EcoVadis gold rating for Plansee and silver for Ceratizit

Global sustainability assessment specialist EcoVadis has certified Plansee Group companies Ceratizit, the high-tech engineering group specialising in cutting tools and hard material solutions with a silver sustainability rating, and Plansee SE, a world leader in the manufacture of components from refractory metals, such as molybdenum and tungsten, has been awarded a gold rating.

EcoVardis, which describes itself to be the world’s largest and most reliable provider of corporate sustainability ratings, recognises the two companies’ consistent sustainability strategy. For the companies, the award is an incentive to further intensify their commitment to environmental, social and ethical causes. Both Ceratizit and Plansee are pursuing ambitious goals with their sustainability strategy, and the first milestones have already been realised.

As part of the Plansee Group, both companies are important players in the production chain for refractory metals and cemented carbides. The products play an indispensable role in industry and society, which is challenging since their manufacturing process is energy-intensive. Ceratizit and Plansee are aware of this responsibility and are making great efforts to realise their sustainability goals as quickly and effectively as possible.

One of Ceratizit's main goals is to be CO₂-neutral by 2025 by reducing emissions by 35 percent. By 2040, the strictest target for reducing greenhouse gases is to be achieved by reducing emissions by 90% to ‘net zero’. Plansee is aiming to be CO₂-neutral by 2030 and net climate-neutral by 2050.

Hydrogen electrolyser
Ceratizit and Plansee need hydrogen for production. Until now, hydrogen at their main site in Reutte has been produced from natural gas, which accounts for 50% of CO₂ emissions at the site. The companies are currently installing a hydrogen electrolyser on their premises, which will cover half of the production facilities’ hydrogen requirements from 2025. The electricity required for this electrolyser will come entirely from renewable sources.

By 2025, Ceratizit and Plansee will be able to cut local emissions from hydrogen production by 50% at the Reutte site; and by 2030, all hydrogen production there is scheduled to be CO₂-free.

Andreas Lackner, spokesman for the Executive Board at Ceratizit, said: “The silver rating from EcoVadis confirms that we are on the right track with our ambitious commitment to sustainability. In addition to our efforts to achieve CO₂ and net climate neutrality, we are also focusing on environmental, occupational health and safety issues as well as HR initiatives to become an even more attractive employer. We are delighted that our progress has been recognised with this assessment.”

Andreas Feichtinger, executive director at Plansee, concluded: “With measures such as the gradual conversion of hydrogen production at our main site, we have been able to prove that we are serious about our sustainability strategy. The EcoVadis rating is proof of this and is an important milestone for us. However, we also want to use our innovative strength to support our customers in becoming more sustainable and accompany them on this journey.”