OQ Chemicals GmbH
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2019, 2021, 2022, 2023)
Reporting Period: 2019
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Environment
- Health and Safety
- Social Performance
- Governance
Environmental Achievements
- Achieved Gold Status on the Ecovadis platform (up from Silver in 2018)
- ISO 50001 certification in Europe and ISO 14001 certification in the USA
- Overshot 2019 goals for Global EHS leading indicators program (EHS moments, leadership walkthroughs, EHS trainings)
- Reduced total number and severity of EHS incidents in 2019
- No serious or major environmental or fire and explosion incidents in 2019
- Invested €7,549,143 in environmental protection in 2019
- Achieved energy efficiency gains of 2.46% by the end of 2019 (exceeding interim goal)
Social Achievements
- Implemented a Pandemic Prevention global policy
- Introduced a state-of-the-art Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool
- Conducted a global employee survey addressing company culture and integration
- Implemented a five-shift system at Oberhausen, improving work-life balance
- Launched the S.O.U.L. initiative in Bay City to strengthen EHS team performance
- Donated €28,110 to facilities in and around Oberhausen, Marl, and Monheim
- Supported US initiatives with a total of $46,541
Governance Achievements
- Implemented an Integrated Management System (IMS)
- Established a dedicated risk management function
- Developed an e-learning system for the Code of Conduct
- Rolled out a Supplier Code of Conduct
- No violations of the Code of Conduct reported in 2019
- Improved the internal audit procedure by including opinion-based evidence
Climate Goals & Targets
- Reduce absolute CO2 emissions globally by 30% until the end of 2030 (base year 2017)
- Reduce product-specific emissions by 40% until the end of 2030 (base year 2017)
- Reduce absolute CO2 emissions globally by 18% until the end of 2025 (base year 2017)
- Reduce product-specific emissions by 25% until the end of 2025 (base year 2017)
- Shift 5% of total waste (in metric tons) into a higher-category waste section by 2025 (base year 2017)
- Reduce energy consumption globally by 10% until 2025 (base year 2017)
- Increase total energy efficiency by 2.5% until the end of 2020 (base year 2017)
- Reduce absolute CO2 emissions globally by 6% until the end of 2020 (base year 2017)
- Reduce product-specific emissions by 10% until the end of 2020 (base year 2017)
Environmental Challenges
- Slowing export markets (Turkey and China) and global economic downturn
- Increased uncertainty in the European Union (Italy and Brexit)
- Trade tensions between the USA and China
- Regional raw material cost disadvantage
- Difficulties in passing through cost increases to customers due to lack of demand and price erosion in Oxo Intermediates
- Demographic changes and an aging workforce
Mitigation Strategies
- Initiated optimization steps to mitigate negative impacts from weakening market conditions and increasing labor costs
- Implemented a five-shift system to improve work-life balance and attract younger workers
- Developed a 5-year staffing plan and tools for efficient knowledge transfer
- Established a new employer branding function
- Implemented a new leadership model (PICAP)
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: Over 95% of suppliers (based on volume and spending) hold ISO certifications; all raw material suppliers to European production sites screened in 2019.
Responsible Procurement
- Supplier Code of Conduct covering human rights aspects
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Transition Risks
- Increasing demand for green materials
- Need for energy-efficient supply chains
- Emission pricing
Opportunities
- Development of energy-efficient products
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI Standards 2016
Certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 50001, ISO 45001 (Nanjing in 2020)
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
OXEA's core business activities contribute to these SDGs through investments in training and education, adherence to a Code of Conduct, safe and efficient processes, and efforts to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- Oxlube L9-TMP (included in the Lubricant Substance Classification list)
Reporting Period: 2021
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Climate Change
- Energy Transition
- Health and Safety
- Community Investment
- Economic Contribution
- In-Country Value (ICV)
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Governance
- Cybersecurity
- Digital Transformation
Environmental Achievements
- Entered into partnerships to develop four renewable energy facilities to produce green hydrogen (30 GW total capacity)
- Implemented energy efficiency initiatives resulting in net savings of USD 7 million annually
- Recycled 2,838 m3 of HPWBM (high-performance water-based muds)
- Recycled around 20,000 tonnes of hazardous waste from downstream facilities
- Approved and prioritized OQ’s decarbonization policy by the Board
Social Achievements
- 65% of newly hired employees were under 30 years of age
- Invested more than USD 10.5 million in initiatives to develop local communities
- Donated USD 5.2 million in emergency support to communities affected by Cyclone Shaheen
- Over 8800 hours of HSSE training delivered for OQ employees
- Launched an innovative set of programs designed to strengthen OQ’s culture on supporting working women
Governance Achievements
- Established a governance structure for OQ, with policies approved by the Board
- Rolled out a number of policies and programs and conducted training courses to make employees Compliance Ambassadors
- Rolled out an Anti-bribery and Corruption Prevention policy manual
- Established a standardized approach to risk management
Climate Goals & Targets
- OQ’s decarbonization policy commits to setting decarbonisation targets and delivering decarbonisation projects
- Final Investment Decision (FID) for Liwa Solar project expected by 2023
- Lower Energy Intensity Index (EII) to 95 by 2024
Environmental Challenges
- Challenges of the pandemic continued to test the business environment
- Cybersecurity threats targeting information technology and operational technology
- COVID-19 pandemic introduced new challenges in managing cybersecurity risks
Mitigation Strategies
- Strong financial and operational performance focusing on quality services and high HSSE standards
- Significant investments to ensure employees return to a safe working environment
- Growth in OQ’s cybersecurity maturity by utilizing Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies
- Implementation of the OQ25 program to reshape organizational structure and work culture
- Proactive measures to reduce risk and safeguard the wellbeing of employees and stakeholders during the COVID-19 pandemic
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: HSE criteria included in tendering process; additional social and environmental criteria being developed
Responsible Procurement
- Timely processing of requirements, maintaining competitiveness in outsourcing, complying with code of conduct
- HSE risk assessment and preliminary HSE plan required from tenderers
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Not disclosed
Transition Risks
- Not disclosed
Opportunities
- Development of green hydrogen projects
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI Standards
Certifications: ISO 45001, ISO 14001
Third-party Assurance: Internal assurance process; third-party assurance considered for future reports
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Not disclosed
OQ25 program contributes to Oman Vision 2040 and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- Green hydrogen
- Green ammonia
Awards & Recognition
- Not disclosed
Reporting Period: 2022
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Climate Change
- Health and Safety
- Supply Chain Sustainability
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Employee Well-being
Environmental Achievements
- Reduced CO2 emissions at Bay City site by 10% in 2022 compared to the average of previous years through flare optimization.
- Switched to electricity from renewable sources at various locations, aiming for 100% renewable electricity globally by 2030.
- Increased recycling of hazardous waste due to process adjustments.
Social Achievements
- All European sites met the requirements of ISO 45001 and were certified.
- 100% return rate after parental leave in 2022.
- Signed the Diversity Charter in 2022 and developed a roadmap for diversity, equality, and inclusion.
Governance Achievements
- No violations of the Code of Conduct reported in 2022.
- Implemented a new whistleblowing system compliant with ISO 27001 and EU regulations.
- Over 95% of suppliers (based on volumes and spending) hold ISO certifications.
Climate Goals & Targets
- Climate neutrality by 2050.
- Reduce absolute greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1, 2) by 30% by 2030.
- Reduce product-specific emissions by 25% by 2025 and 40% by 2030.
- Source 100% renewable electricity globally by 2030.
- Reduce absolute greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1, 2) by 18% by 2025.
- Reduce energy consumption globally by 10% by 2025.
- Reduce waste globally by shifting 5% to a higher waste hierarchy level by 2025.
Environmental Challenges
- High energy prices and raw material costs due to the war in Ukraine.
- Disruption of global supply chains.
- Extreme weather events (low water level of the Rhine river).
Mitigation Strategies
- Flare optimization project to reduce CO2 emissions and improve energy efficiency.
- Switching to renewable energy sources.
- Continuous investigation of potential savings and alternative raw materials.
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: Over 95% of suppliers hold ISO certifications; all raw materials suppliers to European and US production sites are screened regarding CSR/sustainability performance.
Responsible Procurement
- Supplier Code of Conduct covering human rights aspects; sustainable sourcing based on environmental, social, and economic criteria.
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Extreme weather events
Transition Risks
- Regulatory changes, market shifts
Opportunities
- Development of energy-efficient products; green hydrogen technologies.
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI Standards
Certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISCC Plus (German sites)
Third-party Assurance: Not disclosed
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 4 (Quality Education)
- SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
- SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)
- SDG 13 (Climate Action)
OQ Chemicals invests in employee training and education; adheres to a Code of Conduct; operates safe and efficient processes; has a reduce program to achieve climate neutrality.
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate (silicone-free formulation for cosmetics).
Awards & Recognition
- EcoVadis Gold status; Chemical Transportation Safety Pinnacle Award (Union Pacific Railroad); Elite Silver Safety Award (AFPM); Caring for Texas Award (TCC); Dr. Sam Mannan Award (TCC); Top Employer 2022 (German locations).
Reporting Period: 2023
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Climate Change
- Water Management
- Human Rights
- Procurement
- Eco-Efficiency
Environmental Achievements
- Reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 18% by the end of 2023 compared to the 2017 baseline.
- Sourced over 65% of electricity from renewable sources by the end of 2023.
Social Achievements
- Launched I-Safety campaign with 60 workshops and 500 participants to reinforce work safety awareness.
- Offered permanent positions to all apprentices after successful completion of their programs, with 78% accepting.
Governance Achievements
- Conducted a climate scenario analysis of physical risks to identify and assess potential impacts of climate change.
- Conducted a risk assessment of major raw materials and service providers according to the LkSG.
Climate Goals & Targets
- Become climate-neutral by the middle of the century at the latest.
- Reduce absolute CO2 emissions by 30% by the end of 2030 (base year 2017).
- Purchase 100% renewable electricity by 2030.
- Reduce energy consumption globally by 10% by 2025.
- Reduce absolute CO2 emissions by 18% by the end of 2025 (base year 2017).
Environmental Challenges
- Supply chain disruptions due to the global economic situation.
- Structural changes requiring reallocation of resources for some planned projects.
Mitigation Strategies
- Implemented a restructuring process to strengthen the company for the long term.
- Postponed some charitable projects to reallocate resources.
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: Over 95% of suppliers (based on volume and spending) hold ISO certifications.
Responsible Procurement
- Third Party Code of Conduct covering human rights aspects.
- Supplier evaluation tool for rating suppliers based on quality, safety, and environmental aspects.
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Not disclosed
Transition Risks
- Not disclosed
Opportunities
- Not disclosed
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI
Certifications: ISO 14001, ISO 9001, ISO 45001 (European and Asian sites), ISCC Plus (German sites and Amsterdam)
Awards & Recognition
- Caring for Texas Facility award (Bay City)
- Dr. Sam Mannan Award for Zero Process Safety Incidents (Bay City and Bishop)
- Zero Incident Award (Bay City)
- Outstanding Participation by a Member Company from Process Industry Practice (Bay City)
- Transportation Safety Pinnacle Award (Bay City)
- Product Stewardship Award (Bay City)