Targets & strategy
Lenzing’s sustainability strategy & targets
Targets & strategy
We follow three strategic principles within the context of our “Naturally Positive” sustainability strategy. The focus is on those areas where Lenzing has the greatest impact to accomplish a more sustainable world.
It is the basis for Lenzing’s approach to contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Sustainability strategy
Our strategy for more sustainability
FOCUS AREAS
Our strategic focus areas
Raw material security
Wood and dissolving wood pulp from sustainable sources as well as chemicals are the most important basic materials for the Lenzing Group. Active supplier management and sustainable procurement principles are important elements in the company’s sustainable raw material sourcing. The efficient use of all raw materials is a priority for Lenzing. We have committed ourselves not to procure wood from critical regions such as ancient and endangered forests.
Water stewardship
Water is a scarce and precious resource. This is why it is even more important to responsibly handle water throughout the entire production chain. Fibers manufactured by Lenzing have minor impacts on the water balance. In addition, we develop innovative products contributing to the reduction of water consumption in downstream processing steps. Our fibers are biodegradable and compostable and do not contribute to the increasing problem of microplastics in water bodies.
Sustainable innovations
Sustainable innovations comprise the only way in which we can increase prosperity within the specified limits of our planet. All innovative efforts on the part of the Lenzing Group are subordinated to this fundamental idea. We intensively work in this spirit to develop new solutions and business models, as well as on improvements to existing technologies and production processes. The principle of sustainable innovation encompasses all core areas of the Lenzing Group.
Empowering people
The transformation towards a more sustainable society and economy is being driven by people who take responsibility, who think and act positively. For this reason, the Lenzing Group gives its employees decision-making flexibility and motivates its partners to promote change and sustainability. For Lenzing it goes without saying that the rights and dignity of all people must always be respected.
Partnering for systemic change
Only by acting in partnership can we address the complex challenges of greater sustainability. A high level of transparency enables us to build trust with our partners in the long term. This is the prerequisite for a regular exchange of ideas as the basis for uniting different points of view, understanding global trends and reducing risks. For example, Lenzing works on cross-industry business models designed to promote the circular economy.
Enhancing community wellbeing
As a responsible company, Lenzing promotes the development of a diverse range of societies and regions in which it operates. Lenzing attaches great importance to safe and environmentally responsible companies as well as fair employment practices. We are proud of our contributions to local economic development and social life in all the regions in which we operate.
Our contribution to climate protection
Global warming is one of the most urgent challenges facing us around the world and demands global solutions. Lenzing will substantially reduce its greenhouse gas emissions in the coming years by implementing a large number of relevant measures. The aim of the Lenzing Group’s climate strategy is to reach the point of net-zero GHG emissions by the year 2050.
TARGETS
Lenzing raising the bar – our sustainability targets
Within the context of our strategic principles, Lenzing's “Naturally Positive” sustainability strategy defines seven core challenges in which the Lenzing Group makes significant contributions. Lenzing sets ambitious targets in these areas to further strengthen its path to a sustainable future. These focus areas directly contribute to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations.
COMMITMENT
Lenzing’s contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
No poverty
An example of Lenzing’s contribution to SDG 1 is the social impact project in Albania in cooperation with the Austrian Development Agency (ADA). This project aims to support the development of certain rural areas based on the sustainable use of natural resources, and to open up alternative sources of income for the communities involved.
Good health and well-being
Lenzing makes an internal health care system available to its employees at all production sites. This is designed to complement the local health systems. Together with regional medical partners, we also offer a diagnosis and therapy service tailored to the local needs and the size of the production sites.
Gender Eqaulity
Lenzing has a dedicated sustainability team whose tasks include promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion within and outside of Lenzing. Various measures are being taken, such as diversity staff trainings and the introduction of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). Additionally, there are separate sustainability goals aimed at “Empowering People”.
Clean water and sanitation
Wherever Lenzing can make an impact, attempts are made to contribute to the sustainable use of water. We have defined the goal of reducing our specific wastewater emissions by 20 percent (starting point: 2014). Investments are being made in infrastructure improvement measures in the field of wastewater treatment as a means of achieving this target.
Affordable and clean energy
The improvement of energy efficiency, the use of energy conversion technologies for heat and electricity, renewable fuels, the changeover from coal to natural gas and its biorefinery concept enables Lenzing to contribute to SDG 7.
Decent work and economic growth
The Lenzing Group is making an important contribution towards strengthening the economy in the regions in which it operates. Our business activities have measurable socioeconomic effects. Every job in the Lenzing Group creates more than two additional jobs in other sectors of the economy. On balance, the Lenzing Group creates more than 25,000 jobs around the world.
Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Innovation and sustainability are fundamental values of the Lenzing Group. From the very beginning, every innovation is assessed with respect to sustainability. Our innovations include numerous ongoing improvements in existing technologies and processes as well as the promotion of systematic change with the help of future-oriented solutions and business models.
Reduced Inequalities
In the Policy on Human Rights and Labor Standards, Lenzing commits to upholding and supporting fundamental labor principles, including protection against discrimination, harassment and inhumane treatment. Lenzing continuously challenges its own practises as well as those of its value chain partners.
Sustainablie Cities and Communities
Lenzing has been operating on the Indonesian island of Java for more than three decades via its subsidiary PT. South Pacific Viscose in Purwakarta. In all these years, Lenzing has not only established itself as an important employer,but has also gained societal acceptance by supporting a wide range of local social activities. For more information please see the “Community engagement” focus paper.
Responsible consumption and production
We ensure sustainable production thanks to responsible procurement and the efficient use of the raw material wood e.g. based on the implementation of the biorefinery concepts in Lenzing, Paskov and Indianópolis. Moreover, recycling technologies are integrated into the production process. Thinking in terms of life cycles and partnerships contributes to more sustainable consumption patterns.
Climate action
In line with the Paris Agreement (1.5°C target), the Lenzing Group set ambitious science-based targets (SBTs) for reducing absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in scope 1 and 2 by 42 percent and in scope 3 by 25 percent until 2030 (baseline 2021) and aims to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. Based on technical feasibility, Lenzing deploys different levers to reduce scope 1 and 2 emissions.
Life below water
Microplastics comprise an environmental burden on inland waters and oceans. Thanks to its fibers produced from wood along with a sustainable production process, Lenzing ensures that its fibers are compostable and biodegradable and thus do not aggravate the problem of plastic pollution.
Life on land
The company contributes to SDG 15 thanks to its longstanding practice of sustainable procurement, especially with respect to the main raw material wood. Lenzing strictly adheres to its Wood & Pulp Policy and only procures wood from sustainably managed forests and plantations. Furthermore, Lenzing initiated a reforestation and forest preservation project in Albania.
Peace, justice and strong institutions
Lenzing is committed to ethical business practices, community engagement and human rights advocacy. Compliance at Lenzing not only stands for compliance with legal regulations and regulatory standards. An online-based whistleblower system is designed to empower not only our employees but also customers, suppliers, and other third parties around the world to voice their concerns. This platform allows individuals to report issues such as corruption, bribery, conflicts of interests, antitrust violations, and breaches of capital market law.
Partnerships for the goals
We are convinced that complex global challenges require a cooperation approach. For this reason, the Lenzing Group regularly exchanges views with a large number of stakeholders and business partners along the value chain, in order to further raise standards with respect to sustainability in the textile and nonwovens industry.
