Assuming social responsibility
Lenzing assumes its social responsibility as a reliable “corporate citizen” – both locally and internationally. We make a major contribution to strengthening the economy of all the regions in which we operate and thus to the improvement of living conditions of the people.
A study carried out by GAW – Gesellschaft für Angewandte Wirtschaftsforschung KG (Austria) on the “Economic and Regional significance of the Lenzing Group in 2023, effects on value-added, income, and employment” confirmed yet again considerable effects resulting from our business:
We secures jobs and income in the regoins where we operate. Accordingly, every job directly created by us at our plants creates more than two additional jobs in other business sectors. This study can be found in the “Community engagement” focus paper.
For better opportunities
We are committed to sustainably improving the living conditions of the people. On the basis of our projects, we want to create opportunities, and at the same time preserve the environment and promote the education of people. Thus Lenzing supports social projects and environmental initiatives on a decentralized basis for many years.
Albania
In 2019, Lenzing started supporting the development of rural areas in Albania with the help of the Austrian Development Agency and the local community in the region of Shkoder (Ana e Malit) and Diber (Peshkopi). The goal is to restore 20 hectare of forest and fostering alternative & sustainable income sources for communities. The project is scheduled to run until the end of 2024. Until now, trees were planted, a tree nursery built, trainings in sustainable forest management, wildfire risks and safety were held for local inhabitants and the number of students at a local forestry school in Shkodra could be increased.
DR Congo
Lenzing supported the „Mai Ndombe REDD+“ project with a monetary donation in 2022, which is committed to protecting 300,000 hectares of rainforest on the west side of Lake Mai Ndombe in the Democratic Republic of Congo – a part of the world's second-largest intact rainforest and home to numerous wildlife species. The area is threatened by deforestation through legal and illegal logging. This endangers the livelihood of local communities and biodiversity. The Mai Ndombe REDD+ project advocates against the renewal of logging contracts in the area, helping to regenerate and promote biodiversity.
Lenzing was awarded an “AA” rating in the MSCI. In accordance with its commitment, the company has donated the 2024 MSCI/green bond savings to the following projects run by non-profit organizations to achieve forest conservation through social impact in DR Congo, Burundi and Tanzania. By fostering sustainable resource use, and improving agricultural productivity and livelihood of local people in three of the poorest countries, the projects contribute to SDGs 1, 2, 13, and 15—no poverty, zero hunger, climate action, and life on land.
Tansania
Lenzing supports the organization “Sustainable Agriculture Tanzania (SAT)” in partnership with the development organization ICEP. The project empowers small-scale farmers around Morogoro and Uluguru Mountains Nature Forest reserve by planting diverse trees, establishing food forests, spice farms, and agroforestry systems, boosting productivity, livelihoods, climate resilience, biodiversity, and soil conservation. SAT helps farmers set up community tree nurseries, working with local authorities for successful tree growth. The goal is to plant and grow at least 100,000 trees, fostering strong partnerships and environmental stewardship.
Burundi
Lenzing funds the "Contribution to reducing the utilization pressure on the natural ecosystem and to restoring the tree cover in the Ruvubu National Park" project from 2024 to 2026. The project, led by Caritas Graz-Seckau with ODAG-Caritas Gitega, focuses on controlling bushfires, reducing illegal logging and curbing poaching, while raising awareness. Training in sustainable farming, beekeeping, mushroom cultivation, and tree nurseries with native species help local families in Mutumba and Nyabikere diversify income and restore forest cover. The initiative benefits 800 smallholder families and impacts 20,000 people in nearby communities.
Photo credit: ODAG-Caritas Gitega
DR Congo
Lenzing sponsors the “Innovation for People” project by Caritas Upper Austria in the Democratic Republic of Congo, home to one of the world's largest forests. The initiative aims to reduce the carbon footprint, protect forests, and improve rural communities' lives. It promotes agroforestry practices, agricultural waste-based charcoal and energy-saving stoves, and other new ways to generate income for small-scale farmers, reducing wood harvesting and addressing the root causes of deforestation. Monthly radio programs and school campaigns raise awareness about environmental protection and sustainable practices.
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