The LANXESS Water Program: Responsible Water Use in Action

At LANXESS, water is not just a resource—it is a shared responsibility. As a global specialty chemicals company, we recognize the critical importance of sustainable water management in the face of growing global water stress, climate change, and biodiversity loss.

Our Commitment

Responsible water usa is a core element of our sustainability strategy. Through the LANXESS Water Program, we aim to minimize our water footprint, protect local water resources, and contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

Program Development: From Risk Identification to Concrete Action

Establishing Water Stewardship at Risk Sites

We began by identifying all LANXESS production sites located in water-stressed regions or facing water-related risks. By the end of 2023, tailored water stewardship programs at all of these sites were implemented. These programs were developed in close collaboration with local stakeholders and focused on:

Understanding the local water situation.
Assessing LANXESS’s operational impact on water availability and quality.
Initiating site-specific measures to reduce water withdrawal and improve wastewater treatment.

Methodology: The LANXESS Water Stewardship Framework

Our methodology is based on a structured, science-based approach that ensures consistency across sites while allowing for local adaptation. Key components include:

1. Site-Specific Risk Analysis

Identification of water risk sites using global water stress indices and internal assessments.
Evaluation of local water availability, regulatory conditions, and stakeholder concerns.

2. Water Balance and Impact Assessment

Detailed mapping of water inflows, consumption, and discharge.
Identification of high-impact processes and opportunities for water reuse or reduction.

3. Action Plan Development

Each site developed a tailored water action plan based on the LANXESS Water Stewardship Framework.
Plans include technical, operational, and behavioral measures to reduce water use and improve water quality.

4. Stakeholder Engagement

Dialogue with local communities, authorities, and NGOs to align on shared water goals.
Transparent communication of progress and challenges.

5. Performance Monitoring and Targets

9% absolute reduction of water withdrawal at water risk & stress sites until 2028 (base year 2019) Additionally: site specific targets addressing the local context
Continuous monitoring of water withdrawal, consumption, and discharge quality.

6. Integration into ESG Strategy

Water performance is now linked to our ESG-linked revolving credit facility (€800 million), reinforcing accountability and transparency.

Innovation in Action

LANXESS continues to invest in innovative water treatment technologies. For example, our Lewatit® TP 108 DW ion exchange resin is used to remove PFAS from drinking water, contributing to safer water supplies in affected regions.

Looking Ahead

By 2028, we aim to achieve our reduction target with focus on our water stress and risk sites (assessment 2019) by implementing suitable measures. Our long-term ambition is to embed our water responsibility into every aspect of our operations - from production to procurement - and to lead by example in the chemical industry.