Evonik Industries has conducted life cycle analyses of approximately 70% of external sales generated by its three chemical segments as part of the sustainability analysis of its businesses. The aim is to extend this to 80%.
 
“These analyses take account of our customers’ rising demands on the sustainability of our products,” said Thomas Wessel, the member of Evonik’s Executive Board responsible for sustainability. “At the same time, life cycle analyses are the basis for operational and decision-making processes at Evonik.”
 
Life cycle analyses make the environmental impact of products and processes more transparent. They enable the company to identify additional opportunities and potential risks, which enhances the sustainability profile of decisions.
 
Since 2009, the interdisciplinary Life Cycle Management team, which comprises scientists and engineers, has performed more than 100 life cycle analyses of products, processes and entire sites.
 
Life cycle assessments comprise a cradle-to-grave analysis covering the environmental impact of products at all stages in their life cycle from the raw materials to disposal. Another area of application is life cycle-based calculation of the carbon footprint of products.
 
Together with the LCM team and the Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy, Evonik’s strategic innovation unit Creavis has developed the I2P3 (“idea to people, planet, profit”) innovation management process already in 2012. Along with economic considerations, this gives ecological and social aspects of sustainability an equal place in the innovation process for new products and processes.