Management approach
Management Approach
Material topic: Pollution
[ESRS 2 MDR-A 68a; GRI 3-3]
Lenzing acknowledges the critical importance of pollution prevention. The company actively monitors and manages the environmental impact of its operations, focusing on mitigating pollution risks throughout pulp and fiber production. Efforts extend beyond compliance, with Lenzing adopting stringent measures to minimize emissions, effluents, and waste generation. The implementation of advanced technologies ensures that pollution prevention is integrated into every step of the manufacturing processes. By proactively addressing pollution challenges, Lenzing aims to contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment, aligning with its broader commitment to sustainable development and responsible corporate citizenship.
Negative actual impacts
- Pollution of water: Negative impact of Lenzing’s downstream textile value chain on water pollution (downstream value chain)
Negative actual and potential impacts
- Pollution of air: Negative impact on air pollution and emissions with potential negative effects on human health and environment (own operations)
- Pollution of water: Negative impact on water pollution and emissions with potential negative effects on human health and environment (own operations)
- Substances of concern, Substances of very high concern: Potential for severe negative health and environmental impacts in the event of accidents or leakage related to SoCs and SVHCs (own operations, value chain)
Positive actual impacts
- Microplastics: Positive impact on microfiber pollution as Lenzing fibers can offer an alternative and replace plastic fibers (own operations, downstream value chain)
Risks
- Pollution of air: Risk of regulatory changes and consequent business loss potential (own operations)
Opportunities
- Pollution of air: Opportunity for Lenzing as sustainability leader in pulp and fiber manufacturing (own operations)
- Pollution of water: Opportunity for Lenzing as sustainability leader in pulp and fiber manufacturing (own operations, downstream value chain)
- Substances of concern, Substances of very high concern: Opportunity by developing and implementing industry benchmarks (own operations)
For a more detailed description of the impacts, risks and opportunities, please see the “Material impacts, risks and opportunities” section of the “ESRS 2 General disclosures” chapter.
Policies
- Policy for Safety, Health and Environment (SHE)
- Group Environmental Policy and Standard
- Chemical Management Group Standard
- Sustainability Policy
- Water Policy
Actions taken [ESRS 2 MDR-A 68a]
- Prachinburi (Thailand) and Heiligenkreuz (Austria) sites meet ‘aspirational’ level for MMCF ZDHC wastewater parameters.
- ZDHC Gateway reporting of MMCF wastewater guideline v2.2 at all lyocell sites
- MMCF assessment implemented on the ZDHC Supplier to Zero Platform and verified for the first time with the data of 2023 (for more details, please see the “ZDHC viscose” and “ZDHC lyocell” target).
- Since 2021, EUR 100 million site modernization in Purwakarta (Indonesia)
- CAP: New carbon disulfide adsorption plant operational – significantly reduced sulfur emissions to air
- WWTP: Completed construction of wastewater treatment plant upgrade
- Started construction of a new wastewater treatment plant at Grimsby (UK) site.
- Completed construction of wastewater treatment plant upgrade at Mobile (USA) site.
- Higg FEM self-assessment for all and additional verification for three production sites to help monitor pollutants, reduce risks related to pollution and devise measures to improve overall environmental performance.
Further actions (not described in more detail in E2-2)
- Continuously enlarge the product portfolio under the EU Ecolabel certificate. In 2024, three products were added.
- Regular Global Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) meetings with full year and mid-year management reviews of emissions, releases, complaints received and environmental KPIs & targets.
- Group environmental management system based on ISO 14001:2015.
- Lenzing shows leadership in fiber manufacturing by offering spun-dyed fibers. For more information on spun-dyed fibers, please see the “TENCEL™ Modal with Eco Color technology and TENCEL™ Modal with Indigo Color technology” section of the “Sustainable innovations” chapter.
Sustainability targets
- “Air emissions” target
- “ZDHC viscose” target
- “ZDHC lyocell” target
- “Wastewater” target
- “FEM” target
Stakeholders
- Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC)
- Higg FEM
- Local communities
- Enforcing authorities
- Certification bodies
- Customers
Responsible
- CEO
- Site directors
- Global Supply Chain/Purchasing
- Global Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) department
Supporting
- Operations Service Group