Climate Change Data

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Climate Action
• Circular Economy
• Responsible Consumption and Production
• Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• Gender Equality
• Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Good Health and Well-being
• Life Below Water
• Partnerships for the Goals

Environmental Achievements

• Switched all German sites to green electricity from renewable sources in 2020, followed by sites in France, Belgium, and Sweden in 2021, resulting in a ~60% reduction in CO2 emissions from electricity consumption.
• Reduced average water consumption per kilogram of goods by around 20 percent to 0.41 liters by dismantling a cooling tower at the Wasserburg site.
• Reduced average production waste rate by more than 10 percent between 2017 and 2021.
• Achieved ISCC+ certification for its Petersaurach site.
• Recycled around 32,700 metric tons of agricultural film through the ERDE initiative, preventing 35,600 metric tons of CO2 emissions.

Social Achievements

• Exceeded the 20% target for women in the RKW Group, reaching over 25% by year's end.
• Launched a global ED&I policy and signed the Diversity Charter.
• Implemented various health and fitness offerings for employees, including voluntary flu vaccinations and healthy meal options.
• Implemented measures to minimize the risk of infection at all sites during the coronavirus pandemic, including work-from-home options and weekly coronavirus testing.

Governance Achievements

• Not disclosed

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Global hunger and food waste.
• Global health issues, including diseases and poor sanitation.
• Gender inequality.
• Reliable supply of affordable and clean energy.
• Decent work and economic growth challenges.
• Sustainable economic growth and infrastructure investment.
• Climate change and its impacts.
• Ocean pollution and biodiversity loss.
• Challenges in expanding the circular economy for plastics.

Mitigation Strategies

• Developed RKW Horizon®, a fully recyclable film for flexible packaging.
• Developed innovative films, nonwovens, and laminates for hygiene products and medical applications.
• Implemented downgauging to reduce material usage.
• Switched to renewable energy sources.
• Implemented energy efficiency measures and invested in energy projects.
• Implemented safety measures and a “Zero accidents” initiative.
• Promoted diversity and inclusion.
• Participated in the Zero Pellet Loss initiative.
• Increased use of recycled materials and developed easily recyclable products.
• Participated in industry initiatives like ERDE to recycle agricultural films.

Supply Chain Management

Supplier Audits: Not disclosed

Responsible Procurement

• Participation in Zero Pellet Loss initiative
• Collaboration with suppliers on sustainable raw materials

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks

• Extreme weather events

Transition Risks

• Regulatory changes

Opportunities

• Development of energy-efficient products

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: GRI, UN SDGs

Certifications: ISO 50001 (German sites), EN 16247 (majority of European sites), ISCC+ (Petersaurach site), Zero Pellet Loss (all sites)

Third-party Assurance: Not disclosed

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 2
• SDG 3
• SDG 5
• SDG 7
• SDG 8
• SDG 9
• SDG 10
• SDG 12
• SDG 13
• SDG 14
• SDG 17

RKW's initiatives contribute to these goals through various actions detailed in the report.

Sustainable Products & Innovation

• RKW Horizon®
• Multipack films made from recycled materials
• Downgauged films

Awards & Recognition

• MORE label (SFE site)

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Environment
• Social
• Governance

Environmental Achievements

• Reduced GHG emissions Scope 1 & 2 by 52% compared to 2017
• Reduced water consumption by 15% compared to 2017
• Reduced energy consumption by 10% compared to 2021
• Petersaurach site ISCC+ certified

Social Achievements

• Launched RKW Safety Academy to improve safety culture
• Implemented “Zero Cut” and “Zero Fire” initiatives to reduce workplace accidents
• Exceeded target of 20% female representation in the RKW Group (currently over 25%)

Governance Achievements

• Established Local Compliance Managers (LCMs) at all sites
• Revised risk management process
• Further harmonization and standardization of processes and internal control procedures

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Supply chain disruptions due to the Ukraine crisis and increased energy costs
• Maintaining high quality and safety requirements while increasing the use of recycled materials

Mitigation Strategies

• Purchased renewable energy certificates for over 61% of global electricity consumption
• Optimized energy efficiency through targeted measures and investments
• Increased use of recyclates in production
• Investments in modern recycling plants and technologies

Supply Chain Management

Supplier Audits: Not disclosed

Responsible Procurement

• Zero Pellet Loss initiative

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks

• Not disclosed

Transition Risks

• Not disclosed

Opportunities

• Not disclosed

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: GRI Standards

Certifications: ISO 50001 (energy management), ISO 14001 (environmental management), EMAS (Gronau site), ISCC+ (Petersaurach site)

Third-party Assurance: Not disclosed

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• Not disclosed

Not disclosed

Sustainable Products & Innovation

• RKW ProVent®, Rondotex®, Polydress® Twista, RKW HyCare®, Aptra® films, bio-based plaster film

Awards & Recognition

• MORE label (Ville le Marclet and Chambœuf sites)
• RAL quality mark (Kalefeld site)