Metal powders are everywhere in our modern society
Sustainability report 2024
In Höganäs’ Sustainability report you can read about our challenges and the progress we made in 2024. This report is a first step towards meeting the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive), which we will continue to prepare for next year and, more importantly, focusing on reducing our negative impacts while maximising our positive contributions.
Resource use and circular economy
We aim to increase our use of secondary materials since their inherent environmental footprint is lower compared to primary materials. In 2024, 56 percent of the total ingoing raw materials were secondary.
When it comes to our process residuals our target is to have 95 percent of this material being put to new use by 2026. We are actively promoting the use of our process residuals. For example, three such products are currently marketed as Petrit® and are registered under REACH in the EU.
- In 2024, 82 percent (78) of our process residuals were diverted from disposal, with the remaining 18 percent (22) sent to landfill.
Climate
The effects of human caused climate change are becoming more evident and the urgency to act is increasing. That is why we keep on working to lower our emissions while directing new product and business development towards more sustainable products and end markets.
We made the decision to build a biochar infrastructure for our iron sponge process in Höganäs initially to replace 20 percent of the fossil coal we currently use with renewable biochar. That was the largest single decision made from our Climate Roadmap during the year, but not the only one. The roadmap consists of site- and product-specific plans, and we are working every day to find new and better solutions.
- In 2024, our scope 1 emissions decreased by 45 percent in absolute tonnes, and by 28 percent in carbon intensity compared to 2018 (base year)
- In 2024, scope 3 emissions decreased by 22 percent in absolute tonnes compared to 2018
Our targets were validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative in 2023:
- 51 percent reduction in scope 1-2 by 2030
- 30 percent reduction in upstream scope 3 by 2030
- net zero across the value chain by 2040
In addition, we have bold climate ambitions that go beyond the Science Based Targets:
- Scope 1 and 2, net zero by 2030
- Upstream scope 3, net zero by 2037
Our workforce
Höganäs aims to create a diverse, safe and healthy work environment, free from all kinds of discrimination.
- Our target is to reach 20 percent female co-workers by 2026, and we are now at 18 percent (17).
- The proportion of female executive managers has increased from 29 percent in 2023 to 38 percent in 2024. This means that we have already surpassed our target of 35 percent by 2026.
Our long-term target is to reach zero accidents, and our target for total recordable injury frequency, is 6.0 by 2027. In 2024 we reached 7.0 (15), which is a 52 percent reduction compared to 2023.
Workers in the value chain
We aim to provide safe and healthy workplaces for workers across the value chain, guaranteeing rights at work and a fair wage that meets their basic needs. Our target is that all key suppliers should be rated as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ in evaluations under Responsible Sourcing Programme.
- In 2024, 80 percent (78) were assessed as good or excellent.
Business conduct and affected communities
We hold ourselves and our business partners to high ethical standards to ensure that we contribute to a better society for all, including affected communities. Höganäs has zero-tolerance for corruption and aims to work with suppliers to improve their performance.
- In 2024, there were no reported incidents with suppliers related to the right to freedom of association, collective bargaining, child labour or forced labour.
Pollution and use of water
We are constantly working to minimise negative impact through a systematic approach to continuous improvements at each site. Due to significant local differences in circumstances and impact, all sites are expected to form their own relevant pollution reduction targets and action plans.
- During 2024, five minor environmental incidents were reported to the local authorities in accordance with local regulations. Investigations have been carried out and all cases are handled and closed.
