Social Statements

SDG 1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere

1.2 By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions

Enhancing positive contribution

Umicore can positively contribute by giving all employees freedom of association (collective bargaining can have impact on wages) and including compliance with applicable laws (which state minimum wages) in binding contracts with suppliers. Umicore also has a limited negative contribution as it does not engage in artisanal mining, which is an important source of income for the rural poor. However the positive contribution is estimated to be more significant.

SDG 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

3.4 By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being

Enhancing positive contribution

Umicore can contribute positively to mental health and wellbeing by providing its employees with wellbeing programs focussed on preventing burnouts, flexible working arrangements, mental wellbeing trainings etc.

SDG 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

3.5 Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol

Enhancing positive contribution

Umicore can contribute positively by providing its employees with substance abuse programs (targeted at specific sites) for tobacco and alcohol.

SDG 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

3.8 Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all

Enhancing positive contribution

Umicore can contribute positively by the nature of its business i.e. producing catalysts for cancer treatments and by providing its employees with substantial health coverage. It can also support by giving charities medical aid in developing countries e.g. AZG, Red Cross (although this is not part of the philanthropy focus on education and technology).

SDG 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

3.9 By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination

minimizing negative impact

Umicore can reduce its negative contribution by keeping control over the pollution its operations may cause (heavy metals, dioxins) in general and especially in areas surrounding factories e.g. managing of risks associated with lead on metal refiner sites as well as in sourcing areas . It can also contribute by monitoring the health of all employees with a potential workplace exposure to metals.

SDG 4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

4.1 By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes

Enhancing positive contribution

SDG 4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

4.4 By 2030, substantially increase the number of youths and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship

Enhancing positive contribution

SDG 4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

4.5 By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations

Enhancing positive contribution

This contribution is related to Umicore's dedicated philanthropy approach (focus on education). Umicore can positively contribute through partnerships to educate and encourage young girls to study sciences e.g. That's Brilliant campaign to promote STEM education, especially among girls.

SDG 4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

4.7 By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture's contribution to sustainable development

Enhancing positive contribution

Umicore can contribute positively by providing specific training to its employees on topics such as inclusion & diversity, business ethics, sustainable development etc.

SDG 5.Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

5.1 End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere

Enhancing positive contribution

SDG 5.Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

5.2 Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation

Enhancing positive contribution

SDG 5.Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

5.5 Ensure women's full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life

Enhancing positive contribution

SDG 6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

6.3 By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally

minimizing negative impact

Umicore can minimize its negative impact by keeping control over the water pollution its operations may cause in areas surrounding factories as well as in sourcing areas of precious metals and minerals. Umicore can also contribute by controlling the amount of water used for its operations

SDG 6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

6.4 By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity

minimizing negative impact

Umicore can minimize its negative impact by keeping control over the amount and sources of water used for its operations and by treating and reusing water.

SDG 6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

6.6 By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes

minimizing negative impact

Umicore can minimize its negative impact by keeping control over the water pollution its operations may cause in general but also specifically in areas surrounding factories as well as in sourcing areas of precious metals.

SDG 7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

7.1 By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services

Enhancing positive contribution

Umicore can contribute positively by producing rechargeable battery materials for electrified transportation, portable electronics, energy storage and power tools.

SDG 7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

7.2 By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix

Enhancing positive contribution

Umicore can contribute positively by the nature of its business activities i.e. producing rechargeable battery materials for storage of renewable energy as well as by increasing the share of renewable energy in its own energy consumption.

SDG 7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

7.3 By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency

Enhancing positive contribution

Umicore can contribute positively by producing high quality rechargeable battery materials for efficient storage and release of renewable energy and in making its own operations more energy efficient e.g. by executing energy efficiency projects and implementing systems to monitor energy use.

SDG 7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

7.a By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology

Enhancing positive contribution

Umicore can contribute positively by participating in REACH, by information sharing on toxicity and handling of substances and fuel business and by Umicore's product stewardship policy including substitution strategy and reduced impact for customers.

SDG 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

8.2 Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high value-added and labor -intensive sectors

Enhancing positive contribution

Umicore can contribute positively to technical upgrading and innovation by producing innovative products (e.g. emission control catalysts, rechargeable batteries and catalyst for fuel applications) and investing in R&D.

SDG 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

8.3 Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services

Enhancing positive contribution

This contribution is related to Umicore's dedicated philanthropy approach (focus on education & technology). Umicore can positively contribute by supporting organizations which encourage entrepreneurship e.g. by being a founding member of Entrepreneurs pour Entrepreneurs/Ondernemers voor Ondernemers which pairs corporate donors with development charities that focus on promoting entrepreneurship in the developing world.

SDG 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

8.4 Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavour to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation, in accordance with the 10-year framework of programmes on sustainable consumption and production, with developed countries taking the lead

Enhancing positive contribution

Umicore can contribute positively by its core activity of recycling and refining of metal bearing materials and by using materials in their processes from end-of life or secondary origin.

SDG 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

8.5 By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value

Enhancing positive contribution

Umicore can contribute positively by ensuring equal opportunities and inclusiveness within its own organization. Moreover, it can promote equal opportunities and inclusiveness in its supply chain.

SDG 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

8.6 By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training

Enhancing positive contribution

Umicore can contribute positively by focusing on recruiting young people (blue collar as well as white collar) e.g. through a young graduate program and by supporting educational programs.

Enhancing positive contribution

SDG 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

8.8 Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment

Enhancing positive contribution

Umicore can contribute positively by ensuring a safe and secure working environment within its own organization e.g. health care programs, social wellbeing programs, safety trainings. Moreover, it can promote and enforce (through signing of codes of conducts) good working conditions in its supply chain.

SDG 9.Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.

9.1 Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all

Enhancing positive contribution

Umicore can contribute positively by its contribution to the overall development of clean mobility i.e. through rechargeable battery materials and catalysts for reducing emissions.

SDG 9.Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.

9.2 Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries

Enhancing positive contribution

Umicore can contribute positively by increasing the share of its sustainable business activities in the portfolio and by employing new people, in its own operations as well as in the rest of the supply chain.

SDG 9.Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.

9.4 By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities

Enhancing positive contribution

Umicore can contribute positively by its core activity of recycling and refining of metal bearing materials, by using materials in its processes from end-of life or secondary origin. Umicore can also contribute by making its operations more energy efficient and reducing air, water and soil pollution through the use of new sustainable technologies.

SDG 9.Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.

9.5 Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending

Enhancing positive contribution

Umicore can contribute positively by investing in R&D programs to develop sustainable products and technologies e.g. more efficient recycling of materials.

SDG 10. Reduce inequality within and among countries.

10.2 By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status

Enhancing positive contribution

Umicore can contribute by ensuring equality and implementing inclusion policies within its own organization. Moreover, it can promote social inclusion in its supply chain.

SDG 10. Reduce inequality within and among countries.

10.4 Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality

Enhancing positive contribution

Umicore can contribute by implementing policies within its own organization. It can also contribute in developing countries to promote equality and fair remuneration at its suppliers e.g. by signing codes of conduct.

SDG 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

11.2 By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons

Enhancing positive contribution

Umicore can contribute positively to sustainable transport by its activities on clean mobility i.e. producing rechargeable battery materials for electrical cars and catalysts to clean exhaust gases.

SDG 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

11.4 Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world's cultural and natural heritage

Enhancing positive contribution

Umicore can contribute positively by limiting the mining of new metals by recycling metals and thus keeping current landscapes and resources untouched. Umicore can also contribute by reducing harmful emissions through the production of catalysts, therefore reducing impacts such as climate change impacts and acid rain.

SDG 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

11.6 By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management

minimizing negative impact

Umicore can minimize its negative impact by keeping control over the pollution its operations may cause (heavy metals, dioxins) in cities surrounding factories and mines.

SDG 12.Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

12.2 By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources

Enhancing positive contribution

Umicore can contribute positively by efficient use of resources in its operations e.g. using raw materials from secondary sources, sourcing these resources in an ethical and sustainable way (controlled by sustainable procurement practices ) and by the nature of its operations i.e. precious metals refining and recycling.

SDG 12.Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

12.4 By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment

minimizing negative impact

Umicore can minimize its negative impact by limiting and actively managing the negative impact of its operations in terms of GHG emissions (efficient production, capturing and transforming byproducts), in terms of metal emissions to air, water and soil (process efficiency, filtration) and waste management.

SDG 12.Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

12.5 By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse

Enhancing positive contribution

Umicore can contribute positively by the nature of its business activities e.g. recovering metals from waste streams such as e-scrap and using materials from secondary sources. Umicore can also minimize its negative impact by actively controlling and minimizing the waste generated by its own operations.

SDG 12.Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

12.6 Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle

Enhancing positive contribution

Umicore can contribute positively by adopting sustainable practices e.g. using materials from non-primary sources and by integrating sustainability information into its reporting cycle e.g. in an integrated annual report.

SDG 12.Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

12.7 Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities

Enhancing positive contribution

Umicore can contribute positively by implementing sustainable procurement practices in its supply chain e.g. by signing and having suppliers sign a code of conduct, setting up of sustainable procurement charters, carrying out audits,…

SDG 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

13.1 Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries

Enhancing positive contribution

Umicore can contribute positively by the nature of its business i.e. recycling minerals and metals, by using materials from non-primary sources, by having a clear strategy and target to reduce emissions (which will be validated by SBTi) and by aligning with the TCFD.

SDG 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning

minimizing negative impact

Through its operations, Umicore emits GHG. To minimize that negative impact, Umicore has integrated the goal of 'net zero GHG emissions' by 2035 in its corporate 'Let's go for zero' strategy.

SDG 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

13.3 Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning

Enhancing positive contribution

Umicore can contribute positively by undertaking public-private partnerships on climate change mitigation e.g. on clean energy and clean mobility and by creating awareness on how its products can help mitigate climate change e.g. reducing resource consumption by recycling of minerals.

SDG 14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

14.1 By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution

minimizing negative impact

Umicore can minimize its negative impact by limiting metal pollution to water.

SDG 15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

15.1 By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements

minimizing negative impact

Umicore can minimize its negative impact by making sure that the mines from which it sources its materials are developed to mitigate impacts and conserve the natural environment. Umicore can also contribute by using resources from non-primary sources and by limiting the pollution and waste from its own production processes, especially metal pollution to water sources in this case.

SDG 15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

15.3 By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world

minimizing negative impact

Umicore can minimize its negative impact by limiting the emissions, pollution and waste from its own production processes, thus mitigating climate change which can cause droughts and floods. Umicore can also contribute by efficient water use in its own operations and in the supply chain.

SDG 15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

15.5 Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species

minimizing negative impact

Umicore can minimize its negative impact by making sure that the mines from which it sources its materials are developed to mitigate impacts and conserve the natural environment. Umicore can also contribute by using resources from non-primary sources and by limiting the pollution and waste from its own production processes.

SDG16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

16.1 Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere

Enhancing positive contribution

Umicore can contribute positively by setting up responsible sourcing programs for its precious minerals and metals to avoid any use of violence within its supply chain and to avoid that the proceedings from those minerals are misused to finance armed conflict in high-risk areas.

SDG16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

16.2 End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children

Enhancing positive contribution

Umicore can contribute positively by setting up responsible sourcing programs for its precious minerals and metals as mining is an industry that is sensitive to forced child labor due to the regions in which operations occur. Umicore can also contribute by actively supporting programs/NGOs aimed at preventing child labor.

SDG16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

16.4 By 2030, significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets and combat all forms of organized crime

Enhancing positive contribution

Umicore can contribute positively by continuing and elaborating responsible sourcing programs for its precious minerals and metals as those materials can be misused to finance armed conflict.

SDG16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

16.5 Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms

Enhancing positive contribution

Umicore can contribute positively by making sure there is no corruption or bribery within its own organization and within its supply chain, especially because the areas in which precious minerals and metals are sourced are sensitive to armed conflict and corruption.

SDG16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

16.7 Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels

Enhancing positive contribution

Umicore can contribute positively by involving stakeholders e.g. employees at lower management levels in strategic company decisions.

SDG 17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development: Finance.

17.16 Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources, to support the achievement of the sustainable development goals in all countries, in particular developing countries

Enhancing positive contribution

Umicore can contribute positively by engaging in the Global Battery Alliance (GBA) to help shape a circular, responsible and sustainable battery value chain.

SDG 17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development: Finance.

17.17 Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships

Enhancing positive contribution

Umicore can contribute positively by engaging in the partnerships such as Global Battery Alliance (GBA), Belgian Alliance for Climate Action (BACA) and through its engagement for STEM education.