Katerina Machacova heads the ESG department at Semperit and is responsible for the “Move Hearts and Minds” sustainability strategy. In this interview, she explains why everyone in the Group must contribute their share, what great opportunities sustainability offers, and which role innovations play in this.
Critics claim that an industrial group like Semperit, which consumes large quantities of resources, cannot be sustainable per se. Are they right?
Machacova: Yes and no. Yes, because most of the raw materials we use to manufacture our elastomer products are non-renewable and cause high emissions. And so far, there is no comparable substitute material for rubber, which we simply need to keep our modern world running. And no, because even as an industrial group in a resource-intensive sector, we can operate as sustainably as possible and thus change the world a little. This works through fairness in all areas, in our dealings with our employees as well as in the selection of our raw material suppliers. One thing is clear: as long as we cannot replace our raw materials, the circular economy and recycling are our path to decarbonization. This is a huge lever that we are increasingly using. We are increasing the proportion of recycling material in our products and improving both our environmental footprint and that of our customers, without compromising on quality. In this respect, an industrial group can very well be sustainable.
The circular economy is therefore one of the biggest levers in transformation. Where does Semperit currently stand?
Machacova: Closed loop in our industry is complex, unexplored and expensive. We are working hard on methods to shred and devulcanize our waste in production and, hopefully in the future, also products at the end of their life cycle, to reintegrate them into our rubber compounds and ultimately increase the recycled content of our products. Basically, it always starts with the customer’s request. Depending on whether a CO2-reduced or recyclable product is required, for example, we work through the entire value chain. Implementing the circular economy requires a completely new mindset and business model. There is a piece of this puzzle in every single department, and everyone has to play their part to really close the loop. True to the motto of our sustainability strategy “Move hearts and minds”.
“Implementing the circular economy requires a completely new mindset.”
Katerina Machacova, Head of ESG at Semperit AG
So innovations will also be needed to achieve the goals?
Machacova: Yes, exactly. Innovations play a decisive role. I want the same product, but in green, is a typical customer request nowadays. We have already succeeded in doing this with reclaimed profiles. These are our sealing profiles that potentially consist of up to 70 percent of our own recycled devulcanized production waste. This brings us a step closer to the vision of zero-waste production in the construction industry.
The ESG topic is very complex and broad. Nevertheless, what does sustainability at Semperit mean, in three sentences?
Machacova: Firstly, it’s about ecology, whereby we make sure that we use the resources we need for our business model as sparingly and efficiently as possible and thereby reduce our impact on the environment – in the areas of water, waste, energy, emissions, etc. The second focus is on social issues, where the principles of “safety first” and “human rights are universal” apply. We are in the process of creating a diverse and inclusive working environment at all our locations. Thirdly, the governance area is dealing with compliance and business ethics along the entire value chain with customers and suppliers.
And where are the biggest challenges?
Machacova: Wherever we have no direct influence – with EU regulations as well as compliance with human rights in the supply chain or in business relationships with our customers. It’s all about obtaining valid data, and that’s often complicated. It requires cooperation and partnership. A good example is the “Together for Sustainability” network, where Semperit works with other international chemical companies to make the global supply chain sustainable, for example through joint audits of suppliers. We challenge our suppliers to make sustainable improvements year after year.
If we take a look into the future, which sustainable opportunities should Semperit definitely take advantage of?
Machacova: The potential in areas such as recycling, diversity and inclusion, business ethics or sustainability in the supply chain, which is difficult to quantify. These opportunities need to be proactively sought out and then converted indirectly into financial added value via customer, investor and employer branding. They are also what will make the company relevant in the future – a future that, by the way, is only conceivable with women in management positions. This is also a huge opportunity for Semperit. We must become so attractive to women that they increasingly decide to study industry and pursue a career.
What is your personal approach to sustainability?
Machacova: I have a strong urge for improvement and fairness that drives me personally. And I always say that if you really want to change something, you have to work for an industrial company and not an NGO. Not only is this where the thickest walls are that you have to break through, but also where the greatest opportunities for sustainable change lie. It’s a huge challenge to turn things around, but it’s also exactly what I enjoy so much.
Do you have a personal listening or reading recommendation for anyone who would like to delve deeper into the topic of ESG?
Machacova: I find the Ted Climate and Sustainability Matters podcasts very exciting from a specialist point of view. The book “Wir sind doch alle längst gleichberechtigt” by Alexandra Zykunov is also very inspiring. And, of course, the Semperit sustainability report.
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