Actions and Ambitious Targets for Sustainable Development

Set goals. Measure success. At Bostik, the adhesives solutions division of Arkema, we take this approach seriously. We recognise that having specific and attainable objectives is important to fulfilling our corporate social responsibility (CSR). These targets help keep us on track to add value for our customers, the industry, and world.

Like many companies, Arkema has chosen to align our strategy and objectives with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations. Of these, Bostik (including the hygiene adhesives unit) is focused primarily on:

Our progress in these categories comes from the careful planning and execution in multiple initiatives. We believe that each is part of being a good corporate citizen and a dedicated partner for our customers and their consumers.

Reducing greenhouse gasses, VOCs, and other forms of pollution

Bostik is playing an active role in helping Arkema achieve the following reductions by 2030, as compared to 2015 values.

• Climate: 38% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
• Water: 60% reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD) emissions
• Air: 65% reduction in volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions
• Energy: 20% reduction in net energy purchases

In 2020—that is after just 5 years—Arkema was already halfway (and in some cases much closer) to achieving their targets in each of these four categories.

Embracing the circular economy for better product lifecycles

The scarcity of natural resources and the increasing environmental impact of human activities is well documented. In response, we are working to help you reduce negative impacts throughout the lifecycle of your disposable hygiene products. In 2021, Bostik Nonwovens released the first two products in our Nuplaviva™ series of renewably sourced adhesives for disposable hygiene. These construction adhesive solutions are formulated with 50% and 75% bio-based content respectively. They also support the use of more eco-friendly materials in diapers, pads, and other single-use products.

Adopting a more circular model also starts in our own operations. Where possible, we are working to limit waste and recover by-products generated by our industrial process through actions and projects directed at:

• Reducing consumption of raw materials
• Reducing the use of packaging (upstream and downstream)
• Carefully sorting and preparing waste to ensure the best possible treatment process

Embracing these changes is not just about doing our part. We are also contributing to a more sustainable lifecycle for the disposable hygiene articles produced by our customers.
 

Targets supporting good health and well-being

Creating a healthy and safe working environment for all stakeholders is another area of focus at Bostik. One of our targets was to lower total recorded incident rate (TRIR¹) to 1,0 by 2030—a goal we achieved in 2020. Because of this, we revised our target to a more ambitious level. 

At the same time, our diversity objectives were also reviewed and raised. Because of our geographic expansion across the globe, more ambitious targets were set for 2030. 

Enabling sustainable cities and communities

Another aspect of our commitment to CSR is working to benefit health and quality of life beyond our walls. Arkema’s Common Ground initiative actively encourages local dialogue and exchange with stakeholders in our host cities and countries. The goal is to develop a greater mutual understanding in the pursuit of common goals. In addition, we encourage the participation of our employees in local renewal efforts. 

Set goals. Measure success. At Bostik, being a good corporate citizen isn’t just about what we say. It is a path we walk, every day.

To learn more about what Bostik and Arkema are doing to set and achieve our CSR goals, and to see our corporate year-over-year progress, read Strong commitments, with indicators and objectives.

¹Calculated as incidents per million hours worked.