Actions in Three Focus Areas: Climate, Resources, and People
A stated goal of Heraeus Precious Metals is carbon neutrality: by 2025, Heraeus Precious Metals will be carbon neutral for its own business activities and completely eliminate fossil fuel use by 2033. Emissions along its supply chain (Scope 3) are targeted to be reduced by 50% by 2033. Key levers for achieving net-zero include reducing energy consumption, transitioning to electrified processes, and sourcing 100% green energy.
As one of the world's largest recycler and refiner, the company promotes efficient and responsible resource management. Through recycling, precious metals can be kept in a continuous loop with a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to primary materials. Heraeus Precious Metals will invest approximately €300 million in expanding recycling capacities in Europe, Asia, and North America by 2026. Currently, 60% of the processed platinum group metals come from secondary sources, and the company aims to further increase their share.
The well-being and interests of employees are of high importance to Heraeus Precious Metals. Workplace safety plays a crucial role in this regard: the top priority is to ensure a healthy and safe working environment. This is achieved through a comprehensive management system for health and occupational safety as well as firmly established internal guidelines.
Other important components of the corporate culture are diversity, equity, and inclusion. To foster different perspectives and experiences, Heraeus Precious Metals has already set ambitious diversity targets in 2019: by 2025, the Global Management Team will consist of 40% women and 50% international employees. The company is already well on track, having surpassed its original goal of 35% female representation in the Global Management Team in 2021 and has therefore raised its target.
The company's commitment extends to the people in surrounding communities and along the value chain. Through close collaboration with its precious metal partners, Heraeus Precious Metals ensures compliance with social, environmental, and ethical standards, particularly regarding the protection of human rights. The company aligns with international industry standards and supplements them with its own, even more stringent, guidelines.
“Sustainability is not only relevant to our own business but extends throughout our entire value chain,” highlights Svea Scherleithner, Global Head of Sustainability at Heraeus Precious Metals. “Through partnerships with our suppliers and customers, we strive to propel positive change across the entire industry.”
The report is prepared in accordance with the standards of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). It is available exclusively in electronic form in English and can be downloaded here:
Sustainability Report 2022
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