LANXESS: Working towards climate neutrality across the entire value chain
Latest: Specialty chemicals company LANXESS takes the next step in climate protection and sets targets for its Scope 3 emissions. The group aims to make its upstream and downstream supply chains climate neutral by 2050. This includes indirect emissions, especially from purchased raw materials, but also emissions from logistics and final products. By 2030, emissions in the third phase will be reduced by 40% from the base year of 2015, from 270,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent to 165,000 tonnes. For direct emissions from production (scope 1) and energy sources (scope 2), LANXESS already set three years ago the goal of becoming climate neutral by 2040.
LANXESS’ climate goals are aligned with the Paris Climate Agreement. This has now been approved by the prestigious Science Targets Initiative (SBTi). A joint initiative of climate protection group CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, the World Resources Institute and the World Wide Fund for Nature has confirmed the group’s emissions reduction targets and approved LANXESS to help limit global warming to a maximum of 1.5°C. This temperature is widely regarded as the threshold for preventing climate catastrophe.
Matthias, Chairman of the Board of Management of the LANXESS Group
Zachert said: “To stop climate change, our society must transition to climate neutrality. We want to do our part. Our goal of becoming climate neutral by 2040 in both direct emissions and energy sources is already very ambitious. With our additional targets for Scope 3 emissions, we are taking the next step with our suppliers and customers. The SBTi’s approval of our commitment shows that we are on the right responsible path.”
Luiz, CEO of the Science Targets Initiative
Amaral said: “Today, LANXESS joins a growing number of companies whose scientific goals are aligned with limiting global warming to 1.5°C. We now need more companies to set ambitious goals like LANXESS. ”
Strategize for a climate-neutral supply chain
In order to achieve its Scope 3 targets, LANXESS has launched the Net Zero Value Chain Initiative. This strategy to achieve climate neutrality across the value chain is based on three pillars.
Sustainable raw materials: LANXESS is realigning raw material sourcing and is increasingly sourcing sustainable raw materials that are bio-based, recyclable or produced using renewable energy. Current examples of these raw materials are: cyclohexane for sustainable production of Durethan brand high-performance plastics, and starch-based polyether polyols for Adiprene brand prepolymers.
Green logistics: The CO2 footprint is given a higher weight than before when choosing a mode of transport of goods. LANXESS also intends to take advantage of innovative solutions such as “green ships” with sustainable drive systems. Improved logistics planning is also aimed at increasing the utilization of transport assets, optimizing the mode of transport of goods, and reducing the need for transport of goods.
Climate-neutral products: LANXESS is expanding its range of climate-neutral products and solutions with low CO2 emissions. From autumn 2021 these products are awarded the “Scopeblue
“Brand labels. For example, trimethylolpropane (TMP), about half of which is made from sustainable raw materials, or Tepex, a composite material based on flax and lactic acid. In the medium term, LANXESS aims to Offers low-carbon and climate-neutral alternatives for all of its products. The goal is to be fully climate-neutral in its product portfolio by 2050. LANXESS also wants to quantify the carbon footprint of all its products.
Matthias Zachert
said: “Through the Net Zero Value Chain Initiative, we will continue to drive the transition of our product portfolio towards climate neutrality. In this way, we are also supporting our customers, who are increasingly looking for sustainable solution.”