Leather chemicals manufacturer TFL has published its first group sustainability report since incorporating the Lanxess leather business in 2021, writes Leatherbiz.

The report contains information taken from consolidated financial statements and the group management report as of 31 December 2022 and covers the years 2021 and 2022.

Quantitative data covering all group manufacturing sites in France, Italy, Germany, China, India and Brazil was given for energy consumption, CO2 emissions (scope 1 and 2) and water withdrawal and discharge. Whilst minor increases were seen for energy consumption and emissions from 2021 to 2022, total waste water discharge saw a decrease.

TFL told Leatherbiz that the energy and emissions increases were in part due to the increased Lanxess leather business productions, acquired in June 2021 but also attributable to reduced productions due to the global downturn.

The report also listed a number of sustainability goals – including:

• Reduction of direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions (scope 1 and 2) per kg produced of 20% by 2028 and of 50% by 2033 (compared to 2021) and carbon neutrality by 2040
• Increase of gross sales of products with a bio [1] based content of 50% or higher in the global portfolio as a percentage of the Group`s gross sales of 2 percentage points each year

In order to achieve these goals, “Sustainability Drive” initiatives have been set up.

On releasing the report, the executive board of directors’ introduction statement said “Sustainability is a key strategic theme for TFL and considered to be a driver for growth and value as well as an important element of risk management. In light of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive introduced by the European Union, TFL has decided to early-adopt some of the disclosure requirements”.

The full report can be seen here.