Launched in 2000 by the then UN secretary-general Kofi Annan, the United Nations Global Compact is a global initiative for corporate social responsibility that sets out principles in the areas of human rights, labor standards, environmental protection and anti-corruption.
Today the Global Compact boasts over 8,000 signatories from 135 countries; Germany’s Lanxess has now added its name to this list.
“We are delighted to now belong to the group of signatories that are promoting the sustainability of the global economy through their entrepreneurial responsibility,” said Axel Heitmann, chairman of the Lanxess AG board of management. Heitmann added that Lanxess has set itself clear targets for climate protection, among other areas. Between 2007 and 2009, the specialty chemicals company cut its direct greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50%. The set target of an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2007 levels, initially to be met by 2012, was achieved in 2009.
Now the company says it is going a step further and aims to deliver a 10% reduction in specific CO2 emissions and specific energy consumption for each of its business segments by 2015. Moreover, its global emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are also to be cut by 30% by 2015. "These measures will help us remain competitive in the global market in the long term," Heitmann continued. (Tyres & Accessories)
