Kolon Industries Publishes Sustainability Management Report

Cover of Kolon Industries' '2023 Sustainability Management Report'. Photo by Kolon Industries

Kolon Industries announced on the 26th that it has published the "2023 Sustainability Management Report," which includes last year's ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) activity achievements and mid-to-long-term plans.

The report emphasizes efforts and achievements in carbon reduction and safety and health management. It details greenhouse gas reduction, strengthening safety and health management, establishing and internalizing climate change response systems, among other topics.

Kolon Industries is undertaking various activities aiming for Net Zero (carbon neutrality) by 2047. Through measures such as ▲utilizing waste heat steam (waste energy) in production processes ▲using biogas instead of fossil fuels ▲expanding wastewater reuse ▲reducing waste through improved waste treatment processes, the company reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 10% compared to the previous year based on the statement. This year, building on these activities, it plans to progressively implement Scope-specific carbon neutrality roadmaps aligned with the global initiative 'SBTi' (Science Based Targets initiative) guidelines for greenhouse gas reduction targets.

The company also reorganized its company-wide safety and health management system. The chemical hazard assessments, previously conducted at some business sites, have been expanded to all sites, and the company-wide safety rules, SGR (Safety Golden Rules), have been reselected focusing on essential items directly linked to major accidents. Additionally, to promote a culture of safety communication, TBM (Tool Box Meeting) has been introduced as a company-wide system. TBM (Tool Box Meeting) is a safety inspection meeting where all workers gather before work to discuss the work content and safe working methods.

Moreover, this year, an ESG Management Center directly under the CEO was newly established. It plans to efficiently manage existing ESG tasks in an integrated manner and proactively respond to the demands of various stakeholders and climate change.

Kim Young-beom, CEO of Kolon Industries, said, "We are making efforts across all business areas to lay the foundation for sustainable growth," adding, "We will continue to strictly adhere to the basic principles to become a company that customers can trust."

Meanwhile, Kolon Industries received the 'Gold' rating for the fourth consecutive year this year from EcoVadis, a leading global survey organization evaluating corporate sustainability. The Gold rating is awarded to only the top 5% of all evaluated companies.