiality analysis in line with the requirements of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) helps us to systematically prioritize the wide range of action areas and use resources as effectively as possible. It is based on four principles: sustainability context, materiality, completeness, and inclusion of stakeholders.
In 2021, we the responded to the ongoing, dynamic transformation with an extensive materiality analysis. As a result, we condensed the number of our sustainability topics from seven to five, sharpening the focus on important new topics such as the circular economy. The five main topics were confirmed by the Sustainability Committee following a review in the reporting year and, after close examination, provided our relevant management framework again in 2022.
LANXESS AG
We have formulated specific goals for all key topics. Some of the variable compensation of the first and second management level below the Board of Management therefore depends on the extent to which certain targets for CO2e emissions in Scope 1 and Scope 2 and for the lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR) are achieved. The Sustainability Committee systematically examined the existing goals and indicators, fleshed these out where necessary, and also defined new goals in 2022. In connection with the Scope 3 target, for example, these include the Net Zero Value Chain initiative, the elimination of indirect emissions in the upstream and downstream value chain by 2050, and innovations and adjustments with regard to diversity.
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Circular and Sustainable Sourcing
At LANXESS, raw materials, other materials, equipment and services are subject to globally standardized requirements with regard to safety and environmental protection. Their procurement is the responsibility of our Global Procurement & Logistics (GPL) Group function, the head of which reports directly to the Board of Management member Dr. Hubert Fink. In close coordination with our business units, this administrative unit organizes Groupwide procurement, establishes corresponding guidelines, and initiates measures to promote purchasing synergies and sustainable behavior by our suppliers.
Safe and Sustainable Sites
我们的承诺是让我们的生产安全sustainable in every respect, thus ensuring our long-term competitiveness. Our Production, Technology, Safety & Environment (PTSE) Group function, the head of which reports directly to the Board of Management member Dr. Hubert Fink, is responsible for this. PTSE develops and maintains company-wide standards that ensure responsible use of chemicals at LANXESS. They define requirements and govern responsibilities for health protection, environmental protection, handling of chemicals, plant safety and safety precautions in the workplace. Continuous training of our employees and regular audit-based reviews of our health, safety and environmental management systems are aimed to ensure that the requirements are incorporated into our processes systematically and sustainably.
Social Engagement
Our understanding of sustainable sites also includes being a strong and reliable partner for the people on site and in the respective region and taking responsibility for the development of the social environment. Our social commitment is based on our corporate competencies and goals and focuses on the areas of education, climate protection, water and culture.
Climate Protection and Energy Efficiency
With the Paris Climate Agreement, the international community committed to limiting global warming to less than two degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial level. At the Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November 2021, this ambition was for the first time backed up with concrete reduction requirements for greenhouse gas emissions. By 2030, for example, global CO2emissions must be cut by 45% versus 2010, and net-zero emissions must be achieved by 2050. LANXESS developed suppporting concepts like the "Net Zero Value Chain" as well as its climate neutrality initiative "Climate Neutral 2040" which is LANXESS' aim to have zero emissions until 2040.
Good Governance and Energized Employees
Good Governance
LANXESS’s corporate culture is based on five central values: respect, ownership, trust, professionalism and integrity. These values apply always and everywhere – and to all employees. We seek to foster a corporate culture in which responsible and morally irreproachable actions and striving for performance do not contradict but complement each other.
Employees
朗盛一ims to be a sustainable chemicals company with long-term success driven by the personal commitment of each individual employee and by high-performing, diverse teams. Our goal is to enable our employees to shape their professional lives actively and to create a safe, productive and motivating environment. This makes us attractive to applicants of all ages and skill levels and enables us to counter demographic change and the shortage of skilled workers while also promoting a diverse workforce in which everybody feels included.
Sustainable Products
Product responsibility
We see the constant improvement of product safety, which is enshrined as a core aspect of our corporate policy and in the Group-wide management system, as part of our product responsibility. We have undertaken to avoid risks for humans and the environment across all phases of the product lifecycle through safe research, manufacturing, storage, logistics, use and disposal.
Products for climate protection and the circular economy
A full picture of our product portfolio is obtained only when assessing the benefit and the positive environmental impact that our products have when used. Here, we prioritize solutions that contribute to climate protection or enable a circular economy.
