We have a resource-saving approach and integrate factors such as safety in production, climate and environmental protection, employee protection and respect for human rights into our business processes from the outset. We are committed to renowned global sustainability initiatives and to social responsibility, especially in the regions where our sites are located. Sustainability is proving to be a decisive competitive advantage, particularly in the highly competitive, dynamic market of the semiconductor industry.
Self-commitments
Our sustainability strategy extends far beyond legally mandated standards for the protection of the environment, employees, and society. We follow the 10 principles of the United Nations Global Compact, in which we have participated since 2017, and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. As a member of the Global Compact, we publish an annual progress report.
As suppliers to the electronics industry, we observe the principles of the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA), which we actively support as a member since May 2019.
Since November 2023, Siltronic has also been a member of RE100, a global corporate initiative that promotes the exclusive use of renewable energies. RE100 was founded by the non-profit Climate Group in partnership with CDP. With its membership, Siltronic is committed to making a contribution to global decarbonization.
Sustainability ratings
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to investors worldwide and is becoming more important for Siltronic as a responsible, capital market-oriented company.
CDP: As an independent company, Siltronic has been reporting to CDP on the topics of climate change and water security since 2017.
ISS-ESG: Since 2017, Siltronic has been analyzed and evaluated according to numerous sustainability topics and criteria by the rating agency ISS-ESG, one of the world's largest providers in the field of corporate governance and responsible investments. With a "Prime" rating, Siltronic is one of the leading companies in the semiconductor industry in terms of sustainability.
Sustainalytics: Siltronic's performance is regularly evaluated by Sustainalytics in the areas of environmental, social and corporate governance. In June 2022, Siltronic AG issued its first ESG promissory note. The interest rate depends on the Sustainalytics Management Score of Siltronic AG. Siltronic thus also emphasizes the relevance of sustainability aspects in the financing of investments.
Non-financial report of Siltronic AG
The current non-financial report of Siltronic shows concisely and factually how we reconcile economic aspects with ecological and social responsibility.
Goals
Based on materiality evaluations, we defined long-term goals until 2030 for relevant aspects. We monitor our progress and evaluate the results annually.
Aspect | Goal | Base year | 2022 | Goal achieved | 2023 | 2030 | Goals for |
Reduce CO2 emissions(2) | 2021 | - | - | - | -42% | (9), (13) | |
Climate change(1) | Reduce CO2 intensity(3) | 2021 | -5% | yes | -5% | - | (9), (13) |
Increase share of renewable energy | - | - | - | - | 60% | (7) | |
Raw material efficiency | Increase efficient use of silicon | 2015 | 52% | no | 52% | - | (12) |
Waste | Increase recycling rate | 2015 | 1,5% | no / -2,4% | 1,5% | 25% | (12) |
Water security | Reduce water withdrawal | 2015 | -1,5% | yes / -2,9% | -1,5% | -20% | (6) |
Safety | Reduce incident rate | - | < 2,0 | no / 3,6 | < 2,0 | 2,0 | (8) |
Safety | Reduce chemical accidents | - | 0 | no / 6 | 0 | - | (8) |
(1) Climate change: Targets updated in November 2023, see press release from November 16, 2023 | |||||||
(4) Sustainable Development Goals
Environmental protection
Integrated environmental protection ranks as one of the most important pillars in our sustainability concept. In order to adhere to these requirements, we define new savings and recycling objectives at all sites on a regular basis.
Within the context of integrated environmental protection, one of Siltronic AG’s primary concerns is safe and resource conserving production. In order to accomplish this, we continuously work on optimizing our production processes. We close material cycles and return secondary products to other production steps. This allows us to reduce raw material use, energy and water consumption, and waste amounts.
We underscore our demand for sustainable and economic production with concrete figures. To reach our company-wide long-term goals, each Siltronic production site defines annual target savings in the emissions, waste, and water consumption areas. Therefore, our factories conduct individual programs tailored to each location’s specific conditions.
Climate protection is also a top priority for Siltronic: increasing energy efficiency and the associated reduction in emissions have always been a core element of our corporate strategy. Siltronic publishes ambitious climate targets for the period between 2021 and 2030 in its financial report. The company is aiming for "net zero" emissions by 2045 at the latest.
Product safety
Our silicon products meet all requirements stipulated by global legal specifications.
In manufacturing our hyperpure silicon wafers, we observe criteria regarding environmental and health protection as well as safety during all stages in the product life cycle. Although we are under no legal obligation to provide safety data sheets for our products, we do so for our customers upon request.
Since 2007, the REACH chemical regulation has regulated the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals in the European Union (EU). All of the raw materials and auxiliary agents that Siltronic uses and all of the Siltronic products fulfill the REACH regulation requirements and contain no Conflict Materials or Substances of very high concern. Moreover, our hyperpure monocrystalline silicon products do not contain any substances that are subject to prohibitions and/or restrictions pursuant to EU Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS). Our products furthermore comply with Sony Standard SS-00259.
Process reliability
Risk analyses and ongoing training programs guarantee workplace safety.
With the objective of making processes and machines even safer in order to avoid endangering people and the environment, we operate a comprehensive safety management system throughout the group. This system is aligned with the international occupational health and safety standard ISO 45001 in order to evaluate hazards on a regular basis and monitor the work areas in this regard. In order to guarantee safety in manufacturing, we analyze the risks inherent to our systems from their design through to commissioning. We also ensure the safe storage and transportation of products and auxiliary agents.
Siltronic attaches special importance to the training and continuing education of its safety experts, and trains all employees in the safety issues relevant for their particular workplaces on a regular basis.
Employees
Our conscientious and sustained human resources policy is an important investment in the future.
In line with our sustainability strategy and our future-oriented actions, we attach great importance to personnel development. After all, it is our dedicated employees who make us economically successful, innovative, and competitive. We provide an extensive range of internal training and development programs which the framework that allows all employees, from trainees to top managers, to develop their potential and continue to grow.
We offer apprenticeships and continuing training and also develop our employees around the world based on their strengths and specific target groups and motivate them to a lifetime of learning.
As a global player, Siltronic is active in an international markets and multicultural environments. We need the abilities and dedication of each and every employee. We regard the diversity of our people as a genuine asset. We adamantly oppose unequal treatment or disparagement based on sex, race or ethnic origin, religion or ideology, disability, sexual orientation, or age. These principles apply throughout the company and, as a part of our corporate culture, are anchored in our Code of Conduct.
For these reasons, in the summer of 2017, we also appointed a Diversity Officer and signed the Diversity Charter. This is an internationally recognized commitment to the economic benefits of diversity and tolerance, fairness and appreciation in the workplace and society. Both measures underscore the importance of diversity for Siltronic AG.
Siltronic hires new employees and managers exclusively on the basis of their qualifications. Women and men at Siltronic enjoy equal opportunities. At Siltronic, the the equal treatment of male and female employees is a matter of course.
Society
With openness and transparency, Siltronic AG positions itself at the heart of society and assumes responsibility for its actions.
At Siltronic, sustainability also means transparency and openness in the meaning of Corporate Citizenship. A good relationship with our neighbors is of great importance. At Siltronic, this means speaking openly about what goes on behind the factory gates and addressing the public’s questions globally. This is the only way to build society’s trust, which is essential for companies if they are to economically successful. This is why Siltronic takes on societal responsibility, particularly in plant location areas. In addition to a sound education for young people in the natural sciences and technology (which is particularly close to our hearts), long-term social projects for children and young people are also important pillars of our social involvement. As a member of the WACKER RELIEF FUND foundation, we support the victims of natural catastrophes and contribute to rebuilding destroyed regions.
Openness also characterizes our contact with international universities, where our researchers are regularly invited to presentations and guest lectures. In return, we offer university groups inside views at an industrial company’s work at our sites and offer students an opportunity to complete bachelor and diploma projects and dissertations at Siltronic - or to work as interns and student workers.
With regard to political parties and non-government organizations, we are also committed to conscientious, ethical behavior in compliance with our principles of conduct. We advocate our political interests in accordance with the positions that we express publicly. Our dealings with the political arena are based on substantive positions, whereby we are open to dialoging with all democratically-minded parties.
