Supporting the UN global sustainability goals (SDGs)

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all

Sibelco’s contribution is primarily operational. Our environmental management approach seeks to limit our impact on water and soil. Our efforts in the area of occupational health target a reduction in occupational exposure to dust.

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

Sibelco’s products such as clays, kaolin and sands are used in the development and production of ceramics for sanitaryware while calibrated sands and other materials are used in systems for water purification and desalination.

From an operational perspective, we focus on sustainable water management and have a 2025 goal for deploying best available technologies in our operations.

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable, industrialization and foster innovation

Sibelco’s strategy is to develop as a material solutions provider and innovation is central to this strategy. We employ 60 people in technology and innovation roles and operate 6 technology centres around the world. We have an extended innovation network of 350 people from different parts of the business.

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

Sibelco has been developing new businesses that serve the circular economy. The most obvious example is the glass recycling activity where Sibelco is now Europe’s leading glass recycler. Sibelco also recycles materials such as residues from fibre glass production and in 2019 increased its investment in a start-up for recycling medium density fibre board.

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems

Sibelco ensures that environmental considerations are a full part of its quarry management and closure planning; an eco-system services model is used to ascertain the best land-use for rehabilitated quarries. Adequate resources are provisioned to fund quarry closure and Sibelco has specific targets to balance active quarrying with rehabilitated land and to ensure that all sites implement closure plans according to a Sibelco standard.

Partnerships for the goals

Through our partnerships with customers, our communities, innovation partners and other stakeholders we seek solutions that solve economic, social and environmental challenges.