Stahl publishes 2024 ESG report

Stahl, a specialty coatings specialist for flexible materials, has published its 2024 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report. The report outlines Stahl's recent progress on its ESG Roadmap to 2030 and the steps the company is taking to live its purpose: ‘Touching lives, for a better world’.

From an environmental perspective, Stahl moved closer to its near-term Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)-validated emission reduction targets. For example, the company reduced its scope 1 and 2 emissions by 39 percent versus baseline year 2021 and the scope 3.1 category (purchased goods and services) by 31 percent versus 2021. Stahl’s continued progress on environmental issues was driven by several local initiatives, such as installing solar water heaters in facilities in Italy and Mexico.

Besides Stahl’s operations, sustainability is also embedded in its product portfolio. As of December 2024, 2,200 products in Stahl’s portfolio meet the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Gateway (MRSL 3.1)’s highest compliance level (Level 3), corresponding to 94 percent of the revenue of its leather finishing division.

Demand for sustainable products is also reflected in Stahl’s 2024 revenues, of which more than 50 percent came from water-based products (not including the packaging coatings division). In addition, 377 Stahl products now have either lifecycle assessment (LCA) or product carbon footprint (PCF) data.

Stahl’s workforce grew in size and diversity in 2024, with greater representation of women in senior positions. All Stahl employees participated in ‘Moving Equity,’ a training program aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of equity in the workplace. Furthermore, in August, Stahl was awarded the Living Wage certification by the Fair Wage Network, in recognition of Stahl's commitment to providing all their employees worldwide with a wage that allows them to live in dignity and security. Lastly, Stahl expanded employee training, launched a new leadership mentoring program, and reinforced health and safety initiatives, as safety remains a top priority.

In 2024, Stahl updated its double materiality assessment (DMA) in preparation for alignment with the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) legislation. The DMA considers Stahl’s impact on society and the environment, as well as the impact of societal and environmental issues on the company. This journey ensures not only adherence to legal mandates but also a commitment to sustainability, transparency and ethical practices that define Stahl’s long-term success.

Maarten Heijbroek, CEO of Stahl, said: ‘2024 was a transformational year for Stahl as we took further steps to become not only a pure-play specialty coatings leader, but also a sustainability leader in our field. We expanded our packaging coatings business by acquiring Weilburger Graphics and announced the divestment of our wet-end leather chemicals business. Great progress was made on our interim sustainability goals for 2026 in support of our ESG Roadmap to 2030 and we earned external recognition, such as the Living Wage certification and our third consecutive Platinum EcoVadis rating.

‘With our 100th anniversary approaching in 2030, Stahl continues to take bold steps to ensure long-term impact and relevance. Our achievements represent much more than compliance; they have a material impact on people’s lives, which is exactly what Stahl's purpose is about. And they are made possible by our colleagues, who live this purpose every day.’