We Care Sustainability Report 2023 - Continuing our growth towards sustainability

In our journey towards sustainability, we've undertaken numerous initiatives to transition to renewable energy sources. A significant milestone was the installation of solar panels across several of our facilities. These panels harness the sun's power to generate clean, renewable energy, reducing our reliance on grid electricity and shrinking our carbon footprint. In 2023, for the first time within the Manuchar Group, we generated renewable electricity for our own consumption.

In Brazil, for example, we installed 258 solar panel modules at our distribution center in Imbituba, thanks to a collaborative effort between our operation bases and headquarters. This initiative not only benefits our company but also contributes to a cleaner, greener environment. Additionally, in 2023, we transitioned to purchasing 100% certified renewable energy at Group level, marking a significant step forward in reducing our environmental impact and reaffirming our commitment to sustainable energy management.

Furthermore, our dedication to waste management has yielded remarkable results. Through group-wide recycling initiatives, we significantly reduced our carbon emissions from 478.40 metric tons of CO2 in 2022 to 261.33 metric tons in 2023. As we progress, we remain committed to enhancing our waste management practices and further decreasing our carbon footprint for the betterment of our planet.

Reaffirming our commitment to conserving green areas, Quimasa (part of our Manuchar Group) supported the Siembratón initiative by planting 3,000 trees of native species. This initiative aims to restore the Bosqueira protective forest in the north of Guayaquil, Ecuador, which was affected by fires in 2022. Through donations of fertilizers and provision of training sessions, we actively contribute to restoration efforts and promote biodiversity conservation.

We believe in fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes the safety and well-being of our employees. In 2023, our organization achieved once again zero work-related fatalities and zero work-related illnesses, encompassing both our employees and contractors, whether on our sites or during commuting. Furthermore, 85% of our sites successfully concluded the year without any lost time injuries. 

A key focus for us is our ManuCare program, which actively promotes inclusive and high-quality educational initiatives and lifelong learning opportunities in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 4 (quality education) and 8 (decent work). In 2023, we positively impacted the lives of over 3,000 individuals through 23 different ManuCare initiatives in the communities surrounding our operations, sparking meaningful change.

As a global organization with a worldwide presence, the Manuchar Group values diversity and inclusion, embracing a workforce that represents a rich variety of backgrounds, cultures, and nationalities. By the end of 2023, we celebrated further growth, with our team now comprising individuals from 57 distinct national backgrounds, highlighting our ongoing commitment to inclusivity and global representation.

In our journey towards responsible sourcing practices, we achieved several turning points for our organization. Firstly, we’ve launched a Supplier Code of Conduct, based on the principles of the United Nations Global Compact, the chemical industry’s Responsible Care program and Manuchar’s own Code of Conduct. Since its introduction at the end of 2023, more than 50% of the suppliers we have recently evaluated have already voluntarily signed the Supplier Code of Conduct. We anticipate this figure to increase substantially in 2024. 

Secondly, we obtained the FSC Mix certification for Manuchar Pulp & Paper. This accomplishment is a prime example of our dedication to sourcing products responsibly from well-managed forests, recycled materials, and/or FSC-controlled wood. 

Lastly, our zero product-related health and safety incidents and zero labeling incidents underscore our unwavering focus on delivering safe and sustainable products to our customers.

Transparency, integrity, and accountability are the cornerstones of our corporate governance framework. We have improved our policies to meet our business risk profile. We conducted a risk and control assessment, covering Trade controls and Anti-Corruption measures in 100% of Manuchar’s affiliates, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and ethical principles. Moreover, 85% of our employees completed the Code of Conduct training, equipping them with the knowledge to navigate ethical dilemmas effectively. 

To further bolster our compliance efforts, we’ve screened over 70,000 third parties using a renowned compliance platform, ensuring that our business partners share our commitment to integrity.

Join us in our journey towards a sustainable tomorrow. Together, we can make a difference.