Our environmental approach

Our commitment to biodiversity

Coral reefs are being damaged by a series of threats linked to human activities. The main sources of prolonged stress for these ecosystems are overfishing, pollution and coastal development. Without rapid intervention, corals could become extinct by 2050.

As part of our commitment to protection, we have launched an action program to help restore coral reefs. Protecting coral reefs has many advantages:

• At the heart of the oceans' biological diversity: coral reefs are considered by scientists to be the habitat of over 25% of marine species. Corals also play a key role in the establishment of other ecosystems.
• A barrier against coastal erosion: Although reefs cover only 0.2% of the sea, they offer protection to over 150,000 kilometers of coastline across more than 100 nations and territories. By forming a barrier that attenuates the force of waves, they play an essential role in reducing coastal erosion.
• A pillar for food: Over a billion people live within 100 kilometers of coral reefs, benefiting from their ecological services. Of these, 500 million depend directly on these ecosystems for their livelihoods. Reefs have the capacity to produce between 5 and 15 tonnes of fish and crustaceans per square kilometer, making them a crucial food source.

In this way, we frequently contribute to the adoption of corals or reefs, while monitoring the restoration area through our partner Coral Guardian.

Before the end of 2024

Bioclimatic building

As part of our commitment to sustainable development and environmental preservation, we are proud to announce our investment in the construction of a new 800 m² wood-frame building compliant with the 2020 environmental regulations (RE2020).

This approach is part of our drive to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of our activities, by promoting the emergence of greener, more energy-efficient buildings. RE2020 buildings are distinguished by their high energy performance, the use of eco-responsible materials and their ability to produce more energy than they consume, thanks to the integration of renewable technologies. In addition to minimizing environmental impact, this investment offers tangible economic benefits, such as reduced energy costs and increased property value. It also reflects our corporate social responsibility, contributing to the well-being of occupants and the preservation of natural resources for future generations.

Use electricity exclusively from renewable sources

Thanks to the renewable energy option, we are committed to the development of renewable energies and contribute to respect for the environment and the fight against global warming.

Through the Guarantees of Origin* mechanism, our supplier undertakes to ensure that a quantity of certified renewable electricity equivalent to the chosen level of commitment is fed into the electricity grid.

*The guarantees of origin mechanism aims to certify the renewable origin of a certain quantity of electricity injected into the electricity grid. Guarantees of origin are issued by an independent body designated by the administrative authority, responsible for managing the national register of guarantees of origin. Renewable energy sources are defined in the French Energy Code as wind, solar, geothermal, aerothermal, hydrothermal, marine and hydraulic energy, as well as energy from biomass [...].

Electronic signature

Our reports are signed by DocuSign in accordance with 21 CFR Part 11.

In 21 CFR Part 11, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets out its requirements for electronic registrations and signatures. The regulation aims to enable the widest possible use of technology, while guaranteeing the integrity and security of electronic records and signatures, thus supporting the Food and Drug Administration's responsibility to protect public health.

As a result, the DocuSign Part 11 module features functions designed for documents and approvals regulated by 21 CFR Part 11, including:

• Pre-packaged account configuration
• Signature level accreditation
• Significance at signature level (reason for signature)
• Manifestation of signature (printed name, date/time and reason for signature)

Promote dematerialization wherever possible (archiving, invoicing, etc.).

Archiving is systematically and exclusively done electronically and without printing, using a scanner and data storage and protection software.

In addition, our customers are invoiced by e-mail in PDF format. No invoices are sent by post.

Finally, the Paperless Trade (PLT) option is used for our shipments that no longer physically attach the invoice or other documents (no more paper and no more ink).

Commit to using only recycled or FSC/PEFC-certified paper, and to reducing its use as much as possible

Internal communication is mainly electronic, with postal mail only used when absolutely necessary.

If paper is used by the company (for printing, envelopes, etc.), it is strictly from 100% recycled sources or from sustainably managed FSC or PEFC certified forests.

Finally, if a printer is used, it is selected only if it meets at least one of the following criteria:

• Imprim'Vert, Print Ethic, B Corp, Label Lucie, Engagé RSE or equivalent,
• has ISO14001 environmental certification and certification for the use of eco-responsible paper (FSC, PEFC or equivalent).

Zero Waste approach

The waste produced by our infrastructure comes mainly from inputs
necessary for our operations (product reception, consumables, etc.) and our
activities. All waste is sorted and recycled, at all production levels, in accordance with the ZEROWASTE approach (an association we support):

• LIMIT DISPOSABLES
  The fight against disposable waste is at the heart of the Zero Waste approach. It aims to promote alternatives to the single-use products that populate our daily lives, and which are responsible for considerable quantities of waste and unreasonable consumption of planetary resources.
• REDUCE AND SORT BIO-WASTE
  Organic waste still accounts for a third of our residual waste, which ends up in landfill or incineration. Combating food waste and generalizing bio-waste sorting are essential to limiting the environmental impact of processing our waste.
• EXTEND THE LIFE OF OBJECTS
  Greenhouse gas emissions, resource consumption, waste production... our consumer goods are not neutral for the environment. Extending their lifespan is an essential component of a zero-waste approach and zero waste of resources!
• RECYCLING WHAT COULD NOT BE AVOIDED
  While the priority is undoubtedly to reduce waste, then reuse and repair, we still need to organize the management of unavoidable waste. Sorting waste at source, as far upstream as possible (at home, in the workplace...), is therefore essential.
• COMBAT POLLUTING TREATMENTS
  Landfill, incineration, mechanical-biological sorting... What do these channels correspond to? The zero-waste approach also involves learning about and challenging polluting waste treatment methods.

For example, printer toner cartridges are recharged or recycled by specialized companies, each office has a waste garbage can and a waste paper basket for recycling, and our purchases give preference to recycled and/or recyclable materials.

Promote purchases from local companies that are committed to respecting the environment, have ecological certifications, and offer eco-responsible products or services.

It is also common practice to purchase supplies produced close to our facilities.

Companies that take measures to protect the environment, proposing innovations or sustainable alternatives, are favored over their competitors.

Place particular emphasis on reusable materials, especially for cleaning, hygiene, dishwashing and cooking needs.

WENEOS has abandoned the use of single-use crockery for company meals and festivities. Selective sorting of PET and aluminum has become an established practice in our cafeteria.

Bottles have been phased out in favor of tap water and reusable water bottles.

For cleaning, the company uses microfiber cloths, significantly limiting the use of detergents and chemicals, and sources only certified ecological cleaning products.

We prefer materials that are free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and biodegradable (walls, floors and the general working environment).

Use of durable electronic equipment

The company resolutely opts for high-performance, environmentally-friendly equipment. Thus, durable electronic equipment is designed to withstand daily use (physical durability, energy savings, etc.), to be repairable and to evolve with technological advances (upgrading, technological longevity, universal compatibility, etc.). It also means reducing electronic waste by extending the life of the device and making it easier to reuse or recycle its components at the end of its useful life. Several labels are available on the market and our equipment is selected:

EPEAT® label (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool)

TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) label

Blue Angel

Nordi Swan

Distribution index

Promoting eco-mobility

Eco-mobility promotes the use of environmentally-friendly means of transport such as bicycles, public transport and electric vehicles, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and preserve our environment.

To this end, a number of actions have been implemented:

• Raising awareness of eco-mobility among our staff, to encourage the use of bicycles, public transport and electric vehicles whenever possible.
• Providing our staff with private eco-mobility stations to promote clean modes of transport (bicycles, recharging stations, etc.).
• Eventually renew our vehicle fleet with low-emission vehicles.

Reduce business travel as much as possible

Reduce our business travel (e.g. videoconferencing) as much as possible and help reduce our carbon footprint by choosing a cleaner means of transport or offsetting our emissions.

Our shipments

Rising carbon emissions are one of the greatest environmental and economic challenges of our time. We work actively and continuously to make all our export shipments climate-neutral through a number of sustainable alternatives that reduce the carbon footprint of our supply chain.

We reduce our carbon emissions linked to transport thanks to the green logistics services of our carriers and the GoGreen Plus offer.

A number of actions have been implemented:

• use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to reduce CO2 emissions (30% in 2023, 70% in 2024 and 100% in 2025),
• calculating our emissions during the transport of a shipment and offsetting them with VER (Verified Emission Reductions) carbon credits from certified and recognized international climate protection projects,
• optmization of our supply chain via several levers (e.g. consolidation of shipments, parcel sizing, etc.).

Our parcels

• Our parcels are prepared using responsible packaging and cushioning:
  - reuse the cardboard boxes we receive (condition permitting) or purchase 100% recyclable packaging (more environmentally friendly),
  - converting used cardboard into cushioning material by padding,
  - using Kraft paper tape and natural rubber glue.