Product Portfolio Assessment
Analysis of our product portfolio from a sustainability perspective
Effective sustainable action requires that we know the effects of our entrepreneurial activities as precisely as possible. We have created a strategic management tool with a specially-developed evaluation system that allows us to systematically evaluate and improve the sustainability performance of our product portfolio with consideration for the economic, ecological and social impacts.
The continuously optimized system analyzes the effects and benefits of our products on the basis of criteria that we consider relevant for LANXESS and society as a whole.
Based on this catalogue of criteria, we annually evaluate our entire product portfolio - with subsequent review by an internal committee of experts. The results show us which of our products meet the defined sustainability requirements and contribute to solving key global sustainability challenges.
By 2020, LANXESS aims to replace the APEO-categorized dispersants in its formulations and will offer newly-formulated products based on APEO-free dispersant systems. Substances belonging to the alkylphenol ethoxilate (APEO) class are widely used as technical dispersants in water-based compositions, with nonylphenol ethoxilates acting as endocrine disruptors.
By improving its line of high-purity polyurethane prepolymers, known as low-free products, the LANXESS Urethane Systems business unit has once again demonstrated its global technological leadership. Using the new products with a very low residual monomer content greatly reduces worker exposure to potentially carcinogenic substances. This product line also improves process capabilities and product quality, making it suitable for even the most demanding applications, such as applications in the tire, casting and adhesives industries.
LANXESS recently joined the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Group "Roadmap to Zero Program”, an association of more than 80 companies within the world's largest initiative for sustainability in the textile and apparel industry. The ZDHC program takes a holistic approach to reducing the use of hazardous substances across the global textile, leather and footwear value chain. Established in 2011, the ZDHC Foundation aims to improve sustainability and chemical management. The ZDHC Gateway - Chemical Module is the first compatible ZDHC data exchange platform that enables chemical substance and formulation manufacturers to securely exchange information in accordance with ZDHC standards and tools. Brand manufacturers and textile, footwear and leather suppliers use the module to ensure compliance with ZDHC industry standards and to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals.
