20 Aug SIMONA AMERICA Group Embraces Sustainable Initiatives By Taking Actionable Steps
SIMONA AMERICA Group Embraces Sustainable Initiatives By Taking Actionable Steps
August 14, 2024 (ATLANTA) SIMONA AMERICA Group is proud to announce a series of significant steps in our ongoing commitment to sustainability. For SIMONA, sustainability is not an empty phrase but an integral part of our global identity, guided by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Our company firmly believes that sustainability is everyone’s responsibility and that each and every one of us can make a difference. We are committed to investing in leading technologies and taking action where we can make a significant impact for the betterment of our planet and our people.
SIMONA’s approach to sustainability is focused on “producing right” by incorporating more efficient processing methods, educating the next generation of plastic’s industry leaders about how to impact the future responsibly and positively, as well as product modernization – where plastic can be a part of innovative technologies for a more sustainable future.
Participation in the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)
Demonstrating our firm commitment to a sustainable and low-carbon future at a global level, SIMONA has officially announced its participation in the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). We have established our intent to take concrete measures aimed at validating our pathway to CO2 reduction. This includes reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by an average of 5.25% per year by 2030, in line with the Paris Agreement, and achieving “net zero” status by 2050. This commitment represents a significant milestone for the SIMONA Group in our efforts to ensure an effective reduction in our carbon footprint and contribute constructively to global climate change mitigation. Press Release – SAG Commitment to Sustainability
Our recent actions in the U.S. led to a significant investment in SIMONA AMERICA Industries by completing the installation of over 3,300 solar panels, producing 2,360,000 kWh, which accounts for approximately 14% of the facility’s annual power consumption at the Archbald, PA production location.
Onsite Recycling Center
Additional plans include the construction of an on-site recycling center at our Newcomerstown, OH production location, further demonstrating our commitment to environmental stewardship. By developing advanced recycling and recovering technologies in-house, we are transforming our approach to manufacturing and material reuse. In addition to reducing the cost of hauling recyclable materials to a third-party recycler, we expect to lower production costs, lessen energy consumption, and ease the demand for fossil fuels. This project is scheduled to break ground at the end of 2024.
Launch of Global Sustainability Website
We recently launched a new global sustainability website. This dedicated platform consolidates all our global sustainability projects and aims to keep both our internal and external stakeholders continuously updated. The website provides a comprehensive view of our sustainability strategy, emphasizing the themes of products, production and processes, and appreciation – in line with our sustainability house concept. It also features a news section to report on exciting events and developments. Explore our new site at https://sustainability.simona.de/en.
Achievement of ISO 14001 Certification
At SIMONA Boltaron, we have achieved ISO 14001 certification, the internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems. This certification provides a framework for organizations to design and implement an EMS, continually improving their environmental performance. By adhering to ISO 14001, we ensure proactive measures to minimize our environmental footprint, comply with relevant legal requirements, and achieve our environmental objectives.
“I am very proud of the whole team at SIMONA Boltaron for showing the dedication and commitment to our sustainability targets and achieving the IS14001 certification. It is not only the certification, but our firm determination to make a positive environmental impact in our industry,” said Artur Hirsch, President of SIMONA Boltaron.
+Vantage Vinyl Verification
Additional certification was achieved by SIMONA AMERICA Group through the Vantage Vinyl Verification with an audit performed by GreenCircle Certified LLC. The +Vantage Vinyl™ initiative by the Vinyl Sustainability Council (VSC) advances the U.S. vinyl industry’s contribution to sustainable development. This program verifies the sustainability of the entire vinyl supply chain and aims to drive continuous improvement across environmental, social, and economic performance. Verified +Vantage Vinyl companies, like us, demonstrate a commitment to sustainable business practices through verification aligned with environmental stewardship, social diligence, economic soundness, open communication, and collaboration.
“Our commitment to sustainability is deeply embedded in our company culture. We are not just talking about sustainability; we are taking concrete actions to make a real difference. From achieving ISO 14001 certification to launching our dedicated sustainability website and participating in the SBTi, we are demonstrating that sustainability is at the core of everything we do. Together, we can create a more sustainable future,” said Adam Mellen, CEO of SIMONA America Group.
For more information, please visit our sustainability website at https://sustainability.simona.de/en/