Nolato has introduced long-term targets covering the environment, people and society. These targets support Agenda 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The colorful hills close to Nolato's units in the northeastern US state of Vermont.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Targets for sustainable development
Nolato’s group-wide targets were updated in 2020. Below is an overview of the targets, the measures to achieve the goal and the outcome of Nolato’s sustainability work during 2020.
Social responsibility
The Group’s code of conduct provides guidance on issues concerning legal responsibility, accounting, conflicts of interest, working conditions, the environment, social responsibility and business ethics. The code of conduct and related policies are compiled in the Nolato Spirit booklet. Goals on social responsibility include initiatives that contribute to a safe work environment and respect for human rights.
Safe workplaces
TARGET
The number of workplace accidents should be minimized. The long-term target is for no one to be injured at work.
MEASURES TO ACHIEVE GOAL
Actions are both preventive and systematic. Relevant international standards are introduced. Systems for registering and managing near misses should be in place at all units.
OUTCOME IN 2021
There were 5.2 (5.2) accidents resulting in absence per million hours worked. Systems for recording near misses are in place at 93% (90) of units and there are certified management systems in place at 7 (6) units.
Human rights and gender equality
TARGET
There should be no cases of infringements of human rights, discrimination or forced labor. The proportion of women in management positions should increase at all levels of Nolato.
MEASURES TO ACHIEVE GOAL
Up-to-date information to employees and new staff. Nolato should contribute to employees’ personal development and create career opportunities.
OUTCOME IN 2021
Employee training was held on Nolato’s Code of Conduct. No cases of infringements of human rights were recorded. Recruitment of people with disabilities continued. Women make up approximately 27% (25) of local management teams.
Environmental responsibility
Climate change brings both risks and opportunities for Nolato. Boosting energy efficiency and phasing out fossil fuels is reducing the Group’s carbon footprint. These measures also create preparedness for higher fees and taxes on carbon-emitting operations. Greater use of recycled and bio-based raw materials are other initiatives that support climate action. So environmentally sustainable product development is a priority area, in which the Group’s expertise and technology are contributing to customers’ environmental and carbon reduction efforts.
Energy
TARGET
More efficient energy use, and up until 2025 usage should decrease by 55% compared with the average for 2011–2012 (GWh/net sales).
MEASURES TO ACHIEVE GOAL
ontinued investment in more energyefficient production equipment, infrastructure and lighting. Increased automation could mean higher electricity consumption in the longer term.
OUTCOME IN 2021
Since 2011–2012, GWh/net sales has decreased by roughly 55 percentage points.
Carbon emissions
TARGET
Carbon dioxide emissions from energy consumption (Scope 1, 2) are to be reduced by 80% by 2025, compared with the average for 2011–2012 (tons/net sales).
MEASURES TO ACHIEVE GOAL
More efficient use of energy, installing heat pumps, procuring fossil-free electricity, fitting solar panels and phasing out fossil fuels.
OUTCOME IN 2021
Since 2011–2012, carbon dioxide emissions from energy consumption (tons/net sales) have declined by roughly 80 percentage points. Key measures during the year included the increased purchase of fossil-free electricity and investment in a solar farm.
Chemical products
TARGET
Hazardous chemical substances should be identified and, where possible, phased out.
MEASURES TO ACHIEVE GOAL
A number of chemical substances have been identified as candidates to be phased out. Continued measures for the safe handling of chemical products are being implemented.
OUTCOME IN 2021
During the year, more than 50 chemical products were replaced with alternatives that are better for the environment and for people’s health.
Climate impact: raw materials and products
TARGET
There should be an increase in the percentage of bio-based and recycled raw materials. Carbon dioxide emissions related to products (Scope 3) should be reduced by 5% between 2020 and 2025 (tons/net sales).
MEASURES TO ACHIEVE GOAL
The carbon footprint of products is being reduced through greater use of bio-based and reduced raw materials, together with designs that contribute to a circular economy. Nolato aims to be at the forefront of sustainability projects with customers and other stakeholders.
OUTCOME IN 2021
60 (56) tons of bio-based and 1,441 (764) tons of recycled plastics were used in 2021. A number of projects with customers were successfully undertaken during the year.
Environmental management systems
TARGET
All units to be ISO 14001-certified.
MEASURES TO ACHIEVE GOAL
Acquired companies should be certified within two years.
OUTCOME IN 2021
72% (91) of production units are certified in accordance with ISO 14001. The decrease was due to the fact that recently acquired companies have not yet been certified.
Business benefits
Nolato’s business principles are characterized by integrity, responsibility and good ethics – basic principles that we share with suppliers, customers and others affected by our business operations. Prevention of corruption is a high priority. The Nolato Spirit, based in part on the principles of the Global Compact, provides support for employees and reassurance when interacting with customers and other stakeholders.
Anti-corruption
TARGET
There should be no cases of bribery, corruption or cartel formation. Continued up-to-date information to employees.
MEASURES TO ACHIEVE GOAL
Application of preventive procedures and controls. In addition, training, information and discussions are tools that are used in anti-corruption work. The whistleblowing system is applied throughout the entire Group.
OUTCOME IN 2021
The annual evaluation of Group companies’ anti-corruption measures indicated a persistently high level of ambition. No incidents relating to corruption or inadequate business ethics were recorded in 2021.
Customers
TARGET
Nolato aims to maintain a leading position and be perceived as the customer’s first choice within sustainable development.
MEASURES TO ACHIEVE GOAL
Trends and customer requirements within sustainable development should be identified and, where relevant, turned into practical measures. The overriding aim is to exceed customer expectations.
OUTCOME IN 2021
Interest in climate issues, and renewable or recycled raw materials grew. During the year, customers undertook assessments and dialogue on sustainable development.
Suppliers
TARGET
By 2025, all strategic suppliers will be assessed according to Nolato’s guidelines for suppliers.
MEASURES TO ACHIEVE GOAL
Strategic suppliers represent 80% of purchasing expenditure, or can have a direct impact on Nolato’s product quality and/or sustainability work.
OUTCOME IN 2021
A group-wide digital platform for assessing suppliers was launched. In 2021, roughly 500 (240) assessments of suppliers’ sustainability work were conducted. The suppliers satisfied Nolato’s requirements at an acceptable or good level.