Driving sustainable impact > Translating purpose into action
Translating purpose into action
At Teijin Aramid, we've gone beyond our original mission of delivering high-performance fiber products to embrace a broader goal: Shaping a sustainable future for all. This reflects our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint and pioneering sustainable innovations in aramid materials.
Driving sustainable impact > Sustainable energy commitment
Sustainable energy commitment
Since 2021, we’ve taken steps towards environmental sustainability by purchasing guarantees of origin, fully offsetting our electricity use in the production of Twaron®. Despite this, we faced several challenges that prevented us from reaching our anticipated target for renewable heat in 2025.
*This revision acknowledges the complexities of replacing high-temperature heat used by Teijin Aramid with renewable sources. The 2025 target has been adjusted accordingly.
Key challenges and achievements
In the aftermath of the fire at the Delfzijl location at the end of 2022, our journey to improve energy efficiency has faced challenges. Despite launching several energy-saving projects, reduced production levels led to higher-than-targeted energy use per product. Our resolve to minimize our environmental footprint, however, remains strong.
We remained steadfast in implementing the energy-saving projects defined in the 2021 – 2024 European Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) plan, fully committed to sustainability and regulatory compliance.
Additionally, we identified energy-saving measures for 2024 – 2027. This effort ensures all Dutch facilities and the Research & Innovation Center (RIC) meet the Dutch Energy Conservation Obligation.
Renewable energy
Due to challenges in sourcing renewable heat, such as biosteam and biogas, particularly in Delfzijl and Emmen, we've adjusted our 2025 renewable heat target to 23% from the initial 40%. This revision acknowledges the complexities of replacing high-temperature heat used by Teijin Aramid with renewable sources.
Our strategy for renewable electricity produced with solar and wind energy involves the purchase of Guarantees of Origin, ensuring all Dutch plants operate on green power. Despite our efforts, we did not secure Power Purchase Agreements including Guarantees of Origin in 2023.
Driving sustainable impact > Current energy efficiency
Current energy efficiency
Our plan to align with the 2021 – 2024 European Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) remains on track. We've advanced through enhanced process control and the integration of new technologies. We're also amplifying our efforts to tap into renewable heat sources, including hydrogen networks, and carbon capture and storage (CCS) infrastructure.
We’re dedicated to fulfilling the Dutch government’s Multi-Year Energy Efficiency Agreement by implementing a series of four-year Energy Efficiency Plans (EEPs). These plans include conducting an EED Energy Audit every four years, which assesses our current energy usage and potential for energy savings. This audit is mandated by the EED.
Falling short of the targets
Although we invested in energy-saving technologies during our recent capacity expansion, the initial energy performance during commissioning and startup failed to meet initial expectations. The integration and scaling up of new technologies at an industrial level has proven more complex than anticipated, resulting in less energy savings than we had hoped for.
From 2018 to 2023, energy savings were recorded at:
in Delfzijl
in Emmen
at Kleefse Waard
at RIC (Research and Innovation Center)
We plan to reevaluate some of these energy-saving projects in 2024.
Energy efficiency data
The graph below displays the Energy Efficiency Index (EEI) for Delfzijl, Emmen, and Arnhem from 2005 to 2023. We calculate the total energy consumed per ton of product annually and compare it to the base year 2005. A lower EEI number compared to the base index of 100 indicates improved energy efficiency.
Overall, the EEI for these locations shows fluctuations. Through our energy efficiency projects, we aim to further improve energy efficiency compared to our base year. As of 2023, the results shown use a set of conversion factors for electricity that represent actual consumption, ensuring comparability over the years.
Driving sustainable impact > 2023: A year of significant achievements
2023: A year of significant achievements
Over the past year, Teijin Aramid has made remarkable strides in our sustainability journey. We're proud to highlight:
Circularity at Scale
Achieved our first industrial-scale production of Twaron® using renewable materials, marking a milestone in circular aramid production.
Innovation in Recycling
Advanced our recycling technologies across mechanical and chemical routes, significantly impacting our sustainability footprint.
Raw material transition
Signaled our commitment to transitioning to renewable raw materials through the launch of the ARAMAZING project, which supports both chemical recycling innovation and a transition to raw materials by utilizing recycled aramid as feedstock.
Driving sustainable impact > Looking ahead: 2024 and beyond
Looking ahead: 2024 and beyond
As we move into FY2024, we’re doubling down on our commitment to delivering sustainable innovations and while maintaining our leadership in circular aramid production. Key initiatives include:
Product Innovation
The development and market introduction of more sustainable para- and meta-aramid products.
Resource Efficiency
Continuing our journey towards a more sustainable raw material and energy usage, reinforcing our commitment to reducing our environmental impact.
Community Engagement
Dedicating resources to support our Marketing & Sales department, ensuring our sustainability ethos resonates across our partner network.
Driving sustainable impact > We need an ecosystem to succeed
We need an ecosystem to succeed
Through strategic partnerships, sustainable technology investments, and a commitment to circularity, we made strides in reducing CO₂ emissions, advancing recycling technologies, and shifting to renewable energy sources.
Our 2030 goals emphasize further reductions in waste, hazardous chemical emissions, and water usage. This holistic approach to sustainability also involves addressing challenges — such as transitioning away from PFAS — balancing safety, environmental responsibility, and legislative pace.
Teijin Aramid's position on PFAS regulation
At Teijin Aramid, we recognize the evolving landscape of regulations surrounding Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). We are committed to staying abreast of changes in existing and new regulations, ensuring full compliance with all applicable laws.
While some of our products do contain PFAS, we want to assure our stakeholders that we are diligently preparing to meet upcoming legislative requirements. Our approach is thorough and proactive, although we must balance this with the practicalities of current technological capabilities and industry standards.
One of the critical challenges we face is the use of fluoropolymers in our manufacturing processes. These substances are integral to our operations, and we are aware of the need to find and implement safe alternatives. We replace by PFAS free solutions where feasible and proven, but not for all our uses we actually see full alternatives. We believe it is essential for the industry to have sufficient time to research, develop, and transition to these alternatives without compromising safety, performance, or environmental standards.
We remain committed to sustainability and are actively engaged in discussions with regulatory bodies, industry partners, and research institutions to foster innovation and ensure responsible stewardship of PFAS-related issues.
