At Clariant, we are committed to protecting vital resources such as water, while continuously reducing emissions to air, preventing waste, and safeguarding soil health. This commitment to environmental sustainability is both a strategic priority and an ethical obligation, guiding how we operate our plants safely, efficiently, and with responsible resource use.
To turn this commitment into action, we invest significantly in infrastructure upgrades, the processing of renewable raw materials, and advanced wastewater treatment technologies. These efforts are supported by green bonds and other sustainable financing tools, with a dedicated Capex tracking system ensuring transparency and accountability.
Even as external challenges arise, our focus remains clear: to achieve zero pollution, minimize waste, and promote circularity in alignment with our environmental targets.
Ourenvironmentaltargets
Clariant has set itself more sustainable operations targets for the 2019–2030 period, measured by impact per ton of production:
- 20%
water intake
- 25%
waste water
100%
of sites in areas of high water stress with advanced water management
- 40%
landfilled non-hazardous waste
- 25%
hazardous waste
- 30%
nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions
Waterwithdrawalandintake
Clariant is advancing toward sustainable water management across all its global production sites. We are committed to reducing total water withdrawn from the environment by setting a specific target on water intake reduction. This target encompasses all water withdrawn, excluding only uncontaminated cooling water that is returned to the environment. By focusing on the net intake, we ensure greater accuracy in tracking actual water consumption and reinforce our commitment to meaningful and measurable reductions.
Leadership in this area is further demonstrated through advanced water management practices, especially at sites located in water-stressed regions. These include the integration of water-efficient technologies, closed-loop systems, and infrastructure upgrades to maximize reuse and minimize demand. Our commitment to innovation and risk-based planning makes us a frontrunner in sustainable water use, ensuring long-term resource resilience while supporting the well-being of local ecosystems.
Waterpollution
Our strategy also centers on reducing both the volume and impact of wastewater discharged from its operations. We integrate environmental safeguards into every stage of production, ensuring discharged water meets stringent quality standards. These efforts are reinforced by long-term targets to cut pollutant loads and promote cleaner operations, particularly at facilities in water-sensitive regions.
Clariant leads by example through the adoption of advanced treatment systems, water recirculation loops, and process innovations that minimize waste and maximize recovery. Beyond regulatory compliance, we collaborate with local communities and stakeholders to strengthen water quality stewardship. This proactive, science-based approach reflects our role as a responsible environmental leader, driving progress toward a future of cleaner, safer water systems.
Waste
We are committed to reducing waste, enhancing resource efficiency, and promoting a circular economy. Through sustainable sourcing, optimized production processes, and responsible waste management, we minimize our environmental footprint while maximizing resource recovery. Key initiatives include recycling and reusing materials within production cycles, repurposing non-reusable waste, and partnering with local waste management providers. Additionally, Clariant actively supports customers in responsibly handling spent catalysts and continues to explore innovative solutions through its Circular Solution and EcoCircle platforms.
Emissions
Clariant continuously steers emission reduction in its operations. The company targets ambitious intensity reductions for important air pollutant emissions, namely nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.
Nitrogen oxide emissions contribute to the formation of smog, ground-level ozone, acid rain, and other hazards. The effect is significant and harmful to the environment, wildlife and human health. Combustion of fossil fuels is by far the dominant source of NOx emissions and a few production processes. Therefore, Clariant continuously reduces fossil fuel use through energy efficiency measures and the transition to renewable energy sources. Learn more about our climate targets.
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