At Verallia, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) allows us to reimagine glass to build a sustainable future by integrating social, environmental, and economic challenges into all our actions and initiatives since the creation of our CSR department in 2018.
What is Corporate Social Responsibility?
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to the set of practices implemented by companies to integrate social, environmental, and economic concerns into their activities and interactions with stakeholders. In other words, CSR aims to have a positive impact on society while ensuring the economic viability of the company.
CSR : A modern approach in constant evolution
The CSR department at Verallia is currently driven by a team of around ten people spread across the globe. These experts energize CSR both locally and within the Group. In 2020, we defined our purpose: ‘Re-imagine glass for a sustainable future‘ a vision that guides and supports all our initiatives.
Our CSR strategy is based on three main pillars, rooted in the respect of our values and ethical principles, in close collaboration with our suppliers, customers, and employees :
- Strengthening the circularity of glass packaging
At Verallia, we are committed to maximizing the use of recycled glass, also known as cullet. It is used in glass manufacturing to replace natural raw materials. Thanks to cullet, glass can be positioned as an infinitely recyclable material.
Our goals are ambitious: to achieve a rate of 59% external cullet in our productions by 2025 and 66% by 2030.
Why this commitment? Because cullet helps to reduce:
- The consumption of natural raw materials;
- The energy consumption required for melting;
- The associated CO2 emissions.
- Decarbonizing our activities :
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are classified into three categories: Scope 1, 2, and 3. Scope 1 covers direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by the company. Scope 2 includes indirect emissions related to the consumption of purchased energy. Scope 3 encompasses all other indirect emissions that occur in the company’s value chain.
The glass industry is very energy-intensive, and it is crucial for us to reduce our CO2 emissions, as they also impact our clients’ carbon footprint. Therefore, we must act proactively. Our goals are:
- A 46% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions in absolute terms by 2030 compared to the 2019 baseline year.
- Net Zero by 2050 for Scope 1 and 2 emissions.
To achieve these goals, we have implemented innovative initiatives, such as our 100% electric furnace inaugurated in Cognac. This furnace reduces our CO2 emissions by 60% compared to a traditional furnace. This technological advancement is also highlighted during this year’s Verallia Design Awards, where we celebrate responsible and sustainable innovation.
- Ensuring a safe and inclusive work environment for all :
At Verallia, we are committed to ensuring a safe and inclusive work environment for all our employees. This includes several key areas:
- Ensuring everyone’s safety;
- Promoting diversity and inclusion;
- Certification in gender equality;
- Fostering the well-being of our employees.
To learn more about our initiatives and commitments, please refer to our CSR report.
