Empowering Impact > Advancing impact together
Advancing impact together
Henrico Derks
Director Sustainability
2024 marked a pivotal year in our sustainability journey. It was a year of transition, both in our strategic direction and in leadership. After five years of dedicated service, Jan Roos stepped down as Director Sustainability, and I had the honor of stepping into the role. I am proud to continue the work he began and to help guide the next phase of our efforts.
We have made meaningful progress, particularly in energy transition and circularity. These achievements reflect the commitment of our teams and the strength of collaboration across the organization.
Over the past year, our focus has started to shift – from internal development toward external impact. We are preparing to introduce our first sustainable products to the market, marking an important milestone built on years of innovation and partnership.
At the same time, we are working with our suppliers to begin the transition to more sustainable raw materials. These early steps are crucial as we look to strengthen the resilience and responsibility of our value chain.
Sustainability is not something we can achieve alone. It requires shared goals, aligned actions, and trust across the chain. Together with our partners, we are working to create solutions that deliver meaningful value – for the environment, for society, and for our customers.
Looking ahead, our focus remains clear: advancing impact through purpose, partnership, and progress.
Empowering Impact > Waste
Waste
The volume of waste sent to landfill in 2024 decreased to levels comparable to those before the 2023 fire in Delfzijl.
Recycled waste showed a significant increase in 2024. This includes a large volume of material from Delfzijl that was suitable for recycling, as well as externally stored NMP effluent that was reported as waste in 2024. Although this effluent is later reprocessed at our recovery facility and not discarded, government regulations require it to be classified as waste due to the interim storage. Historically, this stream has contributed to reported waste figures: approximately 6 kton in 2019 and 2020, 3 kton in 2021, 1 kton in 2022, and around 9 kton in 2024. Excluding these figures would show a more stable long-term trend in recycling volumes.
Incinerated waste increased in 2024 due to process disruptions at the Emmen sulphuric acid plant. This led to the generation of concentrated sulphuric acid that could not be sold and was instead disposed of as waste (approximately 2.5 kton).
Improvements in process stability and ongoing projects focused on enhancing waste recyclability are expected to reduce incineration volumes over time.
Empowering Impact > Emissions to water
Emissions to water
The table below presents emissions to water at Delfzijl, Emmen, and Arnhem from 2014 to 2024, segmented by Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Nitrogen, N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), and Sulfate.
Reductions in COD and Total Nitrogen are linked to changes in NMP emissions, particularly in Arnhem and Delfzijl. At the Arnhem site, emissions decreased following the discontinuation of NMP use in 2024, with further reductions expected. At Delfzijl, multiple initiatives are underway to reduce NMP emissions to the lowest practicable level. These include targeted measurements and improvement actions, the impact of which will be reflected in future data.
We continue to treat NMP with a high level of precaution due to its classification as a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC). While NMP remains essential to current production processes, research is ongoing to identify viable alternatives.
Sulfate levels across all three locations have shown some fluctuations over time but remain well within permitted limits and pose no measurable environmental risk.
Empowering Impact > Emissions to air
Emissions to air
The emissions data through 2023 shows a downward trend across most emission categories; however, 2024 results include several exceptions to that trend. These outcomes highlight the importance of continued focus on process improvements and emissions reduction, especially as regulatory requirements around air emissions continue to evolve.
“Reducing emissions remains a key focus area for Teijin Aramid as we work to enhance the sustainability of our operations and products.”
Edward Groen, Chief Operations Officer
One of the more significant trends in recent years was a peak in N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) emissions in 2022. In response, we implemented a series of reduction projects that resulted in a lower emission level in 2023. Continued process adjustments are underway to further reduce NMP emissions and reach the lowest practicable level. Preliminary data from 2024 reinforces the importance of maintaining this focus.
Chloromethanes (including tetrachloromethane and dichloromethane) are also closely monitored. While tetrachloromethane emissions increased in 2023, the level was reduced again in 2024. Tighter regulatory limits are expected, and we are preparing for these by continuing to minimize emissions from our operations.
For Freon compounds, ongoing legislation is driving a phase-out by 2030. We are actively adapting our processes in line with these requirements to ensure compliance and reduce associated emissions.
Environmental Impact > Circular production process
Circular production process
Producing high-performance aramids more sustainably is a core focus at Teijin Aramid. This approach spans our entire product portfolio – Twaron®, Teijinconex®, and Technora® – and is supported by the development of circular production processes.
Investment in recycling technologies
We are investing in research and technology to expand our current recycling capabilities across multiple routes:
Route 1: Mechanical recycling
For more than two decades, we have mechanically recycled end-of-life para-aramid products into pulp. Our efforts in mechanical recycling of meta-aramids are focused on recovering materials and converting them into staple fiber blends that combine virgin and recycled content.
Route 2: Physical recycling
At our yarn production facility in Emmen, an industrial-scale production trial of Twaron® using recycled feedstock was completed. For meta-aramid, a proof of principle has been achieved at the research scale. This marked a key step toward commercial production.
Route 3: Chemical recycling
We have studied the chemical recycling processes, which break down aramid polymers into their basic chemical components. These can then be reintroduced into our polymerization processes to create new materials. Though the technical outlook does look promising, we decided to delay further investments towards a pilot plant.
We stay connected to multiple industry consortia focused on developing chemical recycling from various waste streams into basic chemical components. At the same time, we are working with our suppliers to evaluate renewable carbon-based alternatives to replace fossil-based raw materials over time.
Environmental Impact > Twaron® eco-datasheet
Twaron® eco-datasheet
Working toward transparency across the aramid value chain
Our eco-datasheet for Twaron® provides partners with clear information about the environmental impact of the material.
It includes the most recent carbon footprint calculation, expressed in CO₂-equivalent units and based on third-party peer review, along with details on recyclability and compliance with applicable chemical industry regulations and recognized environmental standards.
Environmental Impact > 2024 Trees for All certificate
2024 Trees for All certificate
Since 2018, we have partnered with Trees for All to support reforestation efforts in Bolivia. The collaboration contributes to reducing environmental impact, promoting biodiversity, and supporting local communities. Through this partnership, we offset 1,590.70 tons of CO₂, primarily related to emissions from business travel.
We review and refine our approach each year to ensure progress is both measurable and meaningful. The 2024 Trees for All certificate reflects our continued focus on responsible operations and our efforts to support long-term climate goals.
Environmental Impact > EcoVadis Gold for sustainability
EcoVadis Gold for sustainability
In 2024, we received a Gold rating from EcoVadis for the ninth consecutive year, reflecting consistent performance across key areas of sustainability. EcoVadis provides an objective benchmark of our efforts against international standards in four key areas: Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement.
EcoVadis has now moved to more detailed scoring. Our results this year were:
Environment (2023: 90%)
Labor & Human Rights (2023: 80%)
Ethics (2023: 60%)
Sustainable Procurement (2023: 50%)
Peter ter Horst
CEO Teijin Aramid
“Sustainability is not just a target for us – it’s part of our DNA. This renewed Gold recognition by EcoVadis reflects our dedication to continuous improvement, our commitment to transparency, and the effort of every employee working toward a responsible and resilient future.”
Our overall score improved from 75 to 80 out of 100. Based on this result, we are now ranked in the top 2% of all companies assessed in the man-made fiber manufacturing category, compared to the top 3% in 2023.
The EcoVadis scorecard provides insight into both our strengths and areas for improvement, helping guide our ongoing efforts to strengthen sustainability governance and performance across the business.
