Environmental
Performance

At Kordsa, environmental protection is among the seven values underlying its strategy. The Company’s priority in all its activities and investments is to prevent environmental pollution through investing in clean technologies and waste management, reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, and use water efficiently.

Environmental Management Approach

At Kordsa we carry out our operations and projects with people and nature at the core.

Policies

OHSES (Occupational Health & Safety, Environment & Sustainability) Policy and ENPOL Energy management Policy.

Management Systems

In addition to the Türkiye site, which has already acquired the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System Certificate, our site in Indonesia received its certificate in 2017. Thailand and Brazil sites followed in 2019 and USA-Chattanooga site received its system certificate in 2019. The Türkiye site received the ISO 50001-2011 Energy Management System Certificate in 2015.

Team

We have 35 colleagues in OHSES Departments and 13 in the Energy Committee.

Measuring and Monitoring Mechanisms

ISO 14001 internal and external audits, TPM SHE Pillar Committee, Energy Monitoring System, and Kordsa internal audits.

Environmental Innovation

Environmental innovations include environmentally focused organizational practices and changes that bring varying degrees of innovation to companies' products, production processes, and marketing. As Kordsa, environmental innovations constitute an important part of our environmental management approach. In this context, many projects are carried out in our R&D and technology centers.  An example of this approach is the project given below.

Noise reduction in Tires by Advance Materials
Objective

The objective of this project is to develop and implement innovative solutions aimed at reducing the noise generated by tires, with a particular focus on their application in Electric Vehicles (EVs). This project will focus on the integration of sound proofing materials with an advanced adhesive properties in the tires to minimize environmental noise pollution.

Targeted Results and Gains:
  • Economic: Develop cost-effective sound proofing materials with easy application on the tire to replace current solutions.
  • Social: Help to create a quieter and more pleasant urban environment, improving the well-being of those in noisy areas. Improve the public perception of Electric Vehicles (EVs) by mitigating noise pollution, making EVs more appealing to consumers.
  • Environmental: Explore and promote the use of sustainable materials in noise absorption technologies, reducing the environmental footprint. Lower road noise pollution, promoting sustainability. Using advanced materials decreases tire weight, which results in lower fuel consumption and waste generation during both tire use and after-use phases.
  • Future Plans: Develop and implement noise absorption technology that can incorporate self-adhesive foams, alternative adhesive materials and optimizing their combinations for maximum noise reduction efficiency. Based on tire performance results, proceed with prototype-scale up and deployment phases.

The targets we set regarding materials management include:

  • Using materials efficiently
  • Producing the same quality product with less material
  • Enabling the reuse of materials if possible
  • Using, transporting, and disposing of materials so that their environmental impact is minimized
  • Improving materials handling systems
  • Enhancing warehouse organization
  • Conducting field audits of the contracts with suppliers
  • Improving the system established for just-in-time delivery of raw materials.

MOur commitment to manage impacts using materials and raw material is covered under the continuous improvement heading of our OHSES (Occupational Health & Safety, Environment & Sustainability) Policy published by Kordsa for all its sites. In addition to our investments in human resources to realize projects that will help us achieve these targets, we also plan on the development of special software and technological systems to monitor and review our targets.

ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE

The selection and efficient use of raw materials are among the indispensable elements for maintaining our company’s production. The expenditures for raw and other materials constitute about 61% of our total procurement.

One of our core strategies at Kordsa for reaching operational excellence involves ensuring high quality in products and services. Our materials management system, systematic approach, and policies play an important role in satisfying our customers and achieving our targets.

Our policy for materials management is our OHSES (Occupational Health & Safety, Environment & Sustainability) Policy. For monitoring waste, we use systems like EBA, QDMS, SAP and follow up on our performance monthly via our OPEX reports. Our targets vary across different product groups and processes.

The selection and efficient use of raw materials are among the indispensable elements for maintaining our company’s production. The expenditures for raw and other materials constitute about 61% of our total procurement.

One of our core strategies at Kordsa for reaching operational excellence involves ensuring high quality in products and services. Our materials management system, systematic approach, and policies play an important role in satisfying our customers and achieving our targets.

Our policy for materials management is our OHSES (Occupational Health & Safety, Environment & Sustainability) Policy. For monitoring waste, we use systems like EBA, QDMS, SAP and follow up on our performance monthly via our OPEX reports. Our targets vary across different product groups and processes.

With the aim of reducing energy costs, the Kordsa management supports projects for the efficient use of energy, and reduction of energy use per unit of production, provides the necessary budget, manpower and technology, and inspires its teams. Projects with proven success and payoff are encouraged and disseminated to other Kordsa sites. Comparisons are made across Kordsa sites for energy results and amounts of energy consumed. The teams working on energy efficiency projects are awarded at recognition events.

Kordsa sites act in line with energy regulations of the country they are located in. Whereas some countries oblige an Energy Management System to be installed, others have not set any legal targets for energy use or energy efficiency. Based on the ISO 50001 Energy Management System Certification, Kordsa Türkiye facilities are systematically audited internally and externally each year.

ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE

Energy is one of the main inputs of production. Among Kordsa’s strategic goals are achieving energy efficiency and reducing energy as targeted in OPEX.

Kordsa’s Energy Management Policy is approved by the Deputy General Manager of EMEA. This policy is applied in all Kordsa facilities and is developed by the Energy Committee in Türkiye in accordance with the ISO 50001 Energy Management System. The Policy is reviewed annually along with other policies. The Energy Committee aims to improve energy efficiency by at least 1% every year compared to the previous year.

The Deputy General Manager of EMEA and Energy Management representatives and leaders are responsible for energy management. The policies reflect on corporate strategic targets as well as country, site, unit, and individual targets. The effective and efficient use of energy is a continuous target. The Deputy General Manager of EMEA reviews energy efficiency results monthly alongside the site-specific business results.

Energy is one of the main inputs of production. Among Kordsa’s strategic goals are achieving energy efficiency and reducing energy as targeted in OPEX.

Kordsa’s Energy Management Policy is approved by the Deputy General Manager of EMEA. This policy is applied in all Kordsa facilities and is developed by the Energy Committee in Türkiye in accordance with the ISO 50001 Energy Management System. The Policy is reviewed annually along with other policies. The Energy Committee aims to improve energy efficiency by at least 1% every year compared to the previous year.

The Deputy General Manager of EMEA and Energy Management representatives and leaders are responsible for energy management. The policies reflect on corporate strategic targets as well as country, site, unit, and individual targets. The effective and efficient use of energy is a continuous target. The Deputy General Manager of EMEA reviews energy efficiency results monthly alongside the site-specific business results.

 In 2016, we started the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) Climate Change reporting.  
 In 2017, we completed direct emission (Scope 1) calculations in all facilities.
 In 2018, we began Scope 2 emission calculations.
 In 2019, we completed Scope 1 and Scope 2 emission calculations for 2018-2019 in all facilities. Three of our facilities, in Türkiye, USA-Chattanooga, and Indonesia, were subjected to external audit for our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.
 In 2020, we raised our CDP rating to A, placing us among Türkiye’s Climate Leaders. We reduced our Scope 1 and Scope 2 total emissions by 14% compared to 2019. Our three facilities in Türkiye, USA-Chattanooga and Indonesia were subjected to an external audit for Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. 

Axiom Materials Inc., Kordsa’s composite manufacturing subsidiary in Santa Ana California, was certified as the world’s first carbon neutral prepreg manufacturer in 2020.

To reduce the environmental impact caused by staff transportation, Kordsa started to use more environment friendly hybrid vehicles as of 2019. Currently, 30% of the company cars consist of hybrid cars. Kordsa encourages employees to use conference calls instead of traveling for business meetings.

ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE

Reduction of emissions, including greenhouse gas emissions  (GHGs), and combatting climate change are among Kordsa’s priorities. Our primary goal is to act in compliance with local regulations on greenhouse gas emissions in all countries we operate. We aim to reach net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest to limit global warming to 1.5°C.  In line with our net zero carbon target by 2050, Kordsa will increase its monitoring, measuring, and reducing practices in emissions management in the upcoming period. Both our near-term and long-term targets have been approved by the Science-Based Targets Initiative.  

Our near-term targets include;  To achieve 46.2% reduction in absolute scope 1&2 emissions by 2030 compared to the 2019 base year. For Scope 3 emissions, we commit that 64% of our supplier’s emissions covering Category 1, will have science-based targets that meet the latest SBTi criteria by 2027 and to reduce absolute Scope 3 Category 3 and Category 10 emissions by 25% by 2030 from a 2021 base year.  

Our long-term targets include; To achieve 90% reduction in absolute scope 1&2 emissions by 2050 compared to the 2019 base year. For scope 3 emissions, we commit to reduce absolute Scope 3 emissions from Category 1, Category 3, Category 4, Category 9 and  Category 10,  90% by 2050 from a 2021 base year.

Reduction of emissions, including greenhouse gas emissions  (GHGs), and combatting climate change are among Kordsa’s priorities. Our primary goal is to act in compliance with local regulations on greenhouse gas emissions in all countries we operate. We aim to reach net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest to limit global warming to 1.5°C.  In line with our net zero carbon target by 2050, Kordsa will increase its monitoring, measuring, and reducing practices in emissions management in the upcoming period. Both our near-term and long-term targets have been approved by the Science-Based Targets Initiative.  

Our near-term targets include;  To achieve 46.2% reduction in absolute scope 1&2 emissions by 2030 compared to the 2019 base year. For Scope 3 emissions, we commit that 64% of our supplier’s emissions covering Category 1, will have science-based targets that meet the latest SBTi criteria by 2027 and to reduce absolute Scope 3 Category 3 and Category 10 emissions by 25% by 2030 from a 2021 base year.  

Our long-term targets include; To achieve 90% reduction in absolute scope 1&2 emissions by 2050 compared to the 2019 base year. For scope 3 emissions, we commit to reduce absolute Scope 3 emissions from Category 1, Category 3, Category 4, Category 9 and  Category 10,  90% by 2050 from a 2021 base year.

Waste Management

The disposal, recovery, and reuse of production wastes and wastewater in Kordsa sites are among our regular activities as specified by law. We dispose of all waste in our sites through recycling, reclamation, landfill, incineration, and direct disposal per national regulations.

Our priorities include the reduction of hazardous waste, increased recovery rates, and creating reuse opportunities. All Kordsa sites segregate and record their waste as hazardous or non-hazardous in line with national regulations.

Our Occupational Health & Safety, Environment & Sustainability Policy includes our ongoing targets regarding the reduction of waste at its source, reuse or recovery of materials, and proper disposal of waste to protect human and environmental health.

The Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) department is responsible for the coordination and implementation of waste management. Waste management targets cover all targets, from strategic targets to individual targets, and are evaluated within the Kordsa Performance Evaluation System.

Water Management

Since establishing our first facility in Türkiye, we have conducted three Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): one in 2006 and another in 2010 after the capacity increases in our site. We conducted a third assessment due to the rise in production capacity in 2015. As the project area is in an industrial region, the report revealed that it does not negatively impact the environment.

After constructing a new facility in Indonesia, we also conducted an EIA on the Indonesian site in 2013. The report stated that no endangered species are at risk due to Kordsa’s production activities. Nevertheless, as all flora and fauna must be preserved, we moved about 110 trees outside the construction area and planted them in and around the site.

These reports clearly show that Kordsa does not have negative impacts on biodiversity, and although we did not have to take rapid actions concerning the conservation of biodiversity, we are committed to protecting biological diversity, and the sustainable use of biological resources, as stated in our OHSES (Occupational Health & Safety, Environment & Sustainability) Policy. Moreover, we also protect and preserve biodiversity by managing our discharge and waste in all our sites.

As none of our sites are adjacent to protected areas like national parks, wildlife parks, water resources, and areas of high biodiversity value, we did not need to involve NGOs or other conservation organizations in developing biodiversity action plans (BAPs) or other biodiversity conservation initiatives.

At our Thailand, Brazil, and all US sites, we do not have to conduct EIAs because they are located within industrial compounds.

Biodiversity Conservation

Since establishing our first facility in Türkiye, we have conducted three Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): one in 2006 and another in 2010 after the capacity increases in our site. We conducted a third assessment due to the rise in production capacity in 2015. As the project area is in an industrial region, the report revealed that it does not negatively impact the environment.

After constructing a new facility in Indonesia, we also conducted an EIA on the Indonesian site in 2013. The report stated that no endangered species are at risk due to Kordsa’s production activities. Nevertheless, as all flora and fauna must be preserved, we moved about 110 trees outside the construction area and planted them in and around the site.

These reports clearly show that Kordsa does not have negative impacts on biodiversity, and although we did not have to take rapid actions concerning the conservation of biodiversity, we are committed to protecting biological diversity, and the sustainable use of biological resources, as stated in our OHSES (Occupational Health & Safety, Environment & Sustainability) Policy. Moreover, we also protect and preserve biodiversity by managing our discharge and waste in all our sites.

As none of our sites are adjacent to protected areas like national parks, wildlife parks, water resources, and areas of high biodiversity value, we did not need to involve NGOs or other conservation organizations in developing biodiversity action plans (BAPs) or other biodiversity conservation initiatives.

At our Thailand, Brazil, and all US sites, we do not have to conduct EIAs because they are located within industrial compounds.