Sustainability targets

An example of Lenzing’s contribution to SDG 1 is the social impact project in Albania in cooperation with the Austrian Development Agency (ADA). This project aims to support the development of certain rural areas based on the sustainable use of natural resources, and to open up alternative sources of income for the communities involved.

Lenzing makes an internal health care system available to its employees at all production sites. This is designed to complement the local health systems. Together with regional medical partners, we also offer a diagnosis and therapy service tailored to the local needs and the size of the production sites.

Lenzing has a dedicated sustainability team whose tasks include promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion within and outside of Lenzing. Various measures are being taken, such as diversity staff trainings and the introduction of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). Additionally, there are separate sustainability goals aimed at “Empowering People”.

Wherever Lenzing can make an impact, attempts are made to contribute to the sustainable use of water. We have defined the goal of reducing our specific wastewater emissions by 20 percent (starting point: 2014). Investments are being made in infrastructure improvement measures in the field of wastewater treatment as a means of achieving this target.

The improvement of energy efficiency, the use of energy conversion technologies for heat and electricity, renewable fuels, the changeover from coal to natural gas and its biorefinery concept enables Lenzing to contribute to SDG 7.

The Lenzing Group is making an important contribution towards strengthening the economy in the regions in which it operates. Our business activities have measurable socioeconomic effects. Every job in the Lenzing Group creates more than two additional jobs in other sectors of the economy. On balance, the Lenzing Group creates more than 25,000 jobs around the world.

Innovation and sustainability are fundamental values of the Lenzing Group. From the very beginning, every innovation is assessed with respect to sustainability. Our innovations include numerous ongoing improvements in existing technologies and processes as well as the promotion of systematic change with the help of future-oriented solutions and business models.

In the Policy on Human Rights and Labor Standards, Lenzing commits to upholding and supporting fundamental labor principles, including protection against discrimination, harassment and inhumane treatment. Lenzing continuously challenges its own practises as well as those of its value chain partners.

Lenzing has been operating on the Indonesian island of Java for more than three decades via its subsidiary PT. South Pacific Viscose in Purwakarta. In all these years, Lenzing has not only established itself as an important employer,but has also gained societal acceptance by supporting a wide range of local social activities. For more information please see the “Community engagement“ focus paper.

We ensure sustainable production thanks to responsible procurement and the efficient use of the raw material wood e.g. based on the implementation of the biorefinery concepts in Lenzing,  Paskov and Indianópolis. Moreover, recycling technologies are integrated into the production process. Thinking in terms of life cycles and partnerships contributes to more sustainable consumption patterns.

In line with the Paris Agreement (1.5°C target), the Lenzing Group set ambitious science-based targets (SBTs) for reducing absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in scope 1 and 2 by 42 percent and in scope 3 by 25 percent until 2030 (baseline 2021) and aims to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. Based on technical feasibility, Lenzing deploys different levers to reduce scope 1 and 2 emissions.

Microplastics comprise an environmental burden on inland waters and oceans. Thanks to its fibers produced from wood along with a sustainable production process, Lenzing ensures that its fibers are compostable and biodegradable and thus do not aggravate the problem of plastic pollution.

The company contributes to SDG 15 thanks to its longstanding practice of sustainable procurement, especially with respect to the main raw material wood. Lenzing strictly adheres to its Wood & Pulp Policy and only procures wood from sustainably managed forests and plantations. Furthermore, Lenzing initiated a reforestation and forest preservation project in Albania.

Lenzing is committed to ethical business practices, community engagement and human rights advocacy. Compliance at Lenzing not only stands for compliance with legal regulations and regulatory standards. An online-based whistleblower system is designed to empower not only our employees but also customers, suppliers, and other third parties around the world to voice their concerns. This platform allows individuals to report issues such as corruption, bribery, conflicts of interests, antitrust violations, and breaches of capital market law.

We are convinced that complex global challenges require a cooperation approach. For this reason, the Lenzing Group regularly exchanges views with a large number of stakeholders and business partners along the value chain, in order to further raise standards with respect to sustainability in the textile and nonwovens industry.