For over a century, Kraton has been a pioneer in sustainable innovation. Our enduring legacy is marked by solutions that improve quality of life, protect the environment, and help our customers achieve their goals sustainably. Reflecting on 2023, I am proud to share Kraton’s continued commitment to sustainability, which remains a cornerstone of our long-term success and operational integrity. As we navigate a complex world, Kraton has consistently prioritized innovative solutions that drive value for our stakeholders while addressing our planet’s urgent challenges.
Our sustainability strategy—focused on Preserving the Planet, Building Reliable Partnerships, and Empowering People—embodies our corporate vision of creating innovative solutions for a sustainable tomorrow.
This strategy, along with our vision and values, defines our purpose and guides our sustainability outlook.
Preserving Planet
In 2023, we made substantial advancements in reducing our environmental footprint and conserving resources.
We aim to reduce Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions intensity by 20% and water withdrawal and waste intensity by 10% by 2030 compared to the 2020 baseline year.
We are progressing toward these targets by minimizing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, improving energy efficiency, and managing waste and water resources sustainably. For example, our investment in new machinery at our Belpre, Ohio facility reduced carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 60,000 MTCOÇ. Additionally, we significantly reduced our Scope 2 emissions by transitioning to fossil-free energy for our Scandinavian plants, resulting in an estimated reduction of 18,000 tonnes of COÇ equivalent compared to 2022. These initiatives demonstrate our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and our leadership in the fight against climate change.
Building Reliable Partnerships
Since our inception, we’ve been committed to developing sustainable solutions that help our customers reduce environmental impact throughout the product lifecycle, from designing for recyclability to enabling biobased alternatives to fossil-based products. This year, we enhanced transparency and accountability across our supply chain, ensuring our partners adhere to the highest environmental and social responsibility standards. By fostering these reliable partnerships, we support our customers’ sustainability journeys while reinforcing our commitment to ethical business practices and innovation.
Our commitment to sustainable procurement was recognized with the prestigious 2023 Henkel Adhesive Technologies Supplier Award in the Sustainability category, highlighting our efforts to increase our customers’ sustainability performance.
Empowering People
Kraton is dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive workplace where every employee can thrive. This year, we made significant progress in promoting diversity and inclusion, with 56% of our new hires being diverse, in addition to enhancing employee well-being and professional development. Our commitment to social responsibility extends beyond our workforce to the communities around us. We have strengthened our community relationships through various initiatives, supporting education, sustainability, and leadership programs that make a positive difference in people’s lives.
As we move forward, our commitment to sustainability remains unwavering. In 2024, we will continue to collaborate with our partners to achieve sustainability goals and create lasting value for our stakeholders. Together, with the support of our dedicated team, customers, and partners, we look forward to a future where sustainability and innovation drive continued growth and success. Thank you for joining us on this transformative journey.
Marcello