Datwyler steps up sustainability drive

Altdorf, Switzerland – Datwyler is to base its sustainability strategy on 12 focus topics, with the aims of reducing its environmental footprint and enhancing stakeholder value, the company announced 31 Aug.  

The focus topics, said the Swiss group, are “structured according to the dimensions of environment, social and governance and are intended to build on existing strengths and close gaps.” 

Each topic brings together activities related to current and future projects and includes clear responsibilities with measurable targets and quantifiable metrics for effective management,” added Datwyler. 

As explained in a new online report, the rubber-based products maker has also defined four strategic priorities: drive profitable growth, accelerate digitalisation, increase agility and advance sustainability.

Newly appointed head of sustainability and agility Sabrina Gérard, who reports directly to CEO Dirk Lambrecht, will work with project teams to ensure that the focus topics are continuously addressed.

Under the strategy, Datwyler aims to achieve climate neutrality (scope 1 and 2) at all its locations worldwide by 2030, following ‘the science-based targets’ approach. 

Other initiatives focus on: embedding eco-design principles into product and manufacturing development processes; cutting water, fuel and electricity consumption; reducing waste; and sustainable sourcing.

Meanwhile, ‘social focus’ topics are to create added value for customers, employees, communities and regions around the group’s manufacturing plants, continued Datwyler. 

In the area of governance, Datwyler is to focus on the continuous development of transparency, compliance and ethics, diversity on its executive board. 

Among other targets, Datwyler intends to include a sustainability component in the variable remuneration from 2022, while new investments will be “systematically assessed” for environmental and social impact. 

“With its proactive chemical compliance management, the company goes far beyond legal requirements and sets leading global standards in the elastomer industry,” stated Datwyler.

According to the company, the new strategy will reinforce existing sustainability measures, which, for example, have reduced water consumption by about 25% to 1.6 million m3 over the past five years. 

And, by switching to electricity from renewable sources, Datwyler was able to reduce CO2 emissions by around 10% in 2020 compared to the previous year – despite the addition of new facilities worldwide. 

Since the beginning of 2021, the company added that it has already been sourcing around 40% of its global electricity requirements from renewable sources.