Lenzing People

People

Taking social responsibility

Community wellbeing

Lenzing assumes its social responsibility as a reliable “corporate citizen” – both locally and internationally. We make a major contribution to strengthening the economy of all the regions in which we operate and thus to the improvement of living conditions of the people We are committed to sustainably improving the living conditions of the people.

On the basis of our projects, we want to create opportunities, and at the same time preserve the environment and promote the education of people. Thus Lenzing supports social projects and environmental initiatives on a decentralized basis for many years.

Global projects

We support rural development through a portfolio of community-based projects that combine environmental protection with socio-economic development. These initiatives focus on areas such as sustainable agriculture, agroforestry, and ecosystem restoration, helping to create alternative income opportunities and strengthen local resilience.

Projects are implemented in cooperation with development organizations, local partners, and communities. Activities include training programs, support for sustainable land use, and the creation of local employment opportunities.

This approach enables long-term impact by linking environmental measures – such as reforestation and biodiversity protection – with improved livelihoods in the regions where Lenzing operates or sources raw materials.

Democratic Republic of Congo

We support development initiatives in the Democratic Republic of Congo through partnerships with organizations such as Caritas. These projects focus on improving local livelihoods while reducing pressure on forest ecosystems.

Activities include promoting agroforestry practices, developing alternative income sources, and raising awareness of sustainable land use. This approach helps address drivers of deforestation while supporting local communities.

DONATION

Lenzing was awarded an “AA” rating by MSCI. In line with this recognition, we allocated funds from our green bond framework to support selected projects implemented by non-profit organizations.

These initiatives focus on forest conservation and community development in regions such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and Tanzania. They combine environmental protection with social impact by promoting sustainable land use, supporting agroforestry practices, and creating income opportunities for local communities.

Through activities such as tree planting, sustainable agriculture, and training programs, the projects contribute to improving livelihoods while reducing pressure on natural ecosystems. These efforts are aligned with selected UN Sustainable Development Goals, including No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Climate Action, and Life on Land.

Tanzania

We support the organization Sustainable Agriculture Tanzania (SAT) in partnership with the development organization ICEP. The initiative focuses on strengthening the resilience and livelihoods of small-scale farmers in regions such as Morogoro and the Uluguru Mountains.

Activities include agroforestry systems, the establishment of community tree nurseries, and training in sustainable agriculture practices. These measures support improved productivity, biodiversity, soil conservation, and climate resilience.

The project also promotes the development of alternative income sources while supporting sustainable land use. As part of this approach, tree planting and long-term ecosystem management are combined with community engagement and local partnerships.

Burundi

We support a reforestation and community development project in and around Ruvubu National Park in Burundi. Implemented with partners such as Caritas, the initiative focuses on reducing environmental pressure by addressing deforestation drivers, including bushfires, illegal logging, and unsustainable land use.

The project combines environmental protection with livelihood support. Activities include training in sustainable farming practices, beekeeping, and other income-generating activities, as well as the establishment of nurseries for native tree species. These measures help restore forest ecosystems while strengthening local communities.

The initiative contributes to improving land use practices and supporting livelihoods in the surrounding regions through long-term engagement and local partnerships.

Photo credit: ODAG-Caritas Gitega

Democratic Republic of Congo

We support the “Innovation for People” project in the Democratic Republic of Congo in partnership with Caritas. The initiative focuses on reducing pressure on forest resources while improving livelihoods in rural communities.

A key element of the project is the introduction of alternative solutions to reduce wood consumption, including the use of agricultural waste for charcoal and energy-saving cooking technologies. In addition, agroforestry practices and income-generating activities are promoted to support sustainable land use.

Awareness campaigns, including radio programs and school initiatives, complement these activities by promoting sustainable practices and environmental protection at the community level.

Focus Paper community engagement

Focus Paper

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