EnvironmentalCorner

SIMONA AMERICA Group Embraces Sustainable Initiatives by taking Actionable Steps

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IMONA AMERICA Group has announced a series of significant steps in sustainability. For SIMONA, sustainability is an integral part of their global identity, guided by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. SIMONA’s approach to sustainability is focused on “producing right” by incorporating more efficient processing methods, educating the next generation of plastic’s industry leaders about how to impact the future responsibly and positively, as well as product modernization – where plastic can be a part of innovative technologies for a more sustainable future.

Participation in the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)
SIMONA has officially announced their participation in the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The company has established intent to take concrete measures aimed at validating its pathway to CO2 reduction. This includes reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by an average of 5.25% per year by 2030, in line with the Paris Agreement and achieving “net zero” status by 2050. This commitment represents a significant milestone for the SIMONA Group in their efforts to ensure an effective reduction in their carbon footprint and contribute constructively to global climate change mitigation.

Their recent actions in the United States led to a significant investment in SIMONA AMERICA Industries by completing the installation of over 3,300 solar panels, producing 2,360,000 kWh, which accounts for approximately 14% of the facility’s annual power consumption at the Archbald, PA, USA, production location.

Onsite recycling center
Additional plans include the construction of an on-site recycling center at the Newcomerstown, OH, USA, production location, further demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship. By developing advanced recycling and recovering technologies in-house, they will transform their approach to manufacturing and material reuse. In addition to reducing the cost of hauling recyclable materials to a third-party recycler, SIMONA expects to lower production costs, lessen energy consumption and ease the demand for fossil fuels. This project is scheduled to break ground at the end of 2024.
Launch of global sustainability website
SIMONA recently launched a new global sustainability website. This dedicated platform consolidates all the company’s global sustainability projects and aims to keep both internal and external stakeholders continuously updated. The website provides a comprehensive view of their sustainability strategy, emphasizing the themes of products, production and processes, and appreciation. It also features a news section to report on exciting events and developments. The new site can be viewed at https://sustainability.simona.de/en.
aerial view of SIMONA AMERICA Industries Archbald, PA, USA, production location
SIMONA AMERICA Industries completed the installation of over 3,300 solar panels at their Archbald, PA, USA, production location.
Achievement of ISO 14001 Certification
SIMONA Boltaron has achieved ISO 14001 certification, the internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems (EMS). This certification provides a framework for organizations to design and implement an EMS, continually improving their environmental performance. By adhering to ISO 14001, we ensure proactive measures to minimize our environmental footprint, comply with relevant legal requirements, and achieve our environmental objectives.

“I am very proud of the whole team at SIMONA Boltaron for showing the dedication and commitment to our sustainability targets and achieving the IS14001 certification. It is not only the certification, but our firm determination to make a positive environmental impact in our industry,” said President of SIMONA Boltaron Artur Hirsch.

+Vantage VinylTM Verification
Additional certification was achieved by SIMONA AMERICA Group through the Vantage Vinyl Verification with an audit performed by GreenCircle Certified LLC. The +Vantage VinylTM initiative by the Vinyl Sustainability Council (VSC) advances the U.S. vinyl industry’s contribution to sustainable development. This program verifies the sustainability of the entire vinyl supply chain and aims to drive continuous improvement across environmental, social, and economic performance. Verified +Vantage Vinyl companies, like SIMONA, demonstrate a commitment to sustainable business practices through verification aligned with environmental stewardship, social diligence, economic soundness, open communication and collaboration.

“Our commitment to sustainability is deeply embedded in our company culture. We are not just talking about sustainability; we are taking concrete actions to make a real difference. From achieving ISO 14001 certification to launching our dedicated sustainability website and participating in the SBTi, we are demonstrating that sustainability is at the core of everything we do. Together, we can create a more sustainable future,” said Adam Mellen, CEO of SIMONA America Group.