Bakelite’s EcoVadis Gold: A Benchmark For Manufacturers

Bakelite, a name associated with the birth of the plastics age, has received a Gold Medal from the sustainability ratings platform EcoVadis.

The award places the thermoset resin manufacturer in the top 5% of the 130,000 companies assessed globally for its sustainability performance.

This recognition comes at a time of intense scrutiny for the plastics industry. According to the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the world is "choking on plastic". 

The material first created in 1907 became a household name through its use in goods like radios and telephones. Yet the legacy of plastic is complex.

Statistics from the OECD indicate that only 9% of the world's plastic is recycled with the remainder often ending up in landfills or oceans where it can take hundreds of years to decompose. Bakelite's achievement could suggest a changing approach within the sector.

Operational investments in sustainable infrastructure

Bakelite's improved sustainability rating can be attributed to new policies operational enhancements and more comprehensive public reporting.

The organisation has made considerable investments in its infrastructure, including the installation of solar panels at its facilities in Barry, Wales, Lantarón, Spain, and Kitee, Finland.

What's more, a new steam turbine has been implemented at Bakelite's Botlek site in the Netherlands. There have also been several initiatives aimed at reusing water at Bakelite's sites in Oregon and a new chiller system in Louisville designed to reduce water consumption.

These changes reflect a direct investment in the operational footprint of Bakelite’s manufacturing processes.

Strategic growth and bio-based materials

Business strategy has also played a role in Bakelite’s trajectory.

Bakelite's President and CEO JP Aucoin highlights the acquisition of Sestec, a manufacturer of bio-based adhesives for wood and composite materials as a key factor. 

The move signals an expansion of Bakelite's portfolio into renewable materials.

"Earning the EcoVadis Gold Medal is an important milestone that highlights our deep commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices," says JP. 

"Our acquisition of Sestec, a leader in bio-based adhesives for wood and composite materials together with this recognition reinforces our dedication to helping customers achieve their sustainability goals."

Bakelite’s performance also stemmed from its participation in schemes including the Responsible Care and ISCC Plus certification programmes.

Addressing plastic waste in manufacturing

Despite efforts from individual companies, the scale of plastic use is set to grow. The OECD predicts that global plastic consumption will triple from 2019 levels by 2060 which could mean that plastic pollution doubles to 44 million tonnes a year.

This forecast places manufacturers under pressure from institutional investors who are increasingly focused on environmental metrics such as recycling, waste management and the use of bio-based raw materials.

Advanced recycling technologies like chemical recycling and pyrolysis which break down plastics into their basic components are in development to produce high-quality recycled materials.

However, the transition to a circular economy requires significant capital investment which can be difficult to balance against immediate financial pressures. Bakelite appears to be adopting a proactive stance on the issue.

“We know that our dedication to sustainability will help us become a stronger company while also making a positive impact on our planet,” explains JP.

The challenge remains substantial, as broadcasting icon Sir David Attenborough says: “Industrial pollution and the discarding of plastic waste must be tackled for the sake of all life in the ocean.”