deSter Sustainability Report 2022
deSter launched its first-ever Sustainability Report, showcasing deSter's dedication to environmental responsibility, social impact, and ethical governance, reflecting the company's holistic approach toward sustainability.
deSter launched its first-ever Sustainability Report, showcasing deSter's dedication to environmental responsibility, social impact, and ethical governance, reflecting the company's holistic approach toward sustainability.
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PLANET ESG REPORT DESTER <strong>2022</strong><br />
out a risk analysis including visual exposure<br />
to dust every time a new line is<br />
introduced or put into operation in Hoogstraten.<br />
From that risk assessment, we<br />
take necessary measures to contain<br />
dust in our manufacturing process. For<br />
example, we installed an HVAC (Heating,<br />
Ventilation and Air-Conditioning) system<br />
including air filters when introducing our<br />
Dry Molded Fiber line.<br />
Water pollution<br />
We follow water pollution regulations.<br />
In Hoogstraten, we conduct an annual,<br />
five-day measuring campaign to analyze<br />
and compare our wastewater with legal<br />
requirements. In <strong>2022</strong>, the report concluded<br />
that pollutants were well below<br />
the legal thresholds. Additionally, in <strong>2022</strong>,<br />
Hoogstraten’s tap water was analyzed<br />
and found to be compliant with local regulations<br />
on potable water. Even though<br />
these numbers are lower than the legal<br />
requirements, we set targets to reduce<br />
certain pollutants in the wastewater of<br />
Hoogstraten. Over the coming years, we<br />
intend to research which steps can be implemented<br />
to further lower our numbers<br />
and reach our targets. For example, we<br />
have installed an oil-water separator in<br />
Hoogstraten to separate excess oil from<br />
water and ensure it’s not disposed of in<br />
the environment.<br />
Our Prachinburi plant also conducts annual<br />
water tests, and the <strong>2022</strong> results<br />
showed all measurements were below<br />
the guidelines or legislation. In Lima,<br />
<strong>deSter</strong> holds a ‘No Exposure Certification’<br />
for conditional exemption from the<br />
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination<br />
System (NPDES). This certification<br />
means <strong>deSter</strong> Lima does not cause pollution<br />
via stormwater discharge runoff,<br />
because all industrial activities and products<br />
are sheltered.<br />
Sound pollution<br />
We have several measures in place to<br />
lower sound pollution. First, the latest<br />
machines installed at Hoogstraten<br />
must have a sound level below 85db to<br />
guarantee the safety of our employees<br />
and reduce environmental noise. Hearing<br />
protection is always available at our<br />
production locations to ensure the staff<br />
is protected. The internal noise levels<br />
were also checked by an external partner.<br />
The results show compliance and,<br />
in certain areas the need for earplugs,<br />
which are available for everyone entering<br />
the production area. In Prachinburi, we<br />
also conducted a noise analysis of the<br />
machines in <strong>2022</strong> and created a noise<br />
contour map. In our Lima manufacturing<br />
facility, a noise analysis in the production<br />
area was conducted in 2021.<br />
Lastly, we have taken proactive measures<br />
to reduce workplace noise even further.<br />
For example, in Hoogstraten, we invested<br />
in special equipment that reduces the<br />
noise of a grinding mill by 10db.<br />
PRODUCT POLLUTION<br />
It is important to consider the potential<br />
pollution caused by the products we<br />
manufacture. This extend to the materials<br />
we source, our product design,<br />
a focus on reusable or compostable<br />
products, and exploring closed-loop recycling<br />
practices. The biggest reduction<br />
in pollution can be achieved by focusing<br />
on our Circular Economy goals (see<br />
the Product section of this report). Using<br />
this framework, we avoid products<br />
ending up as waste and reduce their<br />
negative impact on the environment.<br />
Furthermore, we comply with REACH<br />
requirements and European Union directives<br />
and legislation on single-use<br />
plastics, packaging and packaging<br />
waste. Pollution caused by our products<br />
is a risk we can only indirectly influence.<br />
Nevertheless, <strong>deSter</strong> strives to<br />
reduce it through various actions on the<br />
product side, described in the Product<br />
section of this report.<br />
PLASTIC POLLUTION<br />
PREVENTION – LOCAL<br />
COMMUNITIES<br />
Aside from our own operations and the<br />
products we sell, we want to help avoid<br />
the impact of plastic pollution globally. To<br />
do this, we plan on reaching out to local<br />
communities (e.g. schools and community<br />
organizations) in the areas surrounding<br />
our operation sites. Working together,<br />
we hope to collaborate on preventative<br />
actions, including awareness, education,<br />
and waste collection actions, that will<br />
reduce plastic pollution and improve the<br />
lives of locals. See further information in<br />
the People section of this report.<br />
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