CLIMATE PROTECTION

The production of color pigments and anti-corrosive pigments is energy intensive in part. Drying and calcination processes for the production of inorganic color pigments and anti-corrosive pigments consume the most energy. For this reason, we work continually on production and process technology innovations to reduce the use of energy and cut emissions. Our materiality matrix reflects the importance of climate protection to us and our stakeholder groups. Energy efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions are classified as “highly material“.

We have been working with an energy management system according to DIN ISO 50001 at the Langelsheim site since 2013. Our progress is reviewed and potential improvements are identified in annual audits. The Energy Team discusses the progress of projects in regular meetings. This team is comprised of employees from Plant Engineering, Production, Controlling, the Environmental Officer, and company management. They evaluate and review the options and measures for the best possible use of energy to ensure the effectiveness of the energy management system. Heubach USA will be reviewing the introduction of an energy management system during the next reporting period. According to our energy strategy developed at the Langelsheim site in 2020, energy efficiency in production is to be improved by 2 percent by 2024 based on technical innovations. The planned measures are intended to generate energy savings of approx. 250 MWh/a.

Digital energy metering is being implemented and will make consumption more transparent in the future. This will allow us to identify additional savings potential in a timely manner. We are also optimizing drying processes, for example, by improving the insulation and air flow routing of existing systems and using waste heat for processes or heating purposes. During the reporting period, we already replaced most of the lighting in the office and production buildings in Langelsheim and the US with energy-saving LED bulbs. This project will continue in 2021 and 2022. Energy consumption in the warehouse was also reduced in the US. For example, gas-powered lift trucks were converted to electric drives, and unused loading doors were permanently sealed to minimize heating energy losses. Aside from technical measures, employee behavior has a significant influence on energy consumption. To raise awareness of this topic among all employees, the voluntary commitment to energy efficiency has been officially included in the list of company objectives. An information campaign to promote energy-efficient behavior is also planned for the Langelsheim site. We will be reviewing ways of transferring this campaign to other sites in a second phase of the project.