We have a product stewardship framework and related capability building in place. The framework covers: 

• standardized chemical management, 
• environmental compliance of both raw materials and finished products, and 
• related customer expectations. 

In 2021, we rolled out a global chemical management standard and implemented a global tool that allows efficient implementation of the standard, strict governance process and more proactive product compliance.

In line with the ISO 14001 requirements, a company-wide process for lifecycle management has been deployed. The process aims to identify potentially significant environmental impacts in the entire supply chain and considering all the stages of the lifecycle of our finished products and how to address them in an appropriate way.

At Bekaert, we closely monitor the EU REACH regulation to confirm compliance in a proactive way related both to the raw materials we are using and to our finished products. We are in contact with our suppliers to verify their REACH compliance in the supply process of raw materials. Furthermore, we identify substances of concern and start proactive phase-out programs. In case we identify important regional differences in hazard classification and exposure limits, we are committed to applying our own company-specific hazard classification and exposure limits which are mandatory if no stricter regulations apply.
GRI 403-7

Our ambition is to significantly reduce our combined scope 1 and Scope 2 CO₂ emissions by 2030, compared to 2019, in line with the science-based targets. We aim to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. One of the most important ways of reducing our CO₂ emissions is to improve the energy efficiency of our operations by reducing energy consumption. We install energy-efficient infrastructure and equipment in our new plants and plant extensions, in addition to upgrading our existing facilities. 

Total energy consumption¹ = 5 134 GWh of which:

• Electrical energy (incl. cooling) = 3 154 GWh
• Thermal energy (steam and heat) = 257 GWh
• Natural gas = 1 723 GWh

GRI 302-1

Energy Intensity Ratio¹:

• Electrical energy (incl. cooling) = 868 kWh/ton
• Thermal energy (steam & heat) = 71 kWh/ton
• Natural gas = 474 kWh/ton

GRI 302-3

Methodology used: the energy data are monitored in a central database. 

Renewable Energy: 39% of the electricity needs came from renewable energy sources in 2021.

Data 2019-2020 relate to combined numbers, including the joint ventures in Brazil.

Data 2021 are disclosed for both the combined (including joint ventures in Brazil) and consolidated plants (excluding joint ventures).

Energy intensity ratio: the energy (electricity and thermal) used per ton of end product produced.

Data 2019-2020 relate to combined numbers, including the joint ventures in Brazil.

Data 2021 are disclosed for both the combined (including joint ventures in Brazil) and consolidated plants (excluding joint ventures).

The energy intensity of 2021 increased by + 1% versus 2019 and by +1.5% versus 2020.

We aim for zero, as we believe this is the only way to take conscious and bold actions in reducing our carbon footprint.

In line with this, we have committed to join the Business Ambition for 1.5°C. Companies committed to the Business Ambition for 1.5°C receive independent validation of their targets from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and become part of the UN Climate Champions’ Race to Zero.

Scope 1

Scope 1 emissions are direct greenhouse emissions that are related to our operations. 

Natural gas

• GHG emissions natural gas = 316 854 ton CO₂
• GHG intensity ratio natural gas = 87 kg CO₂ /ton

GRI 305-1

Data 2019-2020 relate to combined numbers, including the joint ventures in Brazil.

Data 2021 are disclosed for both the combined (including joint ventures in Brazil) and consolidated plants (excluding joint ventures).

GHG emission intensity for natural gas in 2021 increased by +10% versus 2020 and by +13% versus 2019.

GRI 305-5 

Scope 2

Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions, from purchased electricity, steam etc. that have been calculated based on energy consumption data and country specific kWh/MWh to CO₂ conversion factors as provided by the International Energy Agency (IEA).
GRI 305-2

• Electrical energy (including cooling) = 1 345 956 ton CO₂
• Thermal energy (Steam and heat) = 46 425 ton CO₂ 

GRI 305-2

GHG Intensity Ratio:

• Electrical energy (including cooling) = 370 kg CO₂/ton.
• Thermal energy (Steam and heat) = 13 kg CO₂/ton.

GRI 305-4

Data 2019-2020 relate to combined numbers, including the joint ventures in Brazil.

Data 2021 are disclosed for both the combined (including joint ventures in Brazil) and consolidated plants (excluding joint ventures).

Data 2021 are disclosed for both the combined (including joint ventures in Brazil) and consolidated plants (excluding joint ventures).

GHG emissions intensity for purchased electricity in 2021 increased by +2% compared to 2020 and reduced by -3% compared to 2019.

GHG emissions intensity for thermal energy in 2021 reduced by -19% compared to 2020 and by -24% compared to 2019.

GRI 305-5

Scope 3

Transport

Scope 3 emissions from transport are from Bekaert consolidated entities (excluding joint ventures)

GHG emissions intensity of outbound logistics:

In previous years we have reported GHG emissions from outbound logistics under Scope 1 (according to the GRI guidelines). However, to be aligned with our SBTi targets, GHG emissions from outbound logistics are now reported under Scope 3. 

GHG emissions from outbound logistics:

• Global sea freight: 31 137 ton CO₂
• Road transport for Rubber Reinforcement EMEA: 10 562 ton CO₂
• Air freight: 4 118 ton CO₂

GHG intensity ratio from outbound logistics:

• Global sea freight: 0.0384 ton CO₂/ton product transported
• Road transport for Rubber Reinforcement EMEA: 0.0716 ton CO₂/ton product transported
• Air freight: 5.103 ton CO₂/ton product transported

GRI 305-3

Emissions of outbound logistics increased because of a strong demand rebound and agile supply chain management.

Disclosed since 2020, with the exception of air freight: since 2021

GRI 305-3, GRI 305-4

GHG emissions intensity of company cars, personnel bus services and air travel:

GHG emissions from company cars & buses (excluding JVs): 3 508 ton CO₂/year

GHG emissions from business travel (air): 1 000 ton CO₂ (without radiative forcing (RF))

GRI 305-3, GRI 305-4

Scope 3 emissions from purchased goods (in ton)

Calculation method: Tons of wire rod purchased in the particular year multiplied by the world average emissions intensity of steel (1.83 ton CO₂/ton steel).

GRI305-3

We use water in our production processes, and we want to save every drop. We are taking a close look at our water consumption and are implementing programs to reduce our water usage, especially, but not exclusively, in water stressed areas. Our ambition is to reduce our freshwater intake in water stressed areas by -15% by 2030 compared to 2019. 

After use, and reuse many times over, any water that cannot be further recycled is treated and cleaned before it leaves our premises. 

All water data is combined data (consolidated entities + joint ventures)
GRI 303-1

Water withdrawal

Total water withdrawal was 8 975 megaliter (ML) of which 3 619 ML from areas with water stress.
Freshwater withdrawal by source:

• Surface water: 626 ML of which 605 ML from areas with water stress
• Groundwater: 2 571 ML of which 813 ML from areas with water stress
• Third party water: 5 778 ML of which 2 201 ML from areas with water stress:
  • 4 970 ML from surface water of which 1 846 ML from areas with water stress
  • 808 ML from groundwater of which 355 ML from areas with water stress

All data is provided by the respective plants.

Water stress: in areas with water stress, the ratio of total annual water withdrawal to total available annual renewable water supply is high (40-80%) or extremely high (>80%)

1 megaliter (ML) = 1 000 000 liter

¹ ^{2019 and 2020 data have been restated according to updated definition of water-stressed areas}

GRI 303-3

Water discharge

Total water discharge is 4 164 ML in 2021 of which 2 032 ML to areas with water stress.

Water discharge by destination: 

• Surface water: 1 466 ML of which 502 ML freshwater and 964 ML other water
• Groundwater: 0 ML
• Sea water: 100 ML of which 0 ML freshwater and 100 ML other water
• Third party water: 2 598 ML of which 94 ML freshwater and 2 504 ML other water

Water discharge to areas with water stress was 2 032 ML of which 557 ML freshwater and 1 475 ML other water.

Our water discharge is filtered at our own premises.

All data is provided by the respective plants.

Water stress: in areas with water stress, the ratio of total annual water withdrawal to total available annual renewable water supply is high (40-80%) or extremely high (>80%)

1 megaliter (ML) = 1 000 000 liter

¹ 2019 and 2020 data have been restated according to updated definition of water stressed areas

GRI 303-4, GRI 303-2

Water consumption

Water consumption = total water withdrawal - total water discharge.

Total water consumption was 4 811 ML of which 1 587 ML from areas with water stress

All data is provided by the respective plants.

Water stress: in areas with water stress, the ratio of total annual water withdrawal to total available annual renewable water supply is high (40-80%) or extremely high (>80%)

1 megaliter (ML) = 1 000 000 liter

¹ 2019 and 2020 data have been restated according to updated definition of water-stressed areas

GRI 303-5

Our ambition is to reduce our waste volume by 25% by 2030 compared to 2019. All steel scrap is returned to the steel mills for recycling.

Waste data is combined data (consolidated entities + joint ventures).

Steel scrap = steel wire scrap, end-of-life spools and machine spare parts, other steel-based scrap.

We turn ideas into meaningful sustainable solutions that reduce the environmental footprint of our customers and beyond, in end-markets.

Some examples hereof:

Automotive

Tires have an impact on the emissions of cars. Steel cords are used to reinforce the tires and therefore, can play a role in reducing the environmental footprint of cars. Bekaert’s super-tensile and ultra-tensile steel cord ranges for tire reinforcement allow tire makers to produce tires with a lower weight, thinner plies, and lower rolling resistance, making the tires more sustainable. In addition, this technology improves the battery life and reduces noise for electric vehicles.

Generation of renewable power

Off-shore wind power production is becoming more and more relevant in the generation of renewable power. The foundation of wind turbines at the seafloor is mission critical for this renewable energy source. Our mooring ropes keep the floating wind turbines at work and eliminate the need for extensive foundations. Furthermore, offshore power generation is supported by our solutions for submarine power cables that transfer electricity from offshore wind farms to land. 

Building technology

Cement is a key factor in greenhouse gas emissions in the construction industry. To reduce the amount of cement needed and to strengthen cement against tactile forces, steel bars are most often used for enforcement. Bekaert’s alternative to steel bars, Dramix^® steel fibers, help construction industry players use 50% less steel in weight, compared to traditional steel reinforcement solutions, reducing CO2 emissions between 20 and 50% per project.

Water electrolysis / use of hydrogen

Hydrogen is seen as a key lever in the future energy eco-system. Production of green hydrogen is an area with huge growth potential. All improvements of this process have significant impact on the future global energy strategy for climate neutrality. Bekaert's porous transport layer solutions increase performance and durability of electrochemical devices used in hydrogen production. Our solutions in hydrogen technology extends to wires used for hydrogen refilling station hoses. We are also pioneering in the decarbonization of heating with burners and heat exchangers for hydrogen-ready and energy-efficient gas boilers. 

This section covers the key performance indicators and accompanying information required under Regulation EU 2020/852¹ and the related Delegated Acts² (the EU Taxonomy). 

The EU Taxonomy aims to channel capital towards sustainable activities, with the end-goal of financing sustainable growth and achieving the EU objective of becoming climate neutral by 2050. 

Reporting on our contribution to the environment through the EU Taxonomy is in line with Bekaert’s ambition to create sustainable value for all stakeholders and become an industry leader in sustainability.

The EU Taxonomy can be seen as a green dictionary: a classification system to define which activities are environmentally sustainable. To be considered as such, an activity needs to – among others – contribute substantially to one or more of six environmental objectives³ (via meeting technical screening criteria, i.e., certain performance thresholds and other requirements).

This is the first year that the EU Taxonomy applies, and its deployment will be progressive. For this first year, Bekaert must only report on its share of eligible and non-eligible activities and analyze its potential contribution only for the first two of the six environmental objectives: climate change mitigation and climate change adaptation⁴. 

¹ Regulation EU 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council, published in the Official Journal of the European Union on the 22.06.2020.
² The Climate Delegated Act (Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2139 of 4 June 2021) and the Disclosure Delegated Act (Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2178 of 6 July 2021). 
³ Climate Change Mitigation, Climate Change Adaptation, Sustainable use and protection of water and marine resources, Transition to a circular economy, Pollution prevention and control, and Protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems.
⁴ The criteria for the other four environmental objectives are expected to be officially approved at the end of 2022.

EU Taxonomy eligibility assessment process

An ‘eligible economic activity’ is one that is described in the EU Taxonomy, regardless of whether it meets all the technical screening criteria laid out for that activity. Reporting on eligibility does not mean that the activity is environmentally sustainable according to the EU Taxonomy, it means that the activity has the potential to be environmentally sustainable if it complies with all the technical screening criteria. An activity that – among others – meets all the technical screening criteria would then be considered as EU Taxonomy aligned. 

To evaluate our EU Taxonomy eligibility, we have mapped all products manufactured by the Bekaert subsidiaries, the applicable expenses incurred, and investments made, and matched them with the activities described in the EU Taxonomy. 

To facilitate this exercise, the EU Taxonomy includes a reference to NACE codes (Revision 2) on each activity. However, such reference is only indicative and does not prevail over the specific definition provided in the text of the Climate Delegated Act. Therefore, we mapped the eligibility of our products and expenses firstly in relation to the descriptions in such Delegated Act, and only using NACE codes (Revision 2) and other reference classifications provided by the Sustainable Finance Platform⁵ as a further guide.

We assessed our eligibility by collaborating with and involving each of our four business units in performing the mapping exercise as referred-to above. We took into consideration each of the elements included in the activity description in the Climate Delegated Act, and when in doubt we referred to the technical screening criteria and the TEG Final Report – Technical Annex for further information on which products manufactured by Bekaert could be assessed as eligible or not.