Our environmental stewardship commitment
At Syensqo, we recognize that the health of ecosystems where we operate is instrumental for the long-term success of our business. Across our global network of sites, we are reducing our environmental impact and working toward a more sustainable industry.
We focus on the areas where we can make the biggest difference: freshwater, pollution, waste, and biodiversity. We aim to protect resources and reduce risks to both our operations and surrounding ecosystems, leveraging collaborations with local communities, partners, and environmental experts. This is managed in part through our “Star Factory” program, which is transforming our global manufacturing sites to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
Addressing water scarcity
Water is a critical resource for our operations, and we are taking clear steps to reduce our intake, particularly in regions where availability is increasingly challenging. In 2024, we introduced our first global environmental target focused on water stewardship.
By 2030, we aim to reduce freshwater withdrawal by 20% on average at sites facing water availability challenges.1,2 This represents more than 7 million cubic meters of freshwater saved, while our business continues to scale. As of 2024, we have already achieved a 24% reduction in freshwater withdrawal at these sites. The 2030 target remains ambitious over time, particularly in the context of Syensqo’s expected growth.
Furthermore, we are implementing Water Stewardship Plans at 15 key sites, which together account for 90% of our total freshwater use. These plans address both water quantity and quality, helping us manage local risks and impacts, and ensuring more sustainable resource use.
1. Compared to the 2021 baseline.
2. Sites exposed to water availability challenges have faced drought in the past or are at risk of drought in the coming years, and may be subject to freshwater withdrawal restrictions by local authorities, identified using the Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas and conducting local assessments to confirm water availability challenges.
With over 60 industrial sites worldwide, each facing unique environmental challenges, our stewardship balances a global strategy with local actions. By maintaining high standards in managing water, pollution, and waste and enhancing biodiversity, we protect the ecosystems around us that are essential to operate and grow responsibly.
Mitigating pollution and waste
We are advancing efforts to reduce pollution and minimize waste landfilling through the recovery and valorization of waste materials.
On pollution, we comply with all applicable environmental laws and regulations at the local, national, and international level, keeping our emissions to air and water below legal limits. We take further action to reduce emissions of substances of very high concern, prioritizing those that carry the highest risks for people, the environment, and our business.
Pollution prevention is also embedded in our innovation pipeline. Using our Sustainable Portfolio Management framework, we evaluate the impact of substances and prioritize those with a lower environmental footprint. Further information on use of hazardous substances as it relates to our product portfolio is found here.
On waste, we pursue improved waste management practices to recover more energy and valorize more materials as part of our circularity efforts. We aim to reduce industrial waste that is landfilled or incinerated without energy recovery.
In order to optimize resource use, we work closely with suppliers to promote responsible sourcing and encourage the use of renewable materials. These actions help reduce our environmental impact and strengthen the long-term efficiency and resilience of our operations.
Supporting local biodiversity
While we are reducing our footprint on nature by reducing water use, disposed waste and pollution, we are also taking action to preserve and restore nature on and around our sites. More than 30 industrial sites have designed biodiversity roadmaps under our “Star Factory” program. These are tailored to local ecosystems and developed with communities, researchers, and environmental authorities.
In 2024, our Oldbury site in the UK earned a National Sustainability Award for its biodiversity initiatives, and both our Oldbury and West Deptford, NJ, USA sites have been certified by the Wildlife Habitat Council.
Climate
Climate change is impacting our planet. At Syensqo, we are working to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across our value chain: in our operations, across our supply chain, and by supporting our customers in advancing decarbonization downstream through innovative technologies and materials.
People & Communities
We invest in people, partners and communities that support our success. That starts with our people: fostering a safe, fair, and inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive. It extends to our suppliers, partners and communities, where we collaborate to build local resilience and generate positive impact.