We recognize our responsibility as part of the value chain to manufacture our products as sustainably as possible, while simultaneously innovating more sustainable approaches. We understand there are many complex and interconnected paths to sustainability, and our products play an integral role. Every day, we investigate new sustainable raw materials, processes, technologies, and partners in order to deliver the most innovative solutions. We are committed to the journey of sustainability – as a business partner, employer, community member, environmental steward, and value creator for our stakeholders.
Alignment with UN Sustainability Development Goals
In 2015, the United Nations created a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which promote a global partnership to improve health and education, reduce inequality and stimulate economic growth - all while addressing climate change and working to preserve our environment.
Teknor Apex's sustainability initiatives support many of these goals, including:
Good Health and Well-Being:
Ensure safety remains the core of our operations.
Clean Water and Sanitation:
Ensure responsible use and cleanliness of the water and enable access to clean water.
Responsible Consumption and Production:
Ensure sustainable consumption of natural resources while producing more sustainable products.
Climate Action:
Ensure continued reduction of reliance on non-renewable resources.
Our Commitment to Safety
The health and safety of our employees, contractors and the communities where we operate are paramount to Teknor Apex’s corporate values of being accountable for our actions, acting with integrity, respecting our people and creating innovative solutions. In the past year Teknor Apex has reduced the Total Reportable Incident Rate (TRIR) by 27%. The current TRIR average of 1.18 is less than 50% of the industry average of 2.4*.
*Based on the year 2021 US Bureau of Labor Statistics (NAICS code is 325991) https://www.bls.gov/web/osh/summ1_00.htm
Responsible Consumption of Energy & Decreased Reliance on Non-Renewable Resources
At Teknor Apex we aim to increase energy efficiency by reducing electricity intensity and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity. An internal Global Energy Team has been established, focusing on reducing the amount of electricity consumed by our plants, while continuously seeking opportunities to use clean energy sources to reduce the environmental impact associated with these emissions. In 2021, the company reduced its electricity intensity (kWh/MM lbs. produced) by 6% and reduced GHG emissions by 5% versus the prior year. Our on-site Renewable Energy Sources as percent of total electricity Use (%) has increased to 5.87% (versus 0.6% in 2020).
Ensure Responsible Use and Cleanliness of Water
Teknor Apex aims to decrease water consumption by both reducing usage and recycling. We track Water Use Intensity (MM gal per MM lbs. production) for all 13 plants worldwide. Several sites reduced their water consumption by 40% or more in 2021!
Operation Clean Sweep
Teknor Apex has partnered with Operation Clean Sweep®, an international program designed to prevent pellets, flakes, and powder from entering our marine environment. We joined OCS in 2020, and currently 9 of our 13 plants have implemented the program. The goal is complete implementation at all Teknor Apex sites by 2024.
Ensure Responsible Production through Waste Reduction and Diversion
We have increased our diversion goal in 2023 and aim to divert at least 85% of waste from landfills by reusing, recycling and incinerating waste as fuel. In 2022, 81% of all waste was diverted from landfills, which totaled over 20,000 metric tons!
Sustainable Solutions
When it comes to the use of plastics, environmental sustainability is defined differently in every industry, and these definitions are still evolving. At Teknor Apex, we understand that there isn’t one standard solution that can address everyone’s sustainability goals and we’re continuously working to deliver more options for our customers. As a custom compounder, our role is integral to the value chain, taking sustainable raw materials and developing high-value solutions which meet end-use performance requirements. In addition, we partner with our clients to develop more sustainable products by providing engineering support for more efficient processes or introducing new technologies and recycling solutions.
Here are some examples of how Teknor Apex products enable sustainability:
Collaborators
