Issue 04/2023

ioplastics MAGAZINE [04/23] Vol. 18
43
The following process can help companies
develop and implement a sustainability strategy:
1. Status quo identification and priority setting:
Sustainability is a broad field, and it is important to clearly
define and narrow down the areas for action. This is best
achieved with a comprehensive status quo determination of
the company regarding all aspects of sustainability. By using
the D4S software program, which is based on 14 of the most
important sustainability standards, this can be done in a few
days. Also, survey key stakeholders through a materiality
analysis and take the results into account. In addition,
perform a CO 2
emissions calculation of the company. Based
on the results of this analysis, the prerequisite for creating a
sound and validatable sustainability strategy with defined and
prioritized fields of action is given.
2. Create understanding and commitment:
Create a uniform understanding of sustainability in your
company and emphasize the three pillars of economy, ecology,
and social issues. Clarify for each individual company what
these terms mean in detail and which emphases should be
set. Another fundamental prerequisite for the successful
integration of sustainable measures and processes is
the commitment of the company. This starts with the
management. Concrete measures can include adapted job
descriptions, annual targets, team events, and much more.
3. Develop a sustainability vision and mission statement:
Be clear about what you want to achieve. What are your goals
for the transformation process? A sustainability vision takes
into account all global and local sustainability issues that
impact the company, as well as the principles by which the
company aligns itself. Define your goals and develop a target
picture with concrete cornerstones. Orientate yourself on this
target picture on the way to more sustainability.
4. Anchor the sustainability strategy in the company:
It is of crucial importance of a successful sustainable
corporate transformation that, starting with the executive
board, through the entire management level to the individual
employee, all skills and mechanisms are taken into account
and appropriate competencies are built up. It is essential to
establish a long-term sustainable corporate culture with
team dynamics and appropriate processes and “team norms”.
This shapes the self-image and actions of the employees and
has an extraordinarily large influence on motivation and thus
successful implementation.
5. Implementation through defined measures:
Define responsibilities and appoint a person to lead the
transformation process. Involve partners along the entire
value chain to make the implementation successful.
6. Measurability and continuous improvement process:
Define appropriate indicators and measure sustainability
performance. Use monitoring and reporting tools and
methods to inform progress and track sustainability goals.
Regularly review your measures and targets as laws and
customer requirements may change.
Overall, developing and implementing a sustainability
strategy is an ongoing process that requires continuous
adjustments and improvements. Companies can benefit
from a well-developed sustainability strategy while helping
to address global challenges.
www.begamo.com
By:
Christina Granacher
Managing Director
BeGaMo
Hohenfels, Germany
Save the date (German language event):
Nachhaltigkeit und Kunststoffe
– Die Zukunftsthemen
Schloß Hohenfels / Germany
20. + 21. September 2023
www.begamo.com