Outside of the operational aspects of the vehicle itself, there are many questions related to sustainability that must be addressed. For instance, how sustainable is the production of parts and components that go into engineering those vehicles? The answer is dependent on the individual supplier’s approach to true sustainable practices. For Datwyler, advancing sustainability has been a proactive strategic priority in the past years.
Datwyler’s ESG landscape with 12 focus topics
In our sustainability report for 2021, we outline the concrete achievements relating to our 12 ESG focus topics for enhanced sustainability. We approach all of them in a targeted manner with interdisciplinary project teams. This way, we are anchoring the various aspects of sustainability in our organization.
Climate-neutral operations 2030
Science Based Targets
Eco-design
Lifecycle thinking, sustainable products
Resource-friendly production
Waste, water, materials
Sustainable Procurement
ESG compliant processes, sustainable solutions through supplier base
Employer of choice
Employee commitment & satisfaction, employer branding, diversity & inclusion
Value-driven engagement with customers
Interactions, collaboration, positive social impact
Safe and healthy workforce
Engagement for sustainability
Volunteering for activities for company, customers, society
Transparency
Reporting, standards, ratings
Compliance and ethics
Human rights, Code of Conduct, policies, proactive chemical compliance
Diversity of the BoD and Executive Management
Commitment
Budget & resources, principles, memberships, remuneration
Reduction of relative CO2 emissions
within the last five years
Examples relating to environmental elements specifically include water consumption, which has been reduced by some 30% over the past six years, and the switching of several plants to electricity from renewable sources. Accordingly, CO2 emissions (scope 1 + 2) per unit of sales have been reduced for the fourth year in a row, by 14.2% compared to 2020.
Ecodesign considers environmental aspects at all stages of the product development process
We have set ourselves the goal of achieving climate neutral operations by 2030, following the 1.5°C reduction path defined by the Science based Targets initiative (SBTi). Also, it is our aim that all new product developments will include our Ecodesign check by 2023.
The European Environment Agency defines Ecodesign as the integration of environmental aspects into the product development process, by balancing ecological, social and economic requirements. It considers environmental aspects at all stages of the product development process, striving for products which make the lowest possible environmental impact throughout the product life cycle.
Datwyler’s four strategic priorities of which one is to advance sustainability
In addition, we believe that true Ecodesign is the science and process to understand and address the major impacts of a product throughout its lifespan, from raw materials to end-of-life, focusing therefore not only on manufacturing, but covering a wide range of parameters that can be analyzed and optimized – for example greenhouse gases, energy, toxicity, water etc.
Implementing Ecodesign principles requires both technical and organizational know-how – and done correctly, it can represent an entirely new way of thinking.
Our customers benefit from our future-oriented eco-design, in which particularly safe and sustainable elastomer compounds are used in their products, and costly reformulations of elastomer compounds are highly unlikely, even in the long term.
These sustainability initiatives, and many more, are always ongoing as part of our dedication to continuous improvement and sustainability as a strategic direction.
Recently our performance was recognized by the globally renowned rating agency EcoVadis - with the silver award for the fourth time in a row. This places Datwyler in the top 15% of more than 90,000 companies from 160 countries rated by EcoVadis. Further, we have been a member of the UN Global Compact since 2009 and are part of the two SPI ESG shares indices of the Swiss stock exchange (SIX).
For more in-depth information on our approach to sustainability, read our 2021 Sustainability Report.
Mobility 
Sustainability