Showing foresight

Becoming fully circular

Global CO₂ emissions continue to rise,¹ accompanied by floods, forest fires and droughts. At the same time, the earth’s natural assets are being exhausted and its environment polluted. Humanity uses about 60 percent more of the planet’s resources than it can regenerate every year,² and a third of the more than two billion tons of waste is not managed properly.³ It is about time for a change. The good news is that an increasing number of nations want to become climate-neutral; many ideas and technological solutions are on the table.

Circular Economy is key

“But we need more: a great idea that unites politics, society and the economy,” says Covestro CEO Dr. Markus Steilemann. “This is what the circular economy offers – as a key to climate neutrality, resource conservation and environmental protection.” Covestro wants to help make circularity in the chemical industry and beyond a global guiding principle and aims to become fully circular itself in the long term: with circular products for which there is an increasing demand and by switching production to renewable raw materials, green electricity and innovative recycling.

(Sources: ¹ Global Carbon Project; ² Global Footprint Network; ³ World Bank)

Becoming the best of who we are

When it comes to finding answers to the most pressing problems of our time, chemical companies like Covestro have a crucial role to play. Climate change, a growing world population and new forms of mobility and urbanization – all of these are challenges that we are meeting with our sustainable solutions. In order to be able to use our full potential for this purpose, we are positioning ourselves optimally.

“SUSTAINABLE FUTURE”

This journey has already started for Covestro. With our vision to become fully circular, we have a clear goal in mind. The key course has been set through our new strategy Sustainable Future. In 2021, we already reached a central milestone of our strategy’s first chapter: “Become the best of who we are.” We have reorganized our Group structure, enabling us to move even closer to our customers, better meet their needs and achieve sustainable growth together. Overall, we are becoming more digital, more efficient and more competitive. This optimal setup brings us another step closer to our vision of the circular economy.

A strong foundation

To become fully circular and grow sustainably, you need one thing more than anything else: a strong foundation. With curiosity and different perspectives, we drive innovation and progress. That is why Covestro relies on a diverse workforce in which people come together regardless of age, origin, religion, gender or sexual orientation. Nevertheless, they all have one thing in common: safety.

At Covestro, safety is an all-encompassing concept. In addition to plants and production processes, the focus is above all on employees. After all, safety requires a corporate culture in which people approach each other, pay attention, communicate openly and treat each other with respect.

“WE ARE 1”

Team Resource Management (TRM) training, which Covestro implements at all production sites worldwide, provides valuable support in this regard. Under the guidance of instructors with experience in TRM, our teams use simulations to learn how the human factor influences safety. This is complemented by practical tools to ensure smooth interaction and improve communication within the teams.

In this way, we strengthen our “We Are 1” culture, in which team thinking and mutual appreciation are paramount – and where safety is anchored as the foundation of our business.