Lenzing AG
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2023)
Reporting Period: 2023
Environmental Metrics
Total Carbon Emissions:2.77 million tons CO2e (Scope 1, 2 & 3)
Scope 1 Emissions:1.00 million tons CO2e
Scope 2 Emissions:0.34 million tons CO2e
Scope 3 Emissions:1.43 million tons CO2e
Total Energy Consumption:60.89 Million GJ
Water Consumption:118,793 Megaliters (total withdrawal)
Carbon Intensity:1.88 tons CO2e per ton of fiber & pulp sold (2023)
ESG Focus Areas
- Circular economy & resources
- Climate & energy
- Responsible wood procurement
- Biodiversity & ecosystems
- Sustainable innovations & products
- Health & safety
- Human rights & fair labor practices
- Business ethics
- Digitalization & cyber security
Environmental Achievements
- Successfully completed modernization and conversion of the Purwakarta (Indonesia) site, significantly reducing emissions and achieving EU Ecolabel certification.
- Successfully converted a production line in Nanjing (China) to TENCEL™ branded modal fibers.
- Launched LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers with REFIBRA™ technology, containing up to 20% post-consumer textile waste.
- Acquired a biomass power plant to supply the Heiligenkreuz site, increasing energy independence and reducing carbon emissions.
- Achieved a 40% reduction in specific GHG emissions per ton of pulp and fiber sold (baseline 2017).
Social Achievements
- Published a Global Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) policy with training for all employees.
- Initiated two employee resource groups (ERGs) to promote gender equality and multiculturalism.
- Supported numerous social projects for local communities near Lenzing sites.
Governance Achievements
- Established an ESG Committee within the Supervisory Board to oversee non-financial reporting and strategic ESG issues.
- Linked executive compensation to both financial and non-financial sustainability criteria (ESG).
Climate Goals & Targets
Long-term Goals:
- Achieve at least a 90% reduction in absolute GHG emissions (scopes 1, 2, and 3) by 2050 (baseline 2021).
Medium-term Goals:
- Offer viscose, modal, and lyocell staple fibers with up to 50% post-consumer recycled content on a commercial scale by 2025.
- Reduce scope 1 and 2 absolute GHG emissions by 42% and scope 3 absolute GHG emissions by 25% until 2030 (baseline 2021).
Short-term Goals:
- Improve Lenzing Group’s specific wastewater emissions (COD) by 20% by 2024 (baseline 2014).
- Achieve 'aspirational' MMCF level for ZDHC wastewater and air emission guidelines at Lenzing viscose facilities by 2026.
- Achieve 'aspirational' MMCF level for ZDHC wastewater and responsible production guidelines at Lenzing lyocell facilities by 2028.
- Implement and annually update the Facility Environmental Module (FEM) in all pulp and fiber production facilities by 2024.
Environmental Challenges
- Continued low demand for cellulosic fibers and lower prices.
- Continued sharp increase in raw material and energy costs.
- Geopolitical tensions and devastating natural disasters impacting economic activity.
- Slower than expected market recovery.
- Risks of wood unavailability due to forest degradation.
- Reputational risk in the textile sector.
- Chronic physical climate risks (extreme weather, water scarcity).
- Increased biomass costs.
- Potential regulatory, technology, market and corporate reputational risks.
Mitigation Strategies
- Implemented a reorganization and cost reduction program.
- Strengthened balance sheet and liquidity positions through a capital increase and debt term extensions.
- Launched a comprehensive performance program focused on free cash flow, revenue growth, and sustainable cost excellence.
- Modernized and converted production sites in Indonesia and China to increase efficiency and reduce emissions.
- Acquired a biomass power plant and sourced green electricity from renewable sources.
- Implemented a Safe Supply project for alternative sourcing strategies.
- Developed flood protection and evacuation plans.
- Implemented measures for water efficiency, reuse, recycling, and conservation.
- Embarked on an ambitious growth strategy focused on sustainable and premium fibers.
- Proactively disclosed information on business practices and environmental footprint.
- Updated science-based targets (SBTs) to align with a 1.5°C scenario.
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: 40% of spend covered by EcoVadis, Together for Sustainability audits, or internal assessments.
Responsible Procurement
- Global Code of Conduct for Suppliers
- Sustainability clauses in supply agreements with key chemical suppliers.
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Extreme weather events
- Water scarcity
- Forest fires
- Pest outbreaks
- Droughts
Transition Risks
- Emerging regulations on carbon pricing
- Increased biomass costs
- Reputational risk in the textile sector
Opportunities
- Increased demand for low-emission products
- Decarbonization strategy de-risks operations
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI, ESRS
Certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, EU Ecolabel
Third-party Assurance: KPMG Austria GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungs- und Steuerberatungsgesellschaft
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Goal 1
- Goal 3
- Goal 5
- Goal 6
- Goal 7
- Goal 8
- Goal 9
- Goal 10
- Goal 11
- Goal 12
- Goal 13
- Goal 14
- Goal 15
- Goal 17
Lenzing's initiatives contribute to these SDGs through sustainable production practices, responsible sourcing, biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, social programs, and stakeholder engagement.
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers with REFIBRA™ technology
- LENZING™ Lyocell Dry fibers
- TENCEL™ LUXE filaments
- Glacier protection fleece
Awards & Recognition
- CDP triple "A" rating
- MSCI ESG rating of "AA"
- Canopy "Dark Green" shirt
- EcoVadis Platinum status
- ITMF Award
- Swiss BIO TOP award
- Austrian Sustainability Reporting Award