Umicore supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of our commitment to making a positive impact on society and minimizing our environmental footprint. Our approach to sustainability is not just about reducing harm, but also about actively contributing to a more sustainable future through innovative products, responsible practices and collaborative partnerships.
The SDGs
In 2015, the United Nations established 17 interconnected goals to achieve sustainable peace and prosperity for people and the planet. These goals tackle inequality, climate change and environmental degradation, with targets set for 2030. While they are aimed at governmental action, the SDGs also emphasize the role of businesses in achieving these ambitions.
Umicore has assessed our direct and indirect contributions to the 169 sub-targets in our 2023 Annual Report. Our operations, products and services have the most impact in supporting SDGs on affordable and clean energy, industry and innovation, responsible consumption and production, and climate action.
Umicore also adheres to the principles of the United Nations Global Compact on human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption. We integrate these principles in our strategy, culture, and daily operations, collaborating on projects that advance the Sustainable Development Goals.
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- Our hydrogen fuel cell technologies contribute to the development of sustainable energy carriers.
- We are a leading producer of key components in electrified vehicles and renewable energy storage.
- Energy efficiency is a cornerstone of our operational excellence programs, driving both innovation and performance.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- Our closed-loop business model supports the circular economy.
- We continuously invest in R&D and collaborate with research institutes, startups and universities worldwide to foster innovation.
- Our catalysts and catalytic filters have prevented hundreds of millions of tonnes of harmful pollutants from being emitted into the air.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- We are a world leader in recycling complex waste streams containing precious and other valuable metals.
- Our Hoboken, Belgium facility processes over 200 types of metal-containing raw materials, including end-of-life products and industrial wastes, recovering over 20 different metals.
- We are committed to sustainably and ethically sourcing raw materials, with a particular focus on responsible cobalt, nickel and lithium sourcing.
SDG 13: Climate Action
- Our decarbonization pathway is aligned with the Paris Agreement. Our SBTi validated targets are to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% (compared to 2019 levels) and Scope 3 carbon intensity of purchased materials by 42% by 2030.
- Our decarbonization ambitions are backed by a Climate Transition Plan that covers key action levers for Scopes 1, 2 and 3.
- We have committed to operating on 100% renewable electricity in Europe and 60% globally by 2025.