Sustainability

Viohalco companies are committed to an environmentally responsible operation and product development, through ongoing investments in advanced technological solutions and continuous employee training. They apply the Best Available Techniques (BAT) to reduce their environmental footprint and promote the sustainable use of natural resources across their manufacturing operations. 

Respect for the environment is a priority for Viohalco companies and ongoing efforts are made to continuously improve their environmental performance. This commitment is realized in everyday operations, through the application of advanced abatement systems and environmental monitoring that ensure compliance with all international and national standards. Viohalco companies achieve a high level of environmental performance by investing in new infrastructure, and the implementation of environmental management programmes by dedicated personnel ensuring systematic mitigation of any environmental risks related to their activities.

Viohalco companies are dedicated to reducing their environmental footprint and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources by recycling materials across their manufacturing operations. They also strive to play a significant role in society, particularly in education, regarding the responsible use and recycling of materials in everyday life.

Read here Viohalco’s Environmental Policy.

Energy consumption

Climate change and energy play pivotal roles for Viohalco subsidiaries, given the energy-intensive nature of their business model, particularly in metal processing including thermal metallurgy and downstream operations. Consequently, a strong focus is placed on energy efficiency throughout companies’ operations, recognizing that a decrease in energy intensity, thermal or electrical, directly translates to a reduced carbon footprint.

Viohalco companies promote the low-carbon circular economy by focusing on recycling and resource efficiency, contributing to lower emissions and conserving natural resources, while driving innovation towards a more sustainable industrial future. Viohalco companies are adapting their business models and strategy in response to the material impacts of climate change and energy consumption. The companies are focusing on energy efficiency initiatives, and they are gradually shifting towards renewable energy consumption, which aligns with their commitment to a low carbon circular economy. The largest and most energy-intensive industrial subsidiaries have performed energy audits with external consultants and have identified energy efficiency related projects that are either ongoing/completed or under evaluation.

Viohalco companies are committed to adhering to international climate-related frameworks, such as the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals #7 and #13. They comply with mandatory reporting frameworks to ensure transparent and accurate disclosure of GHG emissions, energy consumption, and climate-related risks.

Climate Change

Viohalco subsidiaries acknowledge their responsibility in the transition to a low carbon future. A core element of the companies’ sustainability strategy is the commitment for gradual replacement of electricity supply with RES thereby reducing direct carbon emissions in their operations. Viohalco companies also offer a wide range of products that are important for the decarbonization of the economy.

In line with these commitments, Viohalco’s subsidiaries are continuously developing their plans, actions, and targets to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to the global effort to combat climate change. The transition plans of the subsidiaries are closely integrated with their overall business strategy and financial planning, ensuring alignment with the long-term objectives for sustainable growth. The decarbonization targets set by Viohalco subsidiaries are summarized in the table:

Visit Viohalco Energy and Climate Change Policy.

TCFD Report

In light of the prevailing challenges posed by climate change, energy efficiency, and the circular economy, Viohalco and its subsidiaries are fully committed to actively addressing and managing these issues. The subsidiaries are dedicated to continually reducing their carbon emissions and environmental impact by implementing specific procedures and initiatives.

This report represents Viohalco subsidiaries’ inaugural effort in addressing climate-related risks, aligning with the recommendations put forth by the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). By adhering to these recommendations, the subsidiaries aim to accelerate their decarbonization endeavors while enhancing their accountability and transparency among stakeholders.

Read here the full TCFD Report.

Resource use and circular economy

Viohalco metals processing companies specialize in producing high-quality metal products that adhere to circular economy principles. They actively contribute to the circular economy in two ways. First, by utilizing secondary raw materials for a large part of their input which contributes to the mitigation of negative impacts such as material scarcity and resource depletion. At the same time, they offer an extensive list of products that are 100% recyclable with minimal need for sorting, depending on the final application, upon their useful life cycle thereby minimizing the need for primary raw materials production. By reducing the need for virgin resources, Viohalco companies not only lower the environmental footprint of their production but also minimize the need for resource-intensive operations like mining and primary metal production, in a short, medium and long-term horizon. 

Viohalco subsidiaries’ production model is centered on secondary production of metals and downstream metals processing. The subsidiaries continuously try to minimize their operations’ environmental impact by implementing actions to optimize resource use, increase the recycled content of their products and minimize operational waste. By embracing these sustainable practices, Viohalco companies play a crucial role in driving the transition towards a greener economy and ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.

Water and wastewater management

Responsible water usage is critical for the business continuity of Viohalco subsidiaries. Viohalco subsidiaries recognize that water is a precious natural resource, water resources must be conserved and maintain a good environmental status, and aquatic life must be protected. The subsidiaries are required to make efficient use of water in their operations, promote sustainable water use based on long-term protection of available water resources, and to increase efforts to reduce water consumption and increase water reuse and recycling. 

To safeguard water sources and ecosystems, the companies commit to conduct water risk assessments aimed at preventing and abating pollution resulting from their activities, to enhance their efficiency to water use and to integrate advanced water treatment processes as a step towards more sustainable sourcing of water. The subsidiaries’ efforts will focus on preventing the deterioration of water bodies and enhancing the health of aquatic ecosystems.

Additionally, the companies commit to take into account in their product design, aspects regarding water-related issues and the preservation of marine resources and will seek to actively promote the reduction of water withdrawals and discharges, ensuring that their practices align with their environmental responsibilities and the well-being of the affected communities.

EU Taxonomy

Viohalco is committed to promoting sustainability and transparency in its operations. This chapter outlines the required disclosures in accordance with Article 8 of EU Regulation 2020/852 (the “Taxonomy Regulation”), which classifies environmentally sustainable economic activities. The EU Taxonomy serves as a critical tool in Viohalco’s sustainability strategy, guiding efforts to mitigate climate change, and promote a circular economy. Viohalco aims to provide stakeholders with clear insights into sustainability performance and the environmental impact of activities. This transparency not only fulfills regulatory requirements but also reinforces a commitment to sustainable development and responsible business practices.

Viohalco has evaluated the business activities against the EU Taxonomy eligibility criteria.  For Viohalco operations it has been defined that only climate change mitigation environmental target is relevant, hence all assessments have been made based on the relevant criteria included in the regulation.

Read the full Viohalco 2024 Annual Report.