Sustainability Report 2016 (EN) by ELIX Polymers

2016 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

OUR COMPANY

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OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS P.15

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS OUR COMPANY OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT

TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS

HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR

OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT

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ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

ABOUT THE REPORT - P.62 GRI INDEX CONTENTS - P.64

With a long trajectory, over 40 years of experience, the commitment and professionalism of the work teams and the trust of our customers, suppliers and distributors, ELIX Polymers has become a leading provider in the field of thermoplastics.

Since 2012, we have evolved from a production plant of an external company to an independent competitive and innovative company. Always maintaining our commitment to MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

environmental sustainability and generating value for all our stakeholders.

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

Nowadays, we are proud of the positive development that ELIX has experienced and about

OUR COMPANY

In 2016 we have achieved an increase in EBITDA of 57%, compared to 2015, this confirms the

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS

international expansion, since we opened a new commercial office in the USA.

the fact that we continue to work based on our values of integrity, transparency and ethics. good financial results of the company. This year has also been significant in terms of our

We have also carried out an ambitious internal project to renew our business mission, with

TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

the objective of creating a culture that improves our management and business from the ground up and keeps it aligned with market demands.

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO WOLFGANG DOERING, CEO

Part of the growth that we have experienced is justified by our wise decision of placing the customer at the centre of our daily activities, offering tailor-made solutions and nonstandard services. This has allowed us to achieve a reputation among our customers as a trustworthy and flexible company. In 2016, we have achieved a perfect order rate of 95% and a rate of sales orders of around 99%. Another very important component has been the contribution of our human team, formed by highly qualified and motivated people. At ELIX we place our confidence in them and this has been rewarded with the strong commitment that they have adopted with company's values and vision.

With a renewed mission, in the transformation of our

At ELIX Polymers we are committed to the research and

Considering the sector of activity of ELIX, we devote a

business model we keep our commitment to sustainability at

development of increasingly sustainable products, whether

great part of our effort towards the improvement of the

the centre of our activities, and we do so with the integration

it is during their manufacturing process or their use. Our

environmental sustainability of our processes. In 2016, we

of safety, health and the protection of the environment in all

investment in responsible innovation has mantained

have more than doubled our investments in environmental

our processes and in all the products we manufacture.

the annual expediture growth rate at 40%. This effort has

protection, this has led to important improvements in this

been rewarded with the 2016 Frost&Sullivan New Product

area. Amongst other advances, we have managed to reduce

One more year, we have renewed the Responsible Care

Innovation Award for the development of the ECO ABS

the energy consumption by 2.2%, to reduce the emissions

certification, which is one of the main sustainability

NF. This new grade permits the reduction of the carbon

per tonne manufactured by over 30% and to increase the

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

standards for the chemical sector, along with the

footprint of the customers without affecting the processing

recovered waste by 2.7%, all compared to 2015.

ISO 14001, ISO 50001 and ISO 9001 certifications, for

or the performance. Moreover, all our products comply with

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

environmental management, energy management and

the highest standards of sectorial quality depending on the

Looking to the future, at ELIX we opt for a circular economy

quality management, respectively. ELIX was one of the first

different markets where we have trade relationships.

and this is the reason why we will continue to research new

OUR COMPANY

companies in the chemical sector to obtain the ISO 50001 certification on energy efficiency at country level. Regarding

Another important factor for ELIX is people, our human

recover with the aim of reducing the carbon footprint

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS

health and safety, we have continued working in accordance

team. We have the purpose of involving our employees in

associated with our products.

with the implemented management system.

the attainment of our objectives and of supporting them

methods of recovering the waste that we cannot presently

in their professional development inside the company. We

Finally, we would like to highlight the important role that

As a leading company in the chemical sector we have

are a solid company that generates stable and quality jobs,

we have in the dynamism of local development in our

a special responsability towards our stakeholders and

with a human team that continues to grow, a 1.9% in 2016,

surroundings. This is why, in 2016, we have allocated

HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR

towards society in general. Therefore, we work to establish

compared to 2015. All these facts have made us worthy of

over 50% of our expenses to local suppliers and we have

relationships based on honesty and transparency. Proof

the FEIQUE award, for job creation.

participated in social initiatives in our environment.

OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

of this is the publication of our first Corporate Social Responsibility Report, which we are presenting to you today.

Regarding health and safety, the preventive approach

We dedicate this first Social Responsibility Report to everyone

governs our people's health and safety management

who makes it possible for our company to be constantly

The report has been created in accordance with GRI

system. In 2017 we mantain the ambitious objective of

growing and generating added value for both the market and society.

TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS

RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT

Standards, which is a guide designed by the Global Reporting

achieving a triple zero: zero work related accidents, zero

ABOUT THE REPORT

Initiative organisation that serves as the main standard for

safety incidents in the processes and zero environmental

this kind of document that contains non-financial information.

incidents.

GRI INDEX CONTENTS

Representatives of our main stakeholders have participated in its development with the purpose of helping us identify which sustainability aspects are relevant for ELIX.

We hope that you like it and that you find it interesting.

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO OUR ACHIEVEMENTS OUR COMPANY OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS The main results of 2016 portray an accurate image of our company’s performance in the economic, social and environmental fields.

OUR COMPANY

OUR HUMAN TEAM

+300

CAGR*

6.6%

OUR TAILORED SOLUTIONS

272

CUSTOMERS

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

60.1%

CAGR*

SALES VOLUME GROWTH compared to 2013

EBITDA growth between 2013 and 2016

+300 COLOURS +40 GRADES

OUR COMPANY OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS

40%

+40

COUNTRIES

CONTINUOUS INVESTMENT IN R+D+i Annual increase in investment

HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE REPORT

21%

SALES VOLUME INCREASE between 2013 and 2016

98.9% RATE OF ACCUMULATED SUCCESSFUL SALES (until july 2016) 95% 'PERFECT ORDER’ RATE 96% OTIF RATE IMPROVEMENT

GRI INDEX CONTENTS *CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

EMPLOYEES ( 1.9% compared to 2015)

OUR SUPPLIERS

OUR BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY

64.3%

2,630 k€

PERCENTAGE OF EXPEDITURE DESTINATED TO LOCAL SUPPLIERS (Catalonia)

93.8%

EXTERNAL WORKERS ( 3.6% compared to 2015)

19.1% WOMEN IN THE WORKFORCE ( 6.1% compared to 2015) 89.9% PERMANENT CONTRACT ( 3.8% compared to 2015)

4,000

HOURS OF TRAINING FOR OUR EMPLOYEES

INVESTMENT IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ( 109% compared to 2015)

662 SUPPLIERS

EFFICIENT USE OF RAW MATERIALS RATE ( 0.5% compared to 2015)

2.2%

ENERGY CONSUMPTION 365,249,313.7 MJ

34.5%

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS DURING PRODUCTION 0.21 (T of CO2 eq / T ABS plus sales)

5.7%

WASTE GENERATION 3.7% (T/T produced)

2.7%

RECOVERED WASTE 91.3%

OUR COMPANY Our business model is oriented towards the generation of value for our key stakeholders, which, along with ELIX’s vision and values, form the pillars of our company.

3.1 WHO WE ARE ELIX Polymers (hereafter, ELIX) is a company with over 40

We rely on our committed

years of experience in the chemical sector specialised in

HUMAN TEAM of 272

the manufacture of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resins

people; this is the key

(ABS) and derivatives in Europa.

factor in our successful management.

We operate from our head office and plant in the Southern

Industrial Park of Tarragona, Spain. We share this strategic

As a company we

location with the world's most important chemical

offer professional and

companies and we are part of the ChemMed Tarragona,

personal development

an industrial, logistical, academic and scientific chemical

to our workers, offering

cluster. The most important one in southern Europe and the

a collaborative, safe

main petrochemical hub in Spain.

and sustainable work

272

167

+300

+40

EMPLOYEES

MILLON € OF SALES

environment. We offer tailor-made solutions for high-quality thermoplastic applications, adding value through

Over the past few years

customized and CUSTOMER-ORIENTED services, for the

we have become a leading

health, automotive and electrical and electronic devices

company in the sector in

sectors, amongst others.

Europe, generating growth

CUSTOMERS

COUNTRIES

and sustainable benefits Thanks to our sales team and our strategically placed

for the SHAREHOLDERS

representatives and distributors, we maintain commercial

and the private capital

relationships with over 300 customers in over 40 countries

company SUN CAPITAL

and we are present in all the main thermoplastic markets.

PARTNERS, with a positive return on the investment,

As part of our internationalisation process, in 2016 we have

which allows us to be

opened a commercial office in the USA and we now cover

a solid and sustainable

with a greater presence the needs of the customers form

company.

the most important American markets.

+300 COLOURS + 40 GRADES

21%

SALES VOLUME INCREASE between 2013 and 2016

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO OUR ACHIEVEMENTS OUR COMPANY

OUR PRODUCTION PROCESS

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS

SAN POLYMERISATION

TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS

SAN

ACRYLONITRILE

Industrial SAN

COLOURANTS

HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

Pre-coloured ABS

PETROCHEMICAL SUPPLIERS

BUTADIENE

OWN SALES FORCE

COMPOUNDING Natural ABS

EXTERNAL DISTRIBUTORS AGENTS

STYRENE

OTHER ADDITIVES

BUTADIENE POLYMERISATION

ABS POWDER

ABS Powder

OBTAINED CERTIFICATES

CSR Responsible Business certificate from Responsible Care granted by FEIQUE, representative and manager of the international programme in Spain.

Acredited member of Ecovadis

Environmental Management Systems certificat ISO 14001

Energy Management Systems certificate ISO 50001

Quality Management Systems certificate ISO 9001

PLASTICS EUROPE

THE SPANISH CHEMICAL INDUSTRY BUSINESS FEDERATION (FEIQUE)

THE TARRAGONA CHEMICAL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (AEQT)

THE TARRAGONA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

THE EUROPEAN CHEMICAL INDUSTRY COUNCIL (CEFIC)

is the highest business representation and defender of the chemical sector in Spain. Its mission is to foster the competitive expansion and development of an innovative chemical industry that contributes to the generation of wealth, employment and products which improve the well-being and quality of life of the citizens, all in compliance with the principles of sustainable development. www.feique.org

is the entity that centralises and represents the chemical industry in the Camp de Tarragona and in the Tierras del Ebro, its mission is to ensure the global competitiveness of the chemical areas, contributing to the sustainable development of the territory, along with the rest of the social and economic agents. www.aeqtonline.com

ELIX IS MEMBER OF

is one of the leading European trade associations with its head office in Brussels and representatives in the 28 countries of the European Union. PlasticsEurope has developed a close relationship with the sister organisations that represent the European chain of plastic manufacturing, which includes 50,000 transformers and also over 1,000 machinery manufacturers. Plastics Europe is the official voice of the European plastic manufacturers. www.plasticseurope.org

ELIX Polymers aids the initiatives fostered by the Chamber of Commerce regarding economic dynamism, integration of the territory and promotion of the internationalisation of the companies. www.cambratgn.com

is a forum for the European chemical industry and a committed collaborator of the EU decision-makers facilitating the dialogue with the industry and sharing its ample expertise. It represents 29,000 large, medium and small European chemical companies which are directly responsible for the creation of 1.2 million jobs and represent 17% of the global production of chemicals. www.cefic.org

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO OUR ACHIEVEMENTS OUR COMPANY OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS

OUR APPROACH IS CENTRED AROUND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT, INNOVATION, STATE OF THE ART TECHNOLOGY AND TO MAINTAIN OUR COMMITMENT WITH ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY WHILE COMPLETELY RATIFYING THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CHEMICAL SECTOR. THIS IS WHY ELIX IS CURRENTLY CONSIDERED A REFERENCE OF GOOD MARKET PRACTICES.

2016

JOB CREATION FEIQUE

2016 FROST & SULLIVAN NEW PRODUCT INNOVATION AWARD (BEST PRACTICES AWARD 2016) FROST & SULLIVAN

SOLUTIONS FOR CHANGING LANDSCAPE 2016 (BEST IMPLEMENTATION OF TRANSFORMATIONAL INITIATIVE) SUN CAPITAL PARTNERS, INC.

TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR

INTERNATIONAL CAREER TARRAGONA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

4ª PLACE IN THE SPE AWARD, BODY INTERIOR CATEGORY

(2016 SPE AUTOMOTIVE INNOVATION AWARDS) SOCIETY OF PLASTIC ENGINEERS, INC.

3.2 CORPORATE POLICY CUSTOMERS

In 2014, with the participation of a group of employees, under the final supervision of the

OFFER THE BEST HIGH QUALITY TAILOR MADE SOLUTIONS.

Management Team, the corporate policy of ELIX Polymers was defined, establishing a mission, a vision and a set of values.

PROVIDE OPTIMAL SERVICES AND DELIVERIES.

At the beginning of 2016, according to the demands of the market and continuing with ELIX’s sustainable development, the business model has become stronger, along with the commitment of every worker with the company strategy. With the aim of strengthening everyone’s commitment, a business model centred around the following three key stakeholders, defined and set in the framework of the Management by MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

Missions Project, has been established. To accomplish this, we relied upon the contribution of

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

the ELIX community.

OUR COMPANY OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE REPORT

all areas, this has given us a renewed MISSION which has been created and agreed upon by

VISION

VALUES

Our objective is to be a global leader in the market of specialised thermoplastics, as a customer oriented company that offers a customised service and a wide variety of products while keeping our commitment with environmental sustainability and while fostering the professional development of our collaborators.

•

Safety, health and respect for the environment

•

Customer oriented

•

Human capital, respect and teamwork

•

Quality

•

Innovation and continuous improvement

•

Responsibility and integrity

PEOPLE

SHAREHOLDERS

FOSTER PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.

GENERATE SUSTAINABLE GROWTH AND PROFITS, WITH SOLID RETURN ON INVESTMENTS.

CREATE A COLLABORATIVE, SAFE AND SUSTAINABLE WORK ENVIRONMENT.

GRI INDEX CONTENTS

MISSION

3.3 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE With an ample trajectory and experience in the

Formed by six professionals (the CEO and five area directors), along with the support of the

thermoplastics market, the Management Team is committed

managers of each department and the employees, the corporate government ensures the

to the correct implementation of ELIX’s strategic plan for

preservation of ELIX’s values in the attainment of our objectives and the realisation of our

both medium and long terms.

mission.

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO OUR ACHIEVEMENTS OUR COMPANY OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS

WOLFGANG DOERING CEO

TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

This is the organisation chart of ELIX’s corporate government.

RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

CARLOS MÜLLER

DAVID CASTANEDA

NOELIA VÁZQUEZ

LUÍS ALONSO

NARCÍS VIDAL

BUSINESS DIRECTOR

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

HR & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

CFO

SUPPLY CHAIN DIRECTOR

ETHICS AND TRANSPARENCY ELIX'S CODE OF ETHICS

One of our main values is integrity; we seek to achieve

Ethics and transparency

excellence through our commitment, our actions and

also extend to our

our decisions, demonstrating and expecting honesty,

communications, both

We are currently developing a

transparency and ethical values in the operations of our

internal and external,

document which will include the

company and in the relationship with ELIX’s stakeholders.

by using a plain and responsible language

Code of Ethics. Our objective is to offer a

This is why we have established a relationship regulatory

which allows all the

framework which is the base of our daily behaviour.

receptors to make the appropriate decisions

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

framework which will allow us to comprehensively manage our

ELIX’s Code of Conduct is a document that reflects the

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

efforts as a responsible company

corporate values that orient the development of our

which follows the values of

activities and professional relationships as company

OUR COMPANY

ethics, integrity and honesty.

employees. It defines our business conduct and is

Thanks to our ethical

applicable to all the levels of the organisation.

conduct at all levels of

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

based on mutual trust.

our relationships, we have As a standalone document, the Code includes areas such as

earned the trust of our

the management of conflicts of interest and the acceptance

customers, shareholders,

of presents or gifts, and it also includes our anti-corruption

suppliers, distributors and

policy.

collaborators, amongst others. This has been a key

The Management Team and the area managers base

element for the sustainable

the management of their teams on the Code and they

growth of our company.

are responsible for monitoring the conduct in the work environment. The Code of Conduct is also applicable to our suppliers and collaborating companies through the signature of a declaration. Moreover, we have communicated the anti-corruption rule to our external collaborators.

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS We integrate sustainability as a key aspect of our management strategy, and we accept the responsibilities of the sector by contributing to the well-being of society and our stakeholders.

4.1 SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT WE ADOPT AN ADVANCED STRATEGIC POSITIONING REGARDING SUSTAINABILITY.

ELIX WAS ONE OF THE FIRST COMPANIES IN THE CHEMICAL SECTOR TO OBTAIN THE ISO 50001 CERTIFICATION FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN SPAIN.

As part of our corporate strategy to generate a solid company growth we have a strong

ELIX relies on the following certifications:

commitment with sustainability based on three key pillars:

ISO 9001 for quality management ISO 14001 for environmental management

SAFETY of our production processes and of our employees.

HEALTH, compliance with each sector’s regulations in the manufacturing of the products.

ENVIRONMENT, protecting and reducing the impact with more respectful products and processes.

ISO 50001 for energy management

We implemented a work safety and health management system with the purpose of guaranteeing the safety of our production processes along with the health of our

Additionally, we integrate the participation of human capital, respect and teamwork, along

employees through the prevention of work hazards and

with responsibility and integrity such as clear statements of our management.

implementation of a culture where safety is the most important thing.

We complement this commitment with sustainability with the design and incorporation of our corporate social responsibility strategy which becomes manifest in our adhesion to the

Our management system includes, amongst others, the

Responsible Care programme.

application of cutting-edge process safety methods, the mechanical integrity of the teams and safe work practices,

This programme reinforces our contribution to society and generates positive impacts

this guarantees, above all, the strict compliance with all the

on our surroundings with actions in fields such as ethics and values, human resources,

legal requirements.

environment, supply chains, customers, local community, communication and dialogue. We have also adopted a strategy of work safety ELIX Polymers relies on certified management systems which guarantee the comprehensive

management aimed to practices which comply with the

implementation of our sustainability strategy, ensuring high quality products and services.

standards of a healthy company. Additionally, we have

This way, we comply with the responsibilities of the chemical sector through the responsible

carried out different internal trainings with our employees,

consumption of natural and energy resources and waste management.

along with communication campaigns about well-being at work and healthy and preventive activities, amongst others.

PARTICIPATION IN BENCHMARK INITIATIVES With the purpose of maintaining an advanced position in terms of sustainability and this way to contribute to economic, social and environmental performance, as a company we are committed to multiple initiatives that share this purpose.

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

VOLUNTARY -CO2MMITMENT

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS OUR COMPANY OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

Voluntary agreement to reduce CO2 Generalitat de Catalunya Government of Catalonia Ministry of Territory and Sustainability

Catalan Office for Climate Change

Find more information in: www.gencat.cat/canviclimatic Organization code: 2016-B63508352-00

As members of FEIQUE, since 2008 we participate in the RESPONSIBLE CARE programme, a volunteer initiative of the chemical industry which commits the companies to strive for continuous improvement in the protection of the environment and in the safety and health of their operations as a fundamental contribution to sustainable development. ELIX has the RSE Responsible Company certification granted by RESPONSIBLE CARE as a confirmation of our commitment with corporate social responsibility, this certification was renewed on March 2017 and will not expire until March 2019. http://www.elix-polymers.com/news/79/elix-polymers-renewscsr-responsible-company-certification

ELIX has been audited by Ecovadis, the independent rating agency specialised in sustainable development and in performance control. During this process the agency analysed ELIX’s practices and milestones in areas related to the environment, social and human rights, ethics and fair business practices and supply chains. The evaluation also allowed us to point out strong points and weak points that need improvement. Furthermore, the report includes a comparative with the performance of the sector in order to offer a wider perspective of the company’s performance.

The organisation is part of the Volunteer Agreements programme fostered by the Catalan Office for Climate Change (known in Spanish as OCCC) in accordance to which we commit to reduce our emission of greenhouse gases (GHG). http://www.elix-polymers.com/news/72/elix-showscommitment-to-voluntary-agreement-programme

4.2 RELATIONSHIP WITH THE STAKEHOLDERS At ELIX we are aware of the importance of maintaining long relationships, we STAKEHOLDERS WORKERS AND EMPLOYEES

COMMUNICATION CHANNELS Internal panels, corporate e-mail, monthly newsletter, KPI panels, general informative meetings, events, area meetings.

manage our relationship with the stakeholders with a base of honesty and transparency. This is why we established

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

CONTRACTORS (workforce at ELIX installations)

Operational communications through e-mail, meetings.

communication to promote an open and

INVESTORS AND MINORITY SHAREHOLDERS

Corporate reports, daily, monthly and weekly reports..

OUR COMPANY OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS

CUSTOMERS

Local and international fairs, newsletter, press releases, organisation of guided tours to the Tarragona plant, social networks, corporate website, meetings with technicians and sales representatives.

SUPPLIERS

HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR

INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATIONS

OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

EMPLOYEE FAMILIES

RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT

LOCAL COMMUNITY (NGO)

Regular contact during the actions of sponsorship that we conduct and the support to social initiatives: e-mail, face-to-face meetings, events.

ABOUT THE REPORT

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Regular contact through formal notifications, bulletins published by the Administration. Face-to-face meetings to deal with concrete subjects and contact via phone and e-mail.

fluid relationship with all of them.

TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS

GRI INDEX CONTENTS

different channels of

Newsletter, e-mail, meetings.

Participation in committees and specific technical meetings, trainings, e-mail.

ELIX Family Magazine, Get-Together Events (yearly company dinner).

64.3%

RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR SUPPLIERS

CATALONIA

336 SUPPLIERS

A fifth of our suppliers are based in the province of

Province of Tarragona: 122 Rest of Catalonia: 214

Tarragona, to which we allocate over 50% of the expenditure. During the process of accreditation of the raw materials suppliers, ELIX demands the certification of the management systems based on the ISO norms. By doing this we intend to guarantee that the materials we obtain MESSAGE FROM THE CEO OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

come from efficient processes and from responsible suppliers, ensuring the high quality of our products. Furthermore, we comply with LTD Regulation, which

OUR COMPANY

regulates the use of raw materials from the European

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS

this regulation which guarantees a greater control over

TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS

Union. In 2016, 99.4% of the ELIX products complied with

COMPOSITION OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN

0.9%

REST OF THE WORLD

BY GEOGRAPHICAL AREA (2016)

15 SUPPLIERS

the manufacturing process of our raw material and the compliance with the European standards during this process. 100% of the chemicals used by ELIX comply with the European regulations.

HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

WE CONTRIBUTE TO THE DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH OF THE LOCAL ECONOMY, SPENDING MORE THAN 50% OF OUR EXPENDITURE IN SUPPLIERS FROM THE PROVINCE OF TARRAGONA.

662 SUPPLIERS

28.7% REST OF EUROPE 175 SUPPLIERS

6.1%

REST OF SPAIN

136 SUPPLIERS

4.3 RELEVANT SUSTAINABILITY TOPICS At ELIX we like to know which subjects are relevant for our

IDENTIFICATION OF THE TOPICS

performance, capacity for innovation and sustainability, along with those important for our stakeholders.

As a first step, we have created a list of potentially relevant topics for ELIX’s activities. During

Understanding the areas and the ways in which our

this phase not only did we take into account the topics included in the GRI standards, but also

operation has an impact in the social and environmental

other topics considered of significance for the organisation and identified through a sectorial

contexts is vital for the achievement of our continuous

analysis (sustainability initiatives) and an analysis of other companies from within the sector.

improvement objective. MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

In 2016 we have carried out a materiality assessment to

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

The assessment counted on the participation of all the areas of the company, as well as our stakeholders, and it

The prioritisation of the

OUR COMPANY

has been elaborated in compliance with the GRI Standards

topics was carried out

of the Global Reporting Initiative (GR

taking into consideration

determine which aspects are important for our activities.

PRIORITISATION OF THE TOPICS •

In the internal area we carried out a workshop with the management team and the department managers in which we assigned a score to the previously identified sustainability topics, depending on the grade of importance we considered each one to have.

•

In the external area we carried out a consultation with each of ELIX’s stakeholders through an anonymous online survey. Like in the previous case, we asked them to assign a score to each topic, depending on the grade of importance they thought it had for the sustainability of the company.

the perspective of our stakeholders (external area) and the corporate perspective (internal area).

Procurement of local suppliers HIGH

Climate change prevention Minimisation of the environmental impact of transportation

Energy Correct management of waste and waste water Investment in environmental protection

RESULTS OF THE MATERIALITY ANALYSIS The results obtained from the internal area along with the added results of the external area have enabled us to

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

Sustainable supply chain management

MEDIUM

OUR COMPANY

Labour relations Promotion of equality

GRI INDEX CONTENTS

a medium and/or high

Responsible economic management

priority in both areas have

Health and safety at work

been considered relevant

Compliance

(material) and have been incorporated to the report as the company’s

Sustainable portfolio

sustainability strategy. Innovation in products and processes* Assessment on centres regalding human rights Public policy

Circular economy Investment in the community Service and management of complaints for the stakeholders

Efficient resource consumption Quality professional careers Adhesion to sectorial sustainability iniciatives Quality of the service and the product

RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE REPORT

matrix. The topics with

Promotion of the local surroundings

LOW

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

RELEVANCE FOR THE STAKEHOLDERS

obtain ELIX’s materiality MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

LOW

MEDIUM

RELEVANCE FOR ELIX

HIGH

ECONOMIC CATEGORY SOCIAL CATEGORY ENVIRONMENTAL CATEGORY ORGANISATION'S PROFILE CATEGORY

*Topics not included in the GRI Standards

GOOD GOVERNANCE CATEGORY

REVIEW OF THE RESULTS

MATERIAL ASPECT AND THEIR RELATION WITH GRI

The results obtained

ECONOMY

were subject of a

MATERIAL TOPICS

GRI TOPICS

DESCRIPTION

ENVIRONMENT MATERIAL TOPICS

GRI TOPICS

DESCRIPTION

RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT

ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE

Correct economic management, generated economic value and its distribution.

EFFICIENT RESOURCE CONSUMPTION

MATERIALS

Management of the consumption and purchase of environmentally sustainable materials, and management of the water consumption along with saving measures.

PROMOTION OF THE LOCAL SURROUNDINGS

MARKET PRESENCE

validation phase with the management of the company, in which it was considered to include as

WATER

material aspects those topics with a high priority for ELIX. These topics are: innovation in products MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

and processes, efficient

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

quality professional

OUR COMPANY

sectorial sustainability

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS

of the service and the

TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS

resource consumption, careers, adhesion to initiatives and quality

sustainability report and

Prioritization of the procurement from local suppliers to boost the local economy.

Evaluation of the suppliers taking into consideration environmental, labour, respect for human rights and commitment to ethic behaviours and responsibility criteria.

as material for ELIX

OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

GRI INDEX CONTENTS

SUPPLIER ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

SUPPLIER SOCIAL ASSESSMENT

The topics considered are the ones that have

ABOUT THE REPORT

SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

product.

HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR

RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT

PROCUREMENT OF PROCUREMENT LOCAL SUPPLIERS PRACTICES

Positive impact on the community through the payment of salaries higher than the local minimum wage.

been included in this that will be taken into consideration for the

INNOVATION IN PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES

Introduction of improved or new products and services to the market.

ENERGY

Management of energy consumption and energyefficiency initiatives of the installations and the use of fuel from renewable sources.

CLIMATE CHANGE PREVENTION

EMISSIONS

Management of the emissions and initiatives by ELIX Polymers to mitigate climate change, including actions aimed to reduce the emissions produced by their customers.

CORRECT MANAGEMENT OF WASTE AND WASTE WATER

EFFLUENTS AND WASTE

Management and treatment of waste and waste water to minimize their impact.

MINIMISATION EMISSIONS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF TRANSPORTATION

Impacts of the transportation of goods and personnel.

INVESTMENT IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Investment and expenditure in the management and improvement of environmental performance.

sustainability strategy of the company for the coming years.

SEVERAL ENVIRONMENTAL TOPICS

WORK PRACTICES

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

DESCRIPTION

MATERIAL TOPICS

GRI TOPICS

HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

Promotion of a healthy and safe work environment.

COMPLIANCE

ANTI-CORRUPTION

QUALITY PROFESSIONAL CAREERS

EMPLOYMENT

Working conditions for quality jobs – creation of jobs and promotion of training and professional development.

LABOUR RELATIONS

OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

TRAINING AND EDUCATION

LABOUR/ MANAGEMENT RELATIONS

FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION AND COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS

HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR

PRODUCT AND SERVICE RESPONSIBILITY

GRI TOPICS

OUR COMPANY

TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS

SOCIETY

MATERIAL TOPICS

PROMOTION OF EQUALITY

DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

NONDISCRIMINATION

Establishment of mechanisms for the relations between the employees and management, and ensure the freedom of association and collective bargaining.

Promotion of equality between men and women and mechanisms of detection and remedy in discrimination cases.

ANTI-COMPETITIVE BEHAVIOUR

SOCIOECONOMIC COMPLIANCE

DESCRIPTION

Mechanisms to guarantee no corruption and to prevent unfair competition practices, as well as to ensure compliance with the relevant regulations (including specific sector regulations and product regulations) and also regarding the environment.

MATERIAL TOPICS

SERVICE AND CUSTOMER HEALTH PRODUCT QUALITY AND SAFETY

MARKETING AND LABELLING

DESCRIPTION

Policies and practices that guarantee the quality and safety of the product: correct labelling, customer satisfaction and a good service (post-sale).

CUSTOMER MANAGEMENT (POST-SALE SERVICE)*

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

ADHESION TO SECTORIAL SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES

GRI TOPICS

Collaboration in sectorial sustainability initiatives.

SUSTAINABLE PORTFOLIO

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

LIFE-CYCLE ASSESSMENT (ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL) OF THE PRODUCTS*

Promotion of the products and services with a low environmental impact (include life-cycle assessment), and control of the global sustainability of the product portfolio to apply improvements.

MONITORING OF THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE PRODUCT PORTFOLIO (ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH)*

RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

*Non GRI topic

RAW MATERIALS

SUPPLIERS

VALUE CHAIN AND RELEVANT TOPICS

SUPPLIERS

Procurement of local suppliers Sustainable supply chain management Energy Minimisation the impact derived from transportation Compliance Service and product quality

FORMULATION, POLYMERISATION AND COMPOUNDING

Responsible economic management Product and processes innovation Correct management of waste and waste water Energy Investment in environmental protection Health and safety at work Quality professional careers Promotion of equality Compliance Adhesion to sectorial sustainability iniciatives Service and product quality Sustainable portfolio

CONTROL OF QUALITY AND PACKAGING

Responsible economic management Correct management of waste and waste water Efficient resource consumption Energy Health and safety at work Labour relations (relationship with contractors) Compliance Service and product quality

SALES

Responsible economic management Promotion of the local surroundings Quality professional careers Labour relations (relationship with contractors) Compliance Service and product quality Sustainable portfolio

OUR COMPANY OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR

POLYMERISATION

COMPOUNDING

TESTING & PACKAGING

ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

FINAL PRODUCT

OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT

ELIX

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

SALES

DISTRIBUTION

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

PRODUCTION, TESTING & PACKAGING

FORMULATION

Responsible economic management Efficient resource consumption Climate change prevention Minimisation of the environmental impact of transportation Compliance

TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS We establish excellence in tailor-made services as a differentiating value, with high-quality products that make us stand out in the market as a trustworthy and flexible company in a constant process of innovation.

ur 40 years of experience in the manufacturing of ABS, the professionalism of our team and our ambitious R&D&I projects allow us to offer an ample portfolio of specialised thermoplastic products with great added value which satisfies the needs of the most demanding markets.

5.1 CREATION OF VALUE THROUGH OUR PRODUCTS We ensure the effectiveness and competitiveness of our products through adapted production processes and through control mechanism which allow us to reach the highest quality standards. We offer effective responses to the demands of our customers.

WE HAVE THE ISO 9001 CERTIFICATION THAT GUARANTEES HIGH QUALITY STANDARDS.

ELIX’S PRODUCT PORTFOLIO MESSAGE FROM THE CEO OUR ACHIEVEMENTS OUR COMPANY OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

THE NEW HIGH HEAT GRADES (RESISTANT TO HIGH TEMPERATURES) OFFER MORE SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS TO THE MARKET, GUARANTEEING PRODUCTS WITH A LOW LEVEL OF EMISSIONS.

ABS

PC/ABS

POLYMER MODIFIERS

CADON

Ample portfolio of ABS thermoplastics products, based on specialised products and high added value markets.

Blend of PC/ABS for the most demanding needs of our customers.

Permit the modification and improvement of the properties of polymer blends, as well as the materials based on PC, ABS, PVC, SMA, etc.

New line for “general use” for high impact needs (great resistance).

ELIX MARKETS

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

AUTOMOTIVE

HEALTHCARE

APPLIANCES

All our products comply with the strict requirements of the automotive sector and are approved by the main manufactures of original equipment.

We offer products for the medical sector, strictly complying with the regulations and guaranteeing the safety of the product along with a global supply strategy.

All ELIX materials have been developed from tailor-made solutions to cover the specific needs of the appliances market.

APPLICATIONS: External and internal components and galvanized parts.

APPLICATIONS: Infusion systems, respiratory devices, auto injection devices.

APPLICATIONS: Household appliances, white goods.

OUR COMPANY

ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC DEVICES We offer products for dimensional stability, heatdistortion temperature and electrical properties needs.

These materials meet the requirements of this sector, with the development of new colours and finishing, UV and chemical resistance and better processability.

APPLICATIONS: Switches and sockets, electrical boards, power tool boxes, fans and ventilation systems, power groups and automotive parts.

APPLICATIONS: Phones, garden, toys, tools for kitchen, sanitary facilities.

OUR DIFFERENTIATING FACTOR Regarding product development, we focus on identifying opportunities for improvement and on adding value to the thermoplastics market by developing new business lines and innovative materials. Meanwhile, we offer technical support to our customers during the different steps of their process to generate optimal tailor-made solutions. Thanks to our cutting-edge technology we obtain more sustainable materials which allow us to optimize our customer’s processes and to help them improve their competitiveness. This way we increase the diversity of applications for which polymers can be used. Regarding the service, our operational model allows us to offer our customers the flexibility and agility necessary to cover any possible changes in the demand, guaranteeing an optimal supply of our products.

CONSUMER GOODS

BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION ELIX offers a variety of solutions for this sector that is increasingly requiring durability, aesthetics, easy handling and highperformance products. APPLICATIONS: Furniture, sheets for thermoforming, pipes and fittings.

5.2 CREATION OF VALUE THROUGH OUR SERVICES

PROXIMITY

TAILOR- MADE SERVICES

PROACTIVITY

ELIX COSTUMERS

At ELIX Polymers, service is a COMMITMENT and a DIFFERENTIATING VALUE that our company offers based on key factors such as flexibility, proximity to customers, MESSAGE FROM THE CEO OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

proactivity, globalisation and tailor-made services. FLEXIBILITY

OUR COMPANY

behaviour and the preferences

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS

results have led us to put

TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT

of our customers, and the PROXIMITY TO THE CUSTOMERS

into practice continuous improvement processes such

IN THE PRODUCT: • Better logistic partners

as Lean, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 50001 and other key business tools. This foresight has allowed us to differentiate ourselves in the market and to obtain a reputation amongst our customers as a flexible and

ABOUT THE REPORT

trustworthy company that is

GRI INDEX CONTENTS

services along with high

constantly offering excellent quality products and constant innovation.

GLOBAL PRESENCE

We invest in analysing the

98.9%

RATE OF SUCCESSFUL SALES ORDERS ACCUMULATED

96%

OTIF RATE

95%

‘PERFECT ORDER’ RATE Order without complaints On time in full Order without incidents

•

Distribution warehouse close to the customer

TAILOR-MADE SERVICES

GLOBAL PRESENCE

•

New colours and product development

•

Customer services with ample language coverage

•

Personalised logistic solutions

•

Safety and privacy guarantee

•

Technical collaboration

•

Four decades of experience with a global presence

IN CUSTOMER SERVICE: • Dedicated agent •

E-commerce solutions

IN TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: • Support and problem solving •

Commitment of technical support

FLEXIBILITY •

Adaptability to changes in demand and to the needs of the market

•

Multidisciplinary team to support our customers

•

Evaluation and review of our lead times

PROACTIVITY •

Analysis of customer needs and our demand, to offer better solutions

•

Promotion of positive synergies in win-win relationships

TECHNICAL SERVICE AND ORDER MANAGEMENT: CUSTOMER JOURNEY Our objective is to provide our customers with the best

Our desire to constantly improve has led us to introduce

possible experience starting with their initial project

projects which allow us to carry out a more effective and

concept and through the development of the product,

efficient management of the orders. This is the reason

the management of the order, the consumption and the

why, since 2012, we have been working with continuous

technical support of our materials until the generation of

improvement techniques based on Lean management and

the next order.

the computerised management of the processes in our

OUR ON-TIME DELIVERY PERFORMANCE IS 98% AND THE ‘PERFECT ORDER’ RATE 95%.

business intelligence systems. Our interdisciplinary team of professionals have the capacity and the resources to provide support to our

We have incorporated the perfect order concept, into the

customers during their utilization of the product.

DNA of the company, understanding that a perfect order is an order without any incidents (transportation, paperwork,

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

The activities of the ELIX technical service include:

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

•

Development of new colours and products

•

Technical support and problem solving

•

Product administration, intellectual property management and technological vigilance

•

Specialised support for each segment of the mark

OUR COMPANY OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS

quality, billing, service, etc.). We register, control and optimize any possible deviation, even if the customer does not manifest it. All this information allows us to conduct a 360º analysis of the customer and, at the same time, it allows us to better understand their needs and to adapt to their requirements.

TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR

2016 OBJECTIVES

OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

Perfect order rate: 94%

RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

IMPROVE FLEXIBILITY IN PRODUCTION AND GIVE ADDED VALUE TO THE SERVICE PROVIDED.

Count on the 360º customer view report

PERFORMANCE 2016 perfect order rate: 95%

The creation of the report allows us to know the customers and to evaluate the degree of adequacy of our services regarding their needs.

2017 OBJECTIVES Introduce a new indicator, First Call Resolution, to allow us to resolve the problem on the first contact with the customer. Count on a Service Level Agreement, to allow us to segment the customer services depending on the type of user.

Thank to our investment in the new line of compounding, we have reduced delivery times of our best-selling products to only one week. This allows us to offer a competitive advantage to our clients by helping them to reduce their inventory, as well as reducing administrative costs and eliminating risks in supply.

5.3 RESPONSIBLE INNOVATION At ELIX we foster a positive contribution to sustainability

OUR INNOVATION VALUES

RESPONSIBLE INNOVATION OBJECTIVES

through responsible innovation. We give priority to 2016 OBJECTIVES

manufacturing processes that are more environmentally friendly and we are committed to research and

New product development: 8.0%

development to be able to offer a more sustainable product portfolio. At ELIX we integrate all the activities that contribute to our growth and that promote our business development, formed by a multidisciplinary team with members of all MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

the business areas for project management.

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

In the management of development projects ELIX

OUR COMPANY

purpose of constantly improving the development results

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS

count on a network of collaborators formed by clusters

TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS

Create alliances with our customers and with leading technology centres.

Our strong points are commitment, flexibility and innovative solutions of great value.

We invest in innovation because we believe that responsible innovation = competitiveness + sustainability.

integrates R&D&I with Lean management tools with the of new materials and activities. On the other hand, we

OUR INNOVATION STRATEGY

and technology centres through which we promote

We boost actions that allow us to constantly increase

collaborative innovation.

our resources for the thermoplastics market, while we develop new business ideas and innovative

We view investment in R&D&I as an important strategic

products, optimizing our technical support and our

HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR

decision as shown by our continued investment; annually

services.

OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

R&D&I.

RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

40% of resources are allocated to projects related to The development of any product must incorporate the priorities established in the ELIX innovation policy, which is based on three vectors:

WE ONLY CONCEIVE INNOVATION FOR OUR PRODUCTS IF THEY GENERATE AN ADDED VALUE TO SOCIETY.

PERFORMANCE

•

Environmentally friendly manufacturing

•

A bigger portfolio of sustainable products

•

A greater awareness of health impacts

Strength of investment in R&D&I (percentage of turnover): 0.60%

Renewal of a more sustainable portfolio (a quantitative objective was not established).

New product development: 8.3%

Strength of investment in R&D&I 2016: 1,04 %

Renewal of a more sustainable portfolio 2016: 21.4%

2017 OBJECTIVES Development of new products: 10% Strength of investment in R&D&I (percentage of turnover): 1.10% Renewal of a more sustainable portfolio: 30.3%

VALUE SENSITIVE DESIGN

process of new products. This is why

ELIX POLYMERS WINS THE 2016 FROST & SULLIVAN NEW PRODUCT INNOVATION AWARD FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ECO ABS-NF

we have created a method of analysis

ELIX received this award thanks to the

In 2016 we have systematized the incorporation of responsible

OUR COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY GOES FURTHER THAN LEGAL REQUIREMENTS AND THEREFORE, WE ARE CONSTANTLY PERFORMING DIFFERENT CHECKS ON THE POSSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS, MANAGING CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.

innovation criteria in the development

based on the Value Sensitive Design (VSD) method that we have adapted to our interests, making us the first company in chemical sector to apply this.

2016 has been a key year for innovation and the launch of new products, consolidating our advances in the ELIX’s MESSAGE FROM THE CEO OUR ACHIEVEMENTS OUR COMPANY

Excellence in Operations Program and offering the

HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR

(VSD) method the process is based

markets solutions that contribute to sustainability.

on the evaluation of our innovation

We make sure that innovation generates positive impact

other key values for our customers

throughout the value chain, focusing on the reduction of the impact of our products during their use phase.

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS

By applying the Value Sensitive Design

priorities and the identification of and users of any new product, such as the environmental impact of the product during its fabrication or during its use by the customer.

OUR INNOVATION EFFORTS ARE CENTRED AROUND THE REDUCTION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF OUR PRODUCTS DURING THEIR USE PHASE.

We carry out this analysis under ethical and moral responsibility criteria, without forgetting about the economic profitability of the products.

OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

The result is the incorporation of our

RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT

taking into account the key values for

ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

moral and innovation values from the design phase through technology, the customers and users as part of the development of new products and businesses.

development of a new product designed with natural fibre, which meets the characteristic properties of the glass fibre compounds and through its application reduces the environmental footprint (without compromising the mechanical properties). ELIX ECO ABS-NF was specifically designed to fulfil some of the most demanding requirements of the automotive industry, and offers mechanical properties that are equal to or better than traditional ABS. Frost & Sullivan praises the ability of ELIX Polymers to develop a product that satisfies an unmet need of the market and that contributes to improve the environmental footprint of the automotive sector.

MAIN SUSTAINABILITY INNOVATIONS LASER MARKET:

ECO ABS-NF

Technical support for markings and decorative applications based on a more sustainable and clean method compared with other traditional methods. For applications related to the medical field it offers the users a safer product which is better for their well-being.

New easily processed material reinforced with natural fibres that offers multiple design possibilities and is capable of reducing the carbon footprint of the customers without detriment to the processing or the performance.

ELIX BIO-ABS MESSAGE FROM THE CEO OUR ACHIEVEMENTS OUR COMPANY OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

The combination of ABS with PLA to obtain BIO-ABS allows us to reduce the carbon footprint by 15% in comparison with the standard ABS material. BIO-ABS allows for a reduction of the emissions both for the manufacturer and the final customer, particularly in the domestic use.

3D PRINTING, ELIX ABS-3D FC We introduce new possibilities to a booming market with great future prospects that is aligned with our sustainable portfolio strategy. We opt for products adapted to this new technology since they suppose a clear environmental improvement in comparison to older technologies, moreover, they reduce raw material consumption and waste generation.

LATEST GENERATION OF ABS/PC BLENDS This new compound has a much lower density than the PC/ABS, so it greatly reduces the weight of the materials along with the costs. Furthermore, it provides processing benefits and it has a very small level of emissions and smell compared to PC/ABS.S.

5.4 CUSTOMER SATISFACTION Every year we carry out a survey amongst our customers through which we find out their opinion about the ELIX service and we also ask them to indicate which aspects we can improve and what do they value the most from their

CUSTOMERS ASSOCIATE ELIX WITH RELIABILITY, QUALITY AND FLEXIBILITY.

suppliers. Non important

Very important

4,9 - CONFIDENCE IN THE QUALITY OF THE PRODUCT 4,6 - PRICE 4,6 - ADEQUATE QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEM 4,5 - TECHNICAL EXPERTISE 4,3- TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE 4,2 - COMMITMENT TO SAFETY AND HEALTH 4,0 - INNOVATION 4,0 - SUSTAINABILY 3,7 - CUSTOMIZED DESIGN OF THE PRODUCT 3,4 - EXTENSION OF THE PORTFOLIO RESULTS OF THE 2016 SATISFACTION SURVEY

ABS PLATING GRADES This new product presents itself as a more environmentally friendly alternative to the solution used by the automotive sector for certain details of the vehicles such as the interior decorative pieces, logos and door handles, amongst others. This compound allows for the elimination of Cr (VI), a highly toxic element considered harmful for the environment, from the manufacturing process of these applications.

MAIN RESULTS: •

According to the perception of the customers, ELIX’s strengths are customer service, an ample portfolio, the size of the company which allows for bigger flexibility and dynamism and the good quality of the products.s.

•

ELIX is associated with reliability, quality and flexibility, followed by service and speed.

•

78% of the respondents expect a stable o growing market for ABS.

•

Just like in 2015, good quality and the reliability of the supply are the most important criteria related to production and service, respectively.

•

ELIX is above the average in the sector; nonetheless, compared to 2015, general performance has been slightly reduced.

•

Our sales team received a score of 4 out of 5 when compared to the market.

The identified weak points are related to pricing and geographic coverage.

HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY We promote the personal and professional development of the people who form ELIX, prioritizing the well-being of our employees through a safe, sustainable and collaborative work environment.

guaranteeing favourable conditions for the professional basis to the attainment of the objectives of the company.

company’s decision-making and we foster a relationship based on open communication, trust and transparency. With this purpose, we have established mechanisms that favour good relationships between the employees and that contribute to teamwork and to the enhancement of the ties with Management.

MEN

GRI INDEX CONTENTS

WOMEN TOTAL

2014

2015

2016

1.5%

0.0%

1.3%

1 The ranking of most attractive companies to work for was a result of a study conducted by Bros Group based on a survey carried out by CERES.

The information presented in this section alludes to the workforce of our head office of Tarragona (Spain), our only head office. The numbers include the employees in partial retirement; in the other tables in this section, these employees have not been considered because despite still being hired by ELIX, their dedication is not the same as the rest of employees.

3 With the exception of this table, the rest of the presented indicators in this section do not include external employees because we do not have a direct management capacity over them.

Variation compared to 2015

2014

0.9%

HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR

ABOUT THE REPORT

267 - 2015 251 - 2014

We promote the active participation of the employees in the

EXTERNAL WORKFORCE3

RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT

EMPLOYEES (31/12/2016)2

development of all the people who contribute on a daily

TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS

OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

272

management of the people who make up our workforce,

2015

2016

MEN IN THE WORKFORCE

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS

The Human Resources department is responsible for the

214 218 220

OUR COMPANY

INCREASE OF THE WORKFORCE IN 2016

6.1%

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

1.9%

ELIX POLYMERS IS AMONGST THE 15 BEST VALUED COMPANIES TO WORK FOR IN THE PROVINCE OF TARRAGONA1.

WOMEN IN THE WORKFORCE

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

At ELIX we prioritize the well-being of our collaborators, generating a collaborative, safe and sustainable work environment and promoting their personal and professional development. This allows us to reach new business objectives based on teamwork and to strengthen the sense of permanence of the employees as a key part of the achievement of the objectives.

6.1 PEOPLE MANAGEMENT

37 49 52

he start of our activities in Tarragona brought a spark to local employment by offering professional opportunities for different profiles. Over the years, thanks to the consolidation of this human team committed to the values of the organization, we have become a lead company in the thermoplastics market.

10.1%

DEPENDING ON THE TYPE OF CONTRACT 2014

2015

2016

83.7%

86.2%

89.9%

3.8%

PERMANENT

175

193

205

6.2%

MEN

148

161

165

2.5%

WOMEN

25.0%

TEMPORARY

-25.8%

MEN

-14.3%

-35.5%

(31/12/2016) % OF THE WORKFORCE WITH A PERMANENT CONTRACT

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

OF THE WORKFORCE HAS A TEMPORARY CONTRACT

WOMEN

OUR COMPANY OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

3.8%

DEPENDING ON WORKING HOURS

PERMANENT CONTRACTS SINCE 2015

2014

2015

2016

96.2%

96.4%

96.5%

0.1%

FULL-TIME

201

216

220

1.9%

MEN

173

175

177

1.1%

WOMEN

4.9%

(31/12/2016) % OF THE WORKFORCE WORKING FULLTIME

WE FOSTER JOB STABILITY

PART-TIME

MEN

WOMEN

89.9%

OF THE WORKFORCE HAS A PERMANENT CONTRACT

NEW RECRUITMENTS

5 - LESS THAN 30 YEARS OLD 28 - BETWEEN 30 AND 50 YEARS OLD

1 - LESS THAN 30 YEARS OLD 30 - BETWEEN 30 AND 50 YEARS OLD

NEW RECRUITMENTS IN 2015

19 14 MESSAGE FROM THE CEO OUR ACHIEVEMENTS OUR COMPANY OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

FEIQUE AWARD FOR JOB CREATION FEIQUE, in collaboration with the Society and Chemistry Forum, granted us the Job Creation Award during the celebration of the first edition of the Corporate Social Responsibility in the Chemical Sector. This award recognizes the effort and the commitment of the chemical companies which are part of the Responsible Care programme in the creation of new job opportunities in the sector.

RATE OF TURNOVER

2015

2016

UNDER 30 YEARS OLD

BETWEEN 30 AND 50

OVER 50

MEN

WOMEN

NEW RECRUITMENTS IN 2016

18 13

BY AGE

BY GENDER

The employees are represented by various ELIX Committees, in diverse areas such as:

NEGOTIATION COMMITTEE

PERMANENT COMMITTEE

Its aim is to negotiate a new complementary agreement when establishing a new general agreement (about every 3 years).

It is a complementary committee and acts as a supervisory body of the Negotiation Committee.

EMPLOYMENT AND JOB CLASSIFICATION COMMITTEE It addresses employmentrelated issues, for example, promotion processes, applied job classification and typology of contracts, among others.

EQUAL TREATMENT COMMITTEE It studies reconciliation measures and any possible cases of harassment, ensuring equal opportunities in the work environment.

TRAINING COMMITTEE It analyses the training strategy of the company, identifying detected needs and improving the Training Plan.

HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE

SOCIAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

It focuses on issues related to risk prevention, incidents and safety procedures.

It manages allowances for employees who want to prolong their studies, scholarships for children of employees and apartments for the “enjoyment” of the employees, among others.

ENCOURAGEMENT OF TEAM WORK We strongly believe that team work and fellowship improve personal relations and create a

We also support various sports activities, such as paddle tournament, football teams and

better work environment. Therefore, we promote activities that encourage a collaborative

cycling in groups (Transcat route), since these environments contribute to promote healthy

work culture, primarily through sports and social and caring spaces.

habits among the employees.

In April 2016, two teams composed by co-workers participated in a challenge named

Furthermore, in order to integrate our collaborators even more, we celebrate the annual

TRAILWALKER GIRONA 2016, organised by OXFAM INTERMON, with the aim to cooperate in

achievements of the company by holding dinners for our employees. In light of this

combating poverty and in accessing safe drinking water in areas of extreme poverty. Before

celebration, we conduct a photography contest of the working teams to show that ELIX is

the challenge took place, some ELIX employees organised fund-raising activities internally.

made by people.

SOCIAL ALLOWANCES

100%

OF THE WORKFORCE IS COVERED BY A COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT

Our entire workforce is

•

Day-care allowances

covered by the Chemical

•

Education allowances

•

Achievement in Studies Prize for children of employees

Industry General Agreement and our own MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

Collective Agreement.

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

social allowances for our

OUR COMPANY

among others:

Both agreements include

•

employees. Underlying, •

Allowance for employees who want to prolong their studies

•

Allowances for people with physical and mental disabilities

•

Length of service bonus

•

Christmas hamper

•

Apartments

•

Group health insurance

Loans for house purchase

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

PENSION PLAN

RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT

benefit from this Plan. The specifications of the Plan are available for all our

ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

We offer a specific Pension Plan for those employees that meet the criteria to employees. On the other hand, the Control Committee supervises the functioning and implementation of the Plan in a manner that allows the presence of all interests and that decisions are taken in pursuit of a mutual interest. The Committee consists of six members: three representatives of the employees and three representatives of the company.

6.2 DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES WE COUNT WITH AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES PLAN BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN.

We are committed to gender equality between people in the organisation. In this sense, this is an essential pillar of our corporate and transversal policy in all areas in which we operate.

WE COMMUNICATE THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES PLAN AT EVERY LEVEL OF THE ORGANISATION.

The Equal Opportunities Plan between men and women is the framework through which this commitment is undertaken. We have an Equal Treatment Committee and

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

an Equality Agent, to whom the employees can turn for

Likewise, we communicate the actions related to equality

some informative activities

and any relevant information in order to promote the

on the Equal Plan, opened

involvement and collaboration of the entire organisation in

to anyone, and we have

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS

fulfilling this commitment.

also provided some specific trainings based on the

Among other aspects:

We aim to provide our employees with the same promotion opportunities and access to working places. With that in mind, we have incorporated a gender perspective in the Recruitment Protocol. In addition, we have implemented equality principles in our remuneration policy.

•

We have included other measures, such as the revision of a gender-neutral language for advertising vacancies and the active promotion of equal access to the training programmes.

GRI INDEX CONTENTS

WOMEN IN THE WORKFORCE (%)

•

17.2% 21.9% 22.4%

We have the Protocol for the Prevention of Harassment at Work, established as a guarantee instrument to prevent harmful conducts that may affect the respect and due dignity of any person in ELIX Polymers.

RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE REPORT

positions of responsibility in the organisation.

•

HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

WOMEN IN THE GOVERNANCE BODIES

In 2016, we have conducted

OUR COMPANY

TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS

20.0%

questions related to these issues.

PRESENCE OF WOMEN ACCORDING TO OCCUPATIONAL CATEGORY

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

20.0%

MANAGERS

21.4% - 2015 23.1% - 2014

48.3%

GRADUATES, TECHNICIANS AND CLERKS 47.1% - 2015 40.0% - 2014

2.5%

OFFICERS

3.3% - 2015 0.8% - 2014

2014

66.7%

SALES REPRESENTATIVES 66.7% - 2015 66.7% - 2014

2015

2016

At ELIX, we understand

AGE DISTRIBUTION BY OCCUPATIONAL CATEGORY

COMPARISON OF THE ELIX AVERAGE SALARY WITH THE AVERAGE INTERPROFESSIONAL SALARY

capacities.

> 50 years old

24.6% 23.8% 24.0%

> 50 years old

of people with other

33.3% 28.2% 29.2%

employment insertion

> 50 years old

issues and promote

15.4% 28.6% 40.0%

equality beyond gender

2015

2016

MEN

4.9

WOMEN

3.6

2015

2016

MEN

1.2

n.a.*

WOMEN

0.9

n.a.*

Moreover, we cooperate COMPARISON OF THE ELIX AVERAGE SALARY WITH THE AVERAGE SALARY OF FEIQUE (SECTOR)4

with two Special Employment Centres and support people with functional disability integration.

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS

4 The indicator has been calculated from the average salary taking into account all salary items. The calculation is the ratio between the average salary, disaggregated by gender and the average inter-professional and sectorial salary (for 2016 the reference data were not available; for 2015 the reference data were obtained from a study conducted by FEIQUE (http://radiografia. feique.org/)

30-50 years old

OUR COMPANY

68.6% 69.7% 69.4%

57.3% 60.0% 59.6%

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

30-50 years old

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

* n.a.: not available

30-50 years old

100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

<30 years old

6.8% 6.6% 6.6%

<30 years old

9.3% 11.8% 11.2%

OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

84.6% 71. 4% 60.0%

HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR

30 - 50 years old

TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS

RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

MANAGERS

GRADUATES, TECHNICIANS AND CLERKS

OFFICERS

SALES REPRESENTATIVES

2014

2015

2016

6.3 PROFESSIONAL GROWTH

212,144.10 €

2016

158.2%

Our ongoing enhancement is based on the talent of our professionals, whose knowledge and skills ensure the

INCREASE OF THE INVESTMENT IN TRAININGS FOR ELIX EMPLOYEES

strong growth of the company. We promote professional growth of our employees through continued training as part of our talent retention strategy. Thus, we offer them opportunities for professional growth and development in our company. MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

In 2016, we have provided a total amount of 4,000 hours of

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

training in various fields, according to the needs identified

OUR COMPANY

themselves in the Training Committee.

by those in charge of each area and by the workers

4,000 HOURS OF TRAINING

10,640

ACCUMULATED TRAINING HOURS FOR OUR EMPLOYEES

112,699.4 €

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT

2014

TRAINING HOURS PER EMPLOYEE, GENDER AND OCCUPATIONAL CATEGORY (2016) MANAGERS

6.8

14.7

GRADUATES, TECHNICIANS AND CLERKS

25.2

16.2

OFFICERS

16.4

18.7

16.0

SALES REPRESENTATIVES

82,162.7 €

2015

ING

ABOUT THE REPORT

INV

T IN

AIN

GRI INDEX CONTENTS

OVER 50% OF THE TRAININGS CARRIED OUT HAVE BEEN ABOUT HEALTH AND SAFETY

In 2017, we aim to implement a Transversal Training Plan that allows us to make value proposals in training on the basis of objective data, in light of the skills of our employees. MESSAGE FROM THE CEO OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

21.2% ABILITY 848 h

Beyond training our employees, we establish partnership agreements with institutes and universities to admit students in training and through pre-PhD and PhD agreements. In 2016, we signed 5 training agreements with the following education centres:

OUR COMPANY OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS

•

Pere Martell Institute

•

Comte de Rius Institute

TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS

•

Rovira and Virgili University

HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

51.9% HEALTH AND SAFETY 2,076 h

RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT

The students have taken part in three areas: chemical plant, mechanical maintenance and electric engineering, putting into practice their knowledge and becoming familiar with real cases and problems, which can arise from the exercise of the profession. These internships usually take place during the summer.

In 2014, ELIX subscribed an agreement with the Autonomous University of Barcelona to

ABOUT THE REPORT

initiate a PhD programme. Currently and because of the excellent performance, this doctoral

GRI INDEX CONTENTS

candidate is part of our workforce as a permanent employee.

26.9% TECHNIQUE 1,076 h

OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS We guarantee the integrity of our processes, by establishing objectives related to safety, health and the environment and by giving priority to subjects such as energy efficiency, waste management and rational use of resources.

We understand our business responsibility to conduct our activity according to our commitment with sustainability. At ELIX, this commitment is

7.1 SAFE WORK ENVIRONMENT

based on three main pillars, governing our day-to-day work:

Ensuring the safety of our production processes and our employees is one of the main pillars in our corporative

•

SAFETY of our production processes and of our

•

which specially defines responsibilities, actions and

employees. HEALTH, compliance with

We monitor compliance with these objectives

in the manufacturing of the

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

strategy. We have a health and safety management system, objectives related to the prevention of occupational risks.

each sector's regulations

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

OBJECTIVES FOR THE PROMOTION OF HEALTH AND SAFETY

periodically through the use of specific indicators. Well

2016 OBJECTIVES Triple CERO: Labour accident rate. Process safety incidents. Environmental incidents.

activity, we keep abreast of the main trends, both at

ENVIRONMENT, protecting

assessments with other companies inside our sector.

national and international level, and undertake comparative

Continuous improvement in working conditions.

and reducing the impact with and processes.

In 2016, there were two accidents with sick leave.

aware of the importance of this aspect in our sector of

products.

more respectful products

DEVELOPMENT

All indicators used to measure this objective rang over the established objective value (% of participation and rounds done, % of implemented actions vs. improvement actions detected in rounds, etc.].

WE REVISE ON A CONTINUOUS BASIS OUR HEALTH AND SAFETY WORKING STANDARDS IN ALL OUR PROCESSES TO KEEP OUR LEVEL OF DEMAND AS A REFERENCE POINT IN THE SECTOR. 2017 OBJECTIVES On the other hand, we insist on strict compliance with all the regulations, ensure mechanic integrity of our systems and facilities and implement the most advanced technology in the safety of all our processes. Therefore, we can ensure a safe work environment for all the employees and local environment.

Triple CERO: Labour accident rate. Process safety incidents. Environmental incidents. Continuous improvement in working conditions.

THE PROACTIVE APPROACH GUIDES THE SAFETY AND OCCUPATIONAL RISKS MANAGEMENT OF OUR ORGANISATION.

We introduce a preventive approach in work safety management through diverse initiatives that ensure a safe environment for people:

•

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO OUR ACHIEVEMENTS OUR COMPANY

•

Periodic Maintenance stops for the activity, during which other activities also take place such as coordinating, training and supervising the work. Scheduled stops allow us to evaluate how effective the safety measures are applied and to detect which areas need an improvement. Presence of the Prevention Service in the operative units, with support technicians during the shut down. Safety, control and housekeeping executed by teams formed by workers from several departments and different hierarchical levels within the organisation. Safety documents available for employees, which reproduces the measures and standards that may affect them in the development of their functions. The measures and standard are extended to contracting companies through own documents.

•

Preventive measures of exposure to noise and assessment of exposure to chemical agents.

•

Existence of Health and Safety Committee, with quarterly meetings.

•

Promotion of healthy life styles and a specific health programme for employees, which includes periodic exams.

•

Specific training, focusing on accident prevention and control.

•

Development of internal audits on prevention management in accordance with the activity plan in all operative areas.

•

Implementation of safety process management systems based on the Process Safety Management (PSM) methodology.

SAFETY, HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT STANDARDS FOR EXTERNAL COMPANIES We have a specific document for external companies which contains general standards and policies on organisational safety. It also includes standards related to environmental protection. Thus, we promote a greater involvement of occupational risk prevention technicians from contracting companies.

In 2016, we have launched our strategic project named

On the other hand, in the hiring process, companies

Organisational Safety Program, which includes promoting

should sign a specific document in which they ratify

the participation in the communication process and safety

their commitment to fulfil the safety and health internal

notification management.

standards of ELIX.

HEALTH AND SAFETY INDICATORS

2014

2015

2016

Nº OF ACCIDENTS WITH SICK LEAVE

Nº OF ACCIDENTS WITHOUT SICK LEAVE

FREQUENCY RATE

2.68

5.09

5.29

INCIDENCE/SEVERITY RATE

0.03

0.16

0.17

2.71

3.29

3.61

ABSENTEEISM RATE

SECTORIAL ANALYSIS MESSAGE FROM THE CEO OUR ACHIEVEMENTS OUR COMPANY OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT

FREQUENCY RATE 3.76 - FEIQUE 1.14 - AEQT 2.68 - ELIX 2014

3.44 - FEIQUE 1.61 - AEQT 5.09 - ELIX 2015

4.13 - FEIQUE 1.17 - AEQT 5.29 - ELIX 2016

SEVERITY RATE 0.1 - FEIQUE 0.06 - AEQT 0.03 ELIX

ABSENTEEISM RATE 2.71 - SECTOR 3.7 - ELIX 2014

2014

0.12 - FEIQUE 0.07 - AEQT 0.16 - ELIX

3.29 - SECTOR 2.69 - ELIX 2015

2015

0.23 - FEIQUE 0.04 - AEQT 0.17 - ELIX

3.61 - SECTOR 3.58 - ELIX 2016

2016

ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

2014

2015

2016

WE GUARANTEE COMPLIANCE WITH ALL THE REQUIREMENTS STABLISHED IN THE SPECIFIC NORMS AND REGULATIONS OF THE THE SECTORS IN WHICH WE OPERATE.

7.2 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUARANTEES IN OUR PRODUCTS At ELIX, we evaluate and manage the potential risks of safety, the protection of health and environment during the life cycle of our products. In addition, we incorporate a responsible and ethical management approach from the

WE ARE LEADERS IN EUROPE DUE TO THE COMPLIANCE WITH LEGAL REQUIREMENTS ON HEALTH AND SAFETY OF ABS MATERIALS.

initial phase of product development.

Our grades destined for medical

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

applications and to be in contact

As a result, we believe in the concept of product tutelage,

with food comply with the strict

priority objective on which chemical companies work to

requirements of the sector.

improve sustainability. Our responsible for the product tutelage regularly attends sectorial forums to keep updated

WE OFFER ADVICE TO OUR CUSTOMERS TO ENSURE THE CORRECT USE AND TREATMENT OF PRODUCTS.

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

of any changes in the standards and new initiatives, that

OUR COMPANY

new requirements.

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS

On the other hand, our new management system, certified

to our customers on the correct use and treatment of our

EUROPEAN FOOD SAFETY

under the ISO 9001 standard, guarantees that our products

products. This counselling is based on specific studies,

AUTHORITY (EFSA):

meet the requirements of the highest quality standards for

for each customer, depending on the requirements for the

their commercialisation.

application they needed.

All our products meet higher standards at national and

We also issue Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) via

international level with regards to health and safety. We

our website. These are forms containing detailed data on

meet different standards that can be consulted on our

chemical and physical properties of the substances. We

website.

thereby comply with the REACH Legislation that requires

TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR

allows us to anticipate and adequate our products to the Via our post-sales service, we offer advice and information

•

Regulation 1935/2004

•

Regulation (EU) nº 10/2011

OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

issuing MSDS in the event that a substance or preparation US FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA): •

US FDA 21 Code of Federal Regulations Section 181.32.

Moreover, we ensure that our products meet specific

provided to any user of the European Union contains a

directives and standards from all sectors in which

chemical product classified as a hazardous substance, or

we currently operate, for example, the case of those

SVHC, PBT or vPvB. Those users who download this data

applications in contact with food or medical items.

sheets will receive the updates of the products purchased.

7.3 COMMITMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES 2016 OBJECTIVES Global reduction of energy costs by 1%.

DEVELOPMENT Achieved due to the fulfilment of the specific objectives in terms of energy efficiency and operational control measures.

We are an organisation committed to the environment

Moreover, we have defined a tracking indicators system

that has an environment strategy which seeks to

related to environmental aspects identified as significant

manufacture our products in a responsible way and to

for our activity, which enables us to assess the degree of

create more sustainable products for our customers.

attainment of our environmental objectives each year.

At the organisation, the environmental

We apply the precautionary and

aspects management are governed by

prevention principle in our day to day work. In 2016, we have conducted

the main international environmental MESSAGE FROM THE CEO OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

Automation of the daily indicators (KPI) monitoring.

An automated report was created to obtain daily information on consumption an energy costs.

OUR COMPANY OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS

OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

and the ISO 50001 standard on energy efficient management. For another year, these standards.

Implementation of a minimisation of Hazardous Waste Programme.

Programme implemented for all our activities in ELIX.

risks in our facilities, for the purpose

standard on environmental management

we have renewed our certification under

100%

OF OUR FACILITIES ARE CERTIFIED ACCORDING TO ISO 14001 AND ISO 50001 STANDARDS.

The results indicated a high level of leaktightness in our facilities.

We opt for a circular economy through a pilot test for the reuse of the filter cakes waste as raw materials for industrial use.

We have made available a document

offices, laboratories and mechanical facilities. This document details all those proceedings that

environmental actions and corrective measures to be

must be done by the employees to fulfil our environmental

accomplished in the facilities. On a regular basis, this person is also in charge of reporting the environmental progress to aspect for our organisation.

Global reduction of energy costs by 1.2%.

prevention.

the integrated management systems and of monitoring

the Senior Management, also actively involved in this key 2017 OBJECTIVES

activity and establishing the basis for its

(GEPs) for the activities developed in

Health and Safety is in charge of ensuring proper use of Implementation of the Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) Programme for fugitive emissions.

of identifying the main risks of our

of Good Environmental Practices

From an organisational point of view, the person responsible for Environment,

TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR

a study to analyse environmental

standards, such as the ISO 14001

objectives.

IINVESTMENTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

410.5 2012

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

420.6 2013

484.7 2014

1,261 2015

2,630 2016

EXPENSES AND INVESTMENTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (KEUR)

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS OUR COMPANY OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS

In 2016, our commitment for sustainability has expressed

Other significant investments have been the improvement

itself as increased investment in environmental protection.

of the treatment process of waste water and the

HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR

The main investment in the productive process has been the

improvement of the waterproofing of raw material tanks

installation of a new compounding line with virtually close

(ACN).

OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

to zero emissions due to the optimised use of State of the

RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

art technology.

WE HAVE DOUBLED THE INVESTMENT EARMARKED FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT OF OUR FACILITIES.

RATIONALIZATION OF MATERIAL CONSUMPTION

WE HAVE SLIGHTLY REDUCED THE CONSUMPTION OF OUR MAIN RAW MATERIALS.

As a chemical company, we are particularly careful with the correct use and treatment of raw materials, mainly those the applicable regulation about the handling of this type of substances and to apply the safety indications thereof. The environmental risk analysis stemming has taken into account possible situations resulted from discharges or leakage of the main materials used and it will propose

In addition, we acknowledge that we can contribute to the

OUR COMPANY

material consumption. In 2016, the consumption of our main

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS

has been an increase due to the product production that

efficient use of resources via the rationalization of raw materials, in absolute value, has decreased. However, there requires a larger proportion of styrene in their formulation.

TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS

OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

CONSUMPTION OF THE MAIN RAW MATERIALS (t)

2014

2015

2016

ACRYLONITRILE

16,130

19,285

19,223

-0.32%

BUTADIENE

14,951

17,081

16,651

-2.52%

STYRENE

45,739

55,542

55,625

0.15%

TOTAL

76,820

91,908

91,499

-0.45%

93.20% - 2014 93.30% - 2015 93.80% - 2016

HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR

EVOLUTION OF EFFECTIVE CONSUMPTION RATE OF RAW MATERIALS

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

0.5%

preventive measures. Furthermore, we conduct periodic measurements to control soil pollution.

achieved an important improvement in raw materials performance rate, understood as the efficiency of the use

considered as hazardous. We have mechanisms to fulfil

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

In 2016, we have

SINCE 2012, CALCULATED BASED ON ABSOLUTE VALUES, WE HAVE IMPROVED OUR EFFICIENCY RATE ON RAW MATERIALS CONSUMPTION BY 28.5%.

of raw materials in the manufacturing process. Apart from our own raw materials from productive process, in our offices, we have implemented further improvements to reduce paper consumption. The installation of a shared

IN ALL OUR FACILITIES WE APPLY A GOOD ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES (GEPS) CODE.

print has reduced paper consumption by 35%. Likewise, since 2015, we use recycled paper and in 2016 practically all paper (98%) have ecolabel (Der Blaue Engel, EU Ecolabel and Cradle-to-cradle: Silver).

EVOLUTION OF PAPER CONSUMPTION

2015

2016

NON-RECYCLED PAPER

984

-98.2%

RECYCLED PAPER

290

815

181.0%

1,274

833

-34.6%

TOTAL

COMMITMENT WITH ENERGY EFFICIENCY Our energy power defines ELIX commitment to improve

In 2016, we have improved the control of some operations in the productive plant, adjusted

the energy efficiency of all our facilities. As a result of

some operating parameters of the residual gas treatment for oxidation plant (RTO) and

this commitment, in 2015 we introduced and certified an

implemented the option to reduce the desired temperature in the combustion chamber.

energy management system under ISO 50001 standard.

These actions allow us to reduce the consumption of natural gas per tonne produced 2016

Additionally, we concerted objectives annually to improve

by 5.5%.

2.2%

REDUCTION OF OUR ENERGY CONSUMPTION REGARDING 2015

our energy efficiency and as well as, established indicators to its monitoring.

On the other hand, due to the improvement in the refrigeration circuit (0ºC) and the operative functioning optimization of ammonia evaporators, we have reduced by 7.7% the

Electricity, vapour and natural gas consumption represents

refrigeration circuit consumption.

more than 85% of the total of ELIX power consumption. MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

ENERGY CONSUMPTION

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

TOTAL (MJ)

OUR COMPANY

TOTAL (kWh/t ABS produced)

2014

2015

2016

342,219,447.4

373,524,054.5

365,249,313.7

-2.2%

3,650.4

3,334.0

3,330.7

-0.1%

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT

36%

ELECTRICITY

28%

NATURAL GAS

24% VAPOUR

ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

DISTRIBUTION OF ENERGY CONSUMPTION AT ELIX 51

COMPRESSED AIR

3% COLD -20ºC 2% COLD 0ºC 0% NITROGEN

MANAGEMENT OF EMISSIONS INTO THE ATMOSPHERE GREENHOUSE GASES We are an organisation committed to fighting against climate change and we are adhered to the Programme of Voluntary Agreements to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG)

GHG EMISSIONS

2014

2015

2016

Tonnes of CO2 eq

n.a.*

22,412.3

22,519.1

GHG EMISSIONS NTENSITY

2015

2016

GENERATION OF EMISSIONS PER PRODUCTION (t CO2 eq/t ABS+sales)

0.22

0.2289

GENERATION OF EMISSIONS PER EMPLOYEE (t CO2 eq/employee)

89.6

0.5%

emissions by the Department of Land and Sustainability of the Government of Catalonia. In the context of such initiative and our energy policy MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

for the 2016-2017 period, we have defined emission

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

gas consumption. For this purpose, we have replaced

OUR COMPANY

improvements in the compounding plant.

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS

However, it must be taken into account that in 2016 the

TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

reduction targets derived form electricity and natural conventional lightning for LED and we have done some

VOLUNTARY -CO2MMITMENT 1.9%

82.8

-7.7%

* n.a.: not available.

estimate of emissions. As a result, we can observe an

Resource: Calculations have been made from the consumptions of electricity (scope 2), natural gas y direct air emissions from SAN, TAR and RTO source (scope 1). The emission factors used are given in the guide named la Guía pràctica per al càlcul d’emissions de gasos amb efecte hivernacle (GEH) in its 2017 version.

the previous year.

Voluntary agreement to reduce CO2 Generalitat de Catalunya Government of Catalonia Ministry of Territory and Sustainability

Catalan Office for Climate Change

Find more information in: www.gencat.cat/canviclimatic Organization code: 2016-B63508352-00

rental cars of the company were included in the overall increase in the global emissions calculation in relation to

WE HAVE REDUCED GREENHOUSE GASES GENERATED PER EMPLOYEE BY 7.7% COMPARED TO 2015.

LIFE-CYCLE ASSESSMENT (LCA) OF ABS5 PRODUCT*

104,157,630

Since 2014, we have carried out, periodically, the LCAs assessment of our main

98,461,770 0.047

product, the ABS. In 2016 we updated the calculation methodology to bring it more in line with the reality of the organisation. To this end, we designed the HC ELIX calculator, which was incorporated to the methodology used. Furthermore,

88,817,500

the calculation scope was extended with the incorporation of impact from transporting products to our customers.

0.053

0.244 0.047

First, for this analysis, the carbon footprint in producing 1 kg of ABS should be determined and, secondly, the environmental impact associated to its production. This study has enabled us to know which are the inputs of our productive process MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

that generate most emissions, which is raw materials and auxiliary materials

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

environmental impact assessment, which is mainly related to the depletion of

OUR COMPANY

materials.

OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

0.053

All this information is highly valuable in our commitment with the reduction of

88,817,500

0.139

environmental impact we generated due to our activity. Allowing us to focus our

0.142

attention on those phases that have a major impact and reduce it. Whilst the major impact is in the use of raw materials, we are analysing solutions that, apart from enabling us to obtain quality products, can reduce as much as possible our carbon footprint in this phase.

*Calculating the carbon footprint for ABS is based on the methodology of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and via the HC ELIX calculator, a tool developed by the organisation and set the contrast by SimaPro software. The environmental impact assessment of ABS has been done by the International Reference Life Cycle Data System (ILCD) method and with assistance SimaPro software.

3.122

Emissions Energy consumption Transportation (MMPP+waste+finished product) Raw material consumption Waste management Production (kg)

104,157,630

2.985

0.002

2.952

0.004

0.001

3.43 3.37 3.54

kg CO2 eq 2014

kg CO2 eq 2015

kg CO2 eq 2016

WITHOUT RAW MATERIALS CONSUMPTION

HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR

0.128

resources that also arises from the consumption of raw materials and auxiliary

CARBON FOOTPRINT FOR ABS,

TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS

0.228

used, representing around 90% of CO2 eq total emissions. Regarding the

CARBON FOOTPRINT FOR ABS

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS

0.248

0.047

98,461,770 0.047

0.228 0.244

0.139

0.142

0.002

0.004

0.128 0.001

0.44 0.42 0.42 kg CO2 eq 2014

kg CO2 eq 2015

kg CO2 eq 2016

Since the completion of the first LCA assessment, we have focused on reducing

0.117

the emissions associated with those aspects on which

0.112

we have more influence. Thus, since 2014 we have

0,.100

reduced the emissions associated with energy consumption and transport. Intermodal transport

0.847

(road, boat and/or train) MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

represented a good solution

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

of the value chain of ELIX

OUR COMPANY

transport due to the

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS

emissions to air.

to reduce emissions is part

ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

Road Sea Intermodal Air Carbon footprint (kg CO2 eq)

CARBON FOOTPRINT OF TRANSPORTING FINISHED PRODUCT

fact that generates less

HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR

RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT

1.085

and especially, maritime

TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS

OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

1.245

0.182

0.291

0.256 0.000

0.683

0.314

0.000

1.79 1.59

kg CO2 eq 2014

0.189

kg CO2 eq 2015

0.001

1.71

kg CO2 eq 2016

OTHER EMISSIONS INTO THE ATMOSPHERE The control of other emissions into the atmosphere,

By the end of 2016, the implementation of the LDAR Programme (Leak Detection and Repair)

apart from CO2 emissions, is also our priority. We regularly

was completed to control and reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC). After

measured pollutant emissions to air in the emitting sources

its implementation, the global results indicated a high level of leak-tightness in our facilities.

to verify that they are within the limits established by law.

Leakage is detected by 0.09% of mid points, compared with other companies of the sector, which percentages usually are between 0.7% and 3%.

EMISSIONS OF NOx (mg/Nm3) MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

EMISSIONS OF CO (mg/Nm3)

460

100

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS OUR COMPANY

350

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS

8.8% ANNUAL AVERAGE RTO PLANT

27.4 20.8 19.0

ANNUAL AVERAGE TAR PLANT

24.9 9.4 16.5

ANNUAL AVERAGE SAN 2 PLANT

18.2 6.4 6.6

2.8%

25.9% ANNUAL AVERAGE RTO PLANT

43.1 14.0 17.6

ANNUAL AVERAGE TAR PLANT

155.1 44.1 97.6

3.7% 173.7 138.8 143.9

RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT

ANNUAL AVERAGE SAN 2 PLANT

OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

ABOUT THE REPORT

121.4%

HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR

75.6%

TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS

THE EMISSIONS OF POLLUTANTS TO THE ATMOSPHERE (NOx & CO) ARE BELOW THE REGULATORY LIMITS.

GRI INDEX CONTENTS

2014

2015

2016

Legal limit

Variation compared to 2015

WATER CONSUMPTION

WASTE THE TOTAL VOLUME OF WATER THAT WE CONSUME IS REGENERATED.

In 2016, we have managed to reduce the water consumption since improvements have been made to our facilities. Regarding the treated water consumption, the decrease is due to its lower

The optimisation of the waste is another key aspect in our environmental management strategy. Thus, we take actions to reduce the total amount generated and to increase its recovery.

consumption by the boiler feedwater at the TAR plant, that when treating less gas flow, produces

The main waste we generate are thermoplastic in block,

less vapour and, therefore, requires a smaller

ABS- R Type A, filter cake and water with non-halogenated

quantity of demineralised water.

solvents that represent more than 50% of the total amount of produced waste.

5.4%

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO OUR ACHIEVEMENTS OUR COMPANY OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS

WATER CONSUMPTION INDUSTRIAL AND TREATED WATER (m3) INDUSTRIAL AND TREATED WATER (m3/t produced) COOLING WATER (m3)

2014

2015

2016

123,959.55

129,197.1

113,547.86

-12.1%

1.43

1.27

1.18

-7.1%

3,667,642.35 4,419,151.2

4,117,553.33

-6.8%

RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

3.9% - 2015 3.6% - 2014

Some of the actions we have undertaken to minimise optimising plant cleaning processes and implementing the control programme on non-unplanned shutdowns to reduce

84.62% 75.15% 69.82%

100% (2013)

SAN-F and thermoplastic waste.

INDUSTRIAL AND TREATED WATER

74.82% 76.82% 75.67%

100% (2013)

OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

3.7%

T OF WASTE/T PRODUCED IN 2016

the generation of waste have been repairing leaks and

TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR

REDUCTION OF THE WASTE GENERATED PER TONNE PRODUCED

MAIN MANAGEMENT PATHWAYS

2014

2015

2016

INCINERATION

2.8%

4.0%

1.7%

DEPOSITION

6.3%

7.9%

7.4%

90.9%

88.1%

90.9%

RECOVERY

COOLING WATER

2014

2015

2016

% RECOVERY (T RECOVERED / T PRODUCED)

91.5% 2014

WE HAVE INCREASED THE RECOVERED WASTE BY 2.7%.

At ELIX, we opt for a circular economy and we MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

consider the recovery

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

of recovered waste a

OUR COMPANY

TYPE OF RECOVERY (2016) REGENERATION OF SOLVENTS - 13.87%

and the later reuse

91,3% 88.9% 2015

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS

priority in our waste management. As a result of this, in 2016 we have

USE AS COMBUSTIBLE - 7.41% RECYCLING AND RECLAMATION OF METALS AND METAL COMPOUNDS - 4.11% RECYCLING OF PAPER AND CARDBOARD - 0.99% RECLAMATION, REUSE AND REGENERATION OF PACKAGING - 0.65% OTHER TYPES OF RECOVERY - 0.21%

increased the amount

REGENERATION OF MINERAL OILS - 0.07%

of recovered waste per

RECLAMATION OF CABLES - 0.04%

tonne produced by 2.7%..

TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

91.3% 2016

72.65% RECYCLING OF PLASTIC

10%

Following our commitment with circular economy, in 2017 we will study alternatives to

SHUTTER PULLEY

optimize the waste management of filter cakes (currently deposited in a landfill) and residual no recovered polymers (currently going to incineration), which are the largest amount of waste we generate and at this time we can not recover.

HAZARDOUS WASTE AND THEIR MANAGEMENT PATHWAYS

20%

COUCH LEG

50%

SHOE HEEL

2014

2015

2016

55.4

151.7

59.59

-60.7%

RECOVERY (T)

442.76

550.01

568.86

3.4%

TOTAL (T)

498.16

701.0

628.45

-10.4%

INCINERATION (T)

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO OUR ACHIEVEMENTS OUR COMPANY OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS

WASTE REDUCTION BEYOND OUR FACILITIES

20%

In the context of the Packing Waste Prevention Plan logistic strategies that minimise packaging use. Prioritizing the transport by tankers, we can reduce the

TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

FOR THE THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR, WE HAVE REDUCED THE PACKAGING RELEASED TO THE MARKET.

2015-2017, we have adopted measures to prioritise

EMBEDDED LIGHT BOX

tonnes of packaging regarding the product released to the market (rate Kr/Kp) about 12%.

62% OF THE THERMOPLASTIC WASTE OF SECOND GRADE ABS AND SAN COPOLYMERS WERE RECOVERED AND REUSED AS RAW MATERIAL TO MANUFACTURE OTHER PRODUCTS.

PACKAGING WASTE RELEASED TO THE MARKET

2014

2015

2016

PACKAGING WASTE GENERATED (T/A)

259.1

275.3

187.4

-31.9%

TOTAL AMOUNT OF PRODUCTS RELEASED TO THE MARKET (T/A)

11,386.1

13,407.8

10,260.9

-23.5%

KR/KP (T PACKAGING/ T PRODUCT RELEASED TO THE MARKET)

0.0228

0.0205

0.0183

-11.7

RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT At ELIX, we undertake a responsible management of our economic resources, generating a continuous sustainable growth that allows us to consolidate our presence in the market and to attain our bussiness objectives.

8.1 ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE ELIX IS AN IMPORTANT SPARK FOR THE LOCAL ECONOMY.

At ELIX, we undertake a responsible management of our

For shareholders and people, our new business model

economic resources to guarantee our growth, without

takes account speciality of the appropriate management

leaving aside the generation of positive impacts on our

of potential business risks, acting responsibly and

environment.

transparently. This model also guarantees the correct use of economic and financial resources to achieve an efficient

THE NEW BUSINESS MODEL OF ELIX HAS BEEN DEFINED UNDER THE PREMISE OF GENERATING VALUE FOR THE KEY STAKEHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY: CUSTOMERS, SHAREHOLDERS AND PEOPLE1. This segmentation and its nominations refer to the “Management by Missions” Project, implemented by the company since 2016. 1

The opening of our facilities offered important and new

management of the organisation.

employment opportunities for the residents of La Canonja and surroundings. At the present time, ELIX remains one of

Regarding the customers, our financial department provides

the most important sparks for the local economy. Among

support to the efficiency of commercial processes and

other aspects, we generate new opportunities for stable

gives them the appropriate economic, financial and fiscal

employment each year, moreover, we spend more than half

information.

of our expenses on local distributors and collaborate in social initiatives with civil society organisations.

On the other hand, due to our continuous growth we have extended our competences to meet the business needs

We also believe in the ongoing investment in R&D&I,

of our customers at international level. Specially, we

focused on the responsible innovation, for the development

have extended our presence and our business activities

of products with a positive impact on the environment

in the North American market. This fact will facilitate

and people. For the past few years, we have maintained an

communication, ensure an increase in efficiency in the

annual growth in the expense of R&D&I by 40%.

order management and enable the management of prices, invoices and payments in local currencies.

We are convinced that our economic management will ensure a positive future scenario to our operations, including sustainability as part of our success.

57%

60,1%

12.9% RESERVES

OPERATIONAL COSTS

EBITDA GROWTH between 2013 and 2016

1.3%

AMORTISATIONS

1.2%

6,6%

INTEREST EXPENSES

CAGR*

84.5%

CAGR*

INCREASE IN EBITDA IN 2016 compared to 2015

SALES VOLUME GROWTH compared to 2013

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

2016

OUR COMPANY

57%

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS

2015

STATE OF THE ADDED VALUE 2016

OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

2014

31%

* CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT

(vs. previous year)

100% % GROWTH OF CONSOLIDATED EBITDA

HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR

ABOUT THE REPORT SCOPE OF THE REPORT At ELIX we have prepared our first Sustainability report, covering the period between 1 January to 31 December 2016. The scope of information in the report corresponds to the activity of ELIX Polymers SL in its head office and production plant of La Canonja.

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO OUR ACHIEVEMENTS OUR COMPANY

DEFINITION OF THE CONTENT AND PRINCIPLES OF REPORT DEVELOPMENT The development of the report had the direct involvement of key people from the diverse management areas at ELIX.

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS

They have provided information related to the different

TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS

knowledge and experience.

HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

aspects included thereof. It is the result of a teamwork, in which all people involved have contributed with their

During the development of the report, the following standards have been considered: •

Guide GRI Standards of Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), in accordance with the Core option.

•

AA1000SES Standard of AccountAbility, during the materiality assessment.

PRINCIPLES TO DETERMINE THE CONTENT OF THE REPORT The Sustainability report of ELIX assuring compliance with the principles to determine the content of this type of documents defined by the GRI Standards: MESSAGE FROM THE CEO OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

STAKEHOLDER INCLUSIVENESS

SUSTAINABILITY CONTEXT

When starting the sustainability report, the stakeholders of the company were involved directly, in the context of the analysis conducted, through the distribution of a specific survey regarding sustainability. In addition, through a workshop that included key people of the organisation, the stakeholders of ELIX were identified and prioritised and finally, they were contacted by the cited survey.

When identifying the different sustainability issues that are relevant for the organisation, the benchmarking done to that effect was taken into account. During the process of benchmarking, companies from the ELIX sector and sectorial sustainability initiatives at international level were analysed for the purpose of determining the sustainability context of the company and bearing it in mind in the development of this document.

MATERIALITY

COMPLETENESS

In preparing this report, a materiality analysis has been carried out according to GRI Standards and AA1000SES Standard of AccountAbility. This analysis, as well as the results obtained are available in the section 4 of the report.

In the context of the implemented management systems in terms of quality (ISO 9001), environment (ISO 14001), energy management (ISO 50001) and safety and health, at ELIX we have defined a set of monitoring indicators, both absolute and relative, in order to monitor the evolution of the organisation over time and to analyse the effect of the undertaken actions, as well as compare this information with other companies in the sector.

In order to facilitate data comparability and to allow a better analysis of the development of the company in terms of sustainability, whenever possible for the different reported indicators, data has been provided over the last three years (2014, 2015 and 2016).

OUR COMPANY OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT

Relating to the implementation of the quality principles of the report, also defined by GRI

Finally, in general, data is provided for the year of

Standards, the balance of information provided has been taken into consideration, reporting

publication (2016) and the two previous years (2014 and

both positive and negative aspects of the development of the organisation (see as an

2015). This gives more detail about the development

example, the level of compliance with the objectives of the organisation).

evolution of the organisation for each relevant aspect related with sustainability. Additionally, the information is

Furthermore, the data provided is accurate and used for monitoring the correct management

presented in a way that enables us to establish comparative

of those aspects related to sustainability reflected in the report and that are relevant

data with the rest of the sector and to choose specific

for ELIX. In preparing the report, information has been facilitated on our advances in

indicators to that effect.

sustainability for all our stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.

ABOUT THE REPORT

For any questions or inquiries about the content of this

GRI INDEX CONTENTS

(judith.banus@elix-polymers.com).

report, you can contact Judith Banus, CSR Manager

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

GRI CONTENTS INDEX

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

The table below summarizes the general and

OUR COMPANY

Reporting Initiative (GRI) in accordance with

the topic-specific disclosures of the Global the GRI Standards: Core option.

GRI 101: BASIS 2016

BASIC GENERAL DISCLOSURES / GENERAL DISCLOSURES GRI STANDARD

INDICATOR

DESCRIPTION

PAGE(S) AND / OR LINKS

ORGANISATIONAL PROFILE 102-1

Name of the organisation

102-2

Activities, brands, products and services

28-31

102-3

Location of headquarters

Vilaseca a La Pineda Road, Ind. Park. 43110 La Canonja (Spain)

102-4

Location of operations

102-5

Ownership and legal form

102-6

Markets served

10, 29

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

102-7

Scale of the organisation

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

102-8

Information on employees and other workers

7, 36-37

102-9

Supply chain

21, 26

102-10

Significant changes in the organisation and its supply chain

There have not been significant changes.

102-11

Principle or precautionary approach

102-12

External initiatives

102-13

Membership to associations

Statement of senior executives responsible for decision-making

4-5

GRI 102: GENERAL DISCLOSURES 2016

STRATEGY 102-14

ETHICS AND INTEGRITY 102-16

Values, principles, standards and norms of behaviour

14, 16

GOVERNANCE 102-18

Governance structure

OMISSIONS

GRI STANDARD

INDICATOR

DESCRIPTION

PAGE (S) AND / OR LINKS

OMISSIONS

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT 102-40

List of stakeholders groups

102-41

Collective bargaining agreements

102-42

Identifying and selecting stakeholders

20, 65

102-43

Approach to stakeholder engagement

20, 22

102-44

Key topics and concerns raised

REPORTING PRACTICES

GRI 102: GENERAL DISCLOSURES 2016

102-45

Entities included in the consolidated financial statements

102-46

Defining report content and coverage for each topic

22-26

102-47

List of material topics

102-48

Restatement of information

It is not applicable. This is the first report published by the company.

102-49

Changes in reporting

It is not applicable. This is the first report published by the company.

102-50

Reporting period

2016

102-51

Date of the most recent report

It is not applicable. This is the first report published by the company.

102-52

Reporting Cycle

Annual.

102-53

Contact point for questions about the report

102-54

Claims of reporting in accordance with the GRI Standards

102-55

GRI contents index

66-72

102-56

External verification

Not available.

MATERIAL TOPICS / CATEGORY: ECONOMY GRI STANDARD

INDICATOR

DESCRIPTION

PAGE (S) AND / OR LINKS

103-1

Explanation of the material topic and its scope

103-2

Management approach and its components

103-3

Evaluation of the management approach

OMISSIONS

RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT

GRI 103: MANAGEMENT APPROACH 2016

GRI 201: ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE 2016

201-1

Direct economic value generated and distributed

103-1

Explanation of the material topic and its scope

103-2

Management approach and its components

103-3

Evaluation of the management approach

202-1

Ratio of initial category salary by gender vs. local minimum wage

103-1

Explanation of the material topic and its scope

103-2

Management approach and its components

The absolute values of the economic value generated and distributed are not provided, only the percentages.

PROMOTION OF THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT MESSAGE FROM THE CEO OUR ACHIEVEMENTS OUR COMPANY

GRI 103: MANAGEMENT APPROACH 2016

GRI 202: MARKET PRESENCE 2016

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS

PROCUREMENT OF LOCAL SUPPLIERS

TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS

GRI 103: MANAGEMENT APPROACH 2016

103-3

Evaluation of the management approach

HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR

GRI 204: PROCUREMENT PRACTICES 2016 202-1

Proportion of spending on local suppliers

103-1

Explanation of the material topic and its scope

103-2

Management approach and its components

103-3

Evaluation of the management approach

OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT

SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

GRI 103: MANAGEMENT APPROACH 2016

ABOUT THE REPORT

GRI 308: SUPPLIER ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2016

308-1

New suppliers that were screened using environmental criteria

Not available.

GRI INDEX CONTENTS

GRI 414: SUPPLIER SOCIAL ASSESSMENT 2016

414-1

New suppliers that were screened using social criteria

Not available.

MATERIAL TOPICS / CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT GRI STANDARD

INDICATOR

DESCRIPTION

PAGE (S) AND / OR LINKS

103-1

Explanation of the material topic and its scope

52, 58

103-2

Management approach and its components

52, 58

103-3

Evaluation of the management approach

52, 58

GRI 301: MATERIALS 2016

301-1

Materials used by weight or volume

GRI 303: WATER 2016

303-1

Water withdrawal by source

103-1

Explanation of the material topic and its scope

103-2

Management approach and its components

103-3

Evaluation of the management approach

302-1

Energy consumption within the organisation

302-3

Energy intensity

302-4

Reduction of energy consumption

103-1

Explanation of the material topic and its scope

54-57

103-2

Management approach and its components

54-57

103-3

Evaluation of the management approach

54-57

305-1

Direct (Scope 1) GHG emissions

305-2

Energy indirect (Scope 2) GHG emissions

305-4

GHG emissions intensity

305-5

Reduction of GHG emissions

305-7

Nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx) and other significant air emissions

EFFICIENT RESOURCE CONSUMPTION

GRI 103: MANAGEMENT APPROACH 2016

ENERGY

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

GRI 103: MANAGEMENT APPROACH 2016

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS OUR COMPANY

GRI 302: ENERGY 2016

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS

CLIMATE CHANGE PREVENTION

TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS

GRI 103: MANAGEMENT APPROACH 2016

HUMAN TEAM AS A KEY FACTOR OUR OPERATIONS: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE REPORT

GRI 305: EMISSIONS 2016

CORRECT MANAGEMENT OF WASTE AND WASTE WATER

GRI 103: MANAGEMENT APPROACH 2016

GRI INDEX CONTENTS

GRI 306: EFFLUENTS AND WASTE 2016

103-1

Explanation of the material topic and its scope

58-60

103-2

Management approach and its components

58-60

103-3

Evaluation of the management approach

58-60

306-2

Waste by type and disposal method

58-60

306-4

Transport of hazardous waste

OMISSIONS

MATERIAL TOPICS / CATEGORY: SOCIAL / SUBCATEGORY: LABOUR PRACTICES GRI STANDARD

INDICATOR

DESCRIPTION

PAGE (S) AND / OR LINKS

103-1

Explanation of the material topic and its scope

36-44

103-2

Management approach and its components

36-44

103-3

Evaluation of the management approach

36-44

GRI 401: EMPLOYMENT 2016

401-1

Hiring new employees and employee turnover

GRI 404: TRAINING AND EDUCATION 2016

404-1

Average hours of training per year per employee

103-1

Explanation of the material topic and its scope

46-47

103-2

Management approach and its components

46-47

103-3

Evaluation of the management approach

46-47

403-2

Types of injury and rates of injuries, occupational diseases, lost work days, absenteeism and number of work-related fatalities

103-1

Explanation of the material topic and its scope

103-2

Management approach and its components

103-3

Evaluation of the management approach

GRI 402: LABOUR/MANAGEMENT RELATIONS 2016

402-1

Minimum notice periods in reference to operational changes

The minimum notice period for organisational changes is 30 days as established by agreement, though in practice, it is reported earlier than the period covered by regulation.

GRI 407: FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION AND COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

407-1

Operations and suppliers in which right to freedom of association and collective bargaining may be at risk

It is not applicable.

103-1

Explanation of the material topic and its scope

41-42

103-2

Management approach and its components

41-42

103-3

Evaluation of the management approach

41-42

GRI 405: DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES 2016

405-1

Diversity of governance bodies and employees

41-42

GRI 406: NON-DISCRIMINATION 2016

406-1

Incidents of discrimination and corrective actions taken

QUALITY PROFESSIONAL CAREERS

GRI 103: MANAGEMENT APPROACH 2016

HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK

GRI 103: MANAGEMENT APPROACH 2016

GRI 403: OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY 2016 LABOUR RELATIONS

GRI 103: MANAGEMENT APPROACH 2016

PROMOTION OF EQUALITY

GRI 103: MANAGEMENT APPROACH 2016

ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

There have been no cases of discrimination.

OMISSIONS

MATERIAL TOPICS / CATEGORY: SOCIAL / SUBCATEGORY: SOCIETY GRI STANDARD

INDICATOR

DESCRIPTION

PAGE (S) AND / OR LINKS

103-1

Explanation of the material topic and its scope

16, 49

103-2

Management approach and its components

16, 49

103-3

Evaluation of the management approach

16, 49

GRI 205: ANTI-CORRUPTION 2016

205-2

Communication and training on anti-corruption policies and procedures

GRI 206: ANTI-COMPETITIVE BEHAVIOUR 2016

206-1

Legal actions for anti-competitive behaviour, anti-trust and monopoly practices

There have been no legal actions related to unfair competition practices.

GRI 307: ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE 2016

307-1

Non-compliance with environmental laws and regulations

There have been no fines or non-monetary sanctions for non-compliance with legislation and environmental regulations.

GRI 419: SOCIOECONOMIC COMPLIANCE 2016

419-1

Non-compliance with laws and regulations in the social and economic area

There have been no fines or non-monetary sanctions for non-compliance with the legislation and socioeconomic regulations of the environment.

OMISSIONS

COMPLIANCE

GRI 103: MANAGEMENT APPROACH 2016

MATERIAL TOPICS / CATEGORY: SOCIAL / SUBCATEGORY: PRODUCT RESPONSIBILITY GRI STANDARD

INDICATOR

DESCRIPTION

PAGE (S) AND / OR LINKS

103-1

Explanation of the material topic and its scope

103-2

Management approach and its components

103-3

Evaluation of the management approach

GRI 416: CUSTOMER HEALTH AND SAFETY 416-1 2016

Assessment of health and safety impacts of the products or services categories

GRI 417: MARKETING AND LABELLING 2016 417-1

Requirements for product and service information and labelling

Innovation in products and processes

32-34

Customer management (post-sales service)

Life-cycle assessment

55-56

Monitoring the sustainability of the product portfolio

32-33

SERVICE AND PRODUCT QUALITY

GRI 103: MANAGEMENT APPROACH 2016

NON GRI THEMES

ABOUT THE REPORT GRI INDEX CONTENTS

NON GRI THEMES

OMISSIONS

We would like to thank all those who have made this Sustainability Report possible, and also extend our thanks to all those who allow us to grow in a sustainable way, especially to our customers, suppliers and distributors, to our human team and their families, and to the trust of our shareholders.

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