Filtrona Pioneers Bold Sustainability Strategy, Outlines Ambitious ESG Initiatives

SINGAPORE, August 26, 2024 — Filtrona, a global provider of special filter solutions, has announced new sustainability initiatives as part of its broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy. Headquartered in Singapore, Filtrona is incorporating sustainability into its core business practices, with the aim of meeting evolving industry standards and stakeholder expectations.

Robert Pye, Chief Executive Officer of Filtrona, shared with CarbonWire in an exclusive interview that sustainability is increasingly central to the company’s operations. “We see sustainability as a fundamental part of our business strategy,” Pye explained. Filtrona’s approach is structured around three main pillars: Environmental Stewardship, Social Responsibility, and Governance Excellence. These areas guide the company in balancing long-term business goals with environmental and social considerations.

In 2023, Filtrona reported a 29% reduction in net CO2 emissions compared to the previous year. The company also achieved Zero Waste to Landfill across all its manufacturing sites and increased its use of renewable energy to 32%. Filtrona has set targets to make all its manufacturing sites carbon-neutral by 2040 and to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

Filtrona is a global player in the design, testing, and manufacturing of special filter solutions. With 10 manufacturing facilities across Asia, Europe, and America, along with innovation centres and a Centre of Excellence focused on sustainability, the company serves customers in over 120 countries. Filtrona’s product offerings include biodegradable and plastic-free filters, aimed at reducing environmental impact.

Incorporating ESG into Operations

Filtrona has taken steps to integrate ESG factors into its decision-making processes. The company has established an ESG Committee to ensure that these considerations are reflected in its strategic planning and daily operations. “ESG is a priority for us, and we recognize its importance to our stakeholders,” Pye noted.

The company follows international reporting standards, including the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), to enhance transparency in its ESG reporting.

Filtrona continues to focus on the development of sustainable products, particularly in the area of filter solutions. “Our ECO Range of plastic-free, biodegradable filters is designed to meet both regulatory requirements and consumer demand,” Pye said. The company works with suppliers to support the transition to sustainable products, ensuring the availability of necessary materials to meet market demand.

Environmental and Social Initiatives

Filtrona has implemented measures to reduce its environmental footprint, including energy efficiency improvements and responsible waste management practices. The company’s long-term goals include achieving carbon neutrality at all manufacturing sites by 2040.

In addition to its environmental efforts, Filtrona is also active in social responsibility. In 2023, employees participated in various community initiatives, including earthquake relief efforts in Türkiye and Syria and support for cancer-related causes.

The company emphasizes strong governance practices, with its ESG Committee overseeing sustainability initiatives and ensuring compliance with ESG standards. Filtrona has also implemented compliance training programmes to educate employees on ethical business practices.

Filtrona plans to continue focusing on innovation, particularly in the development of sustainable filter materials. The company is also investing in digital technologies, such as a new cloud ERP solution, to improve operational efficiency and support its sustainability goals.

As Filtrona advances its sustainability and ESG efforts, it aims to align its business practices with the broader goals of environmental protection and social responsibility, contributing to the ongoing evolution of the industry.