Making it easier for customers to achieve their sustainability objectives
At Essentra we are aiming to be the world’s leading, responsible, hassle free supplier of essential industrial components. We are committed to supporting our customers to achieve their sustainability goals and objectives, by developing sustainable industrial component solutions for them.
Find out more information by exploring the sections below
"Creating a more sustainable manufacturing process for our customers, our people and the planet sits at the heart of Essentra's ESG strategy."
Scott Fawcett
Chief Executive Officer, Essentra
Our ESG strategy
In our refreshed Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework, we have created five key pillars which will help us to fulfil our own ambitious corporate sustainability goals, as well as helping our customers to achieve theirs too. These 5 pillars are:
Our Components
Developing innovative products using renewables, recyclables, reusables and biodegradables.
Our Communities
Working with suppliers to ensure ethical practices and contribute to equitable economies. Volunteering our time and supporting good causes.
Our Customers
Providing a hassle free service that helps customers achieve their sustainability goals.
Our Planet
We want to end our dependency on virgin fossil materials and fuels, making significant emissions reductions across our value chain through energy efficiency, renewables, material and transport choices.
We have set out clear targets to reduce our emissions and reach net zero, which have been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). You can read more about our emissions reduction targets and plans to reach net zero in our Climate Transition Plan.
Reducing our operational emissions
Our target: reduce our scope one and two GHG emissions by 50% by 2030 from a 2019 baseline, and reach net-zero by 2040 at the latest.
Our progress: In 2025, we surpassed our 2030 target of a 50% reduction in scope one and two emissions, achieving a 62% reduction from our 2019 baseline, five years ahead of schedule.
We have achieved this by:
- Implementing a global transition to renewable electricity:
- 71% of global electricity consumption is now sourced from renewables.
- 7% of total electricity is generated directly on-site
- Ongoing focus on site-level optimisations, including:
- Equipment Upgrades: Replacing older systems with high-efficiency alternatives.
- Process Improvements: Refining manufacturing workflows to reduce waste.
- Energy Management: Implementing targeted initiatives to monitor and minimise consumption.
Our solar projects
In 2025, we continued our progress in integrating solar power across our global manufacturing sites, with the commissioning of another two solar systems, almost doubling our solar capacity worldwide.
In April, our 999kWp solar array began generating energy at our manufacturing facility in Ningbo, China. Read more about Ningbo solar panels.
This was followed closely in May with the switch on of a further 815kWp of solar capacity at our Kidlington, UK Head Office. Read more about Kidlington solar panels.
The two systems together are expected to produce around 1.7 million kWhs of electricity per annum, as well as providing immediate cost savings and reducing reliance on grid electricity.
Since we completed our first project at our site in Rayong, Thailand, in 2023, we have made remarkable strides in integrating solar power across our global manufacturing sites, with over 4MWp of capacity now installed across five of our manufacturing sites. Together, they will avoid approximately 1,700 tonnes of carbon emissions each year by replacing grid electricity use, and, in 2025 alone, they produced over three million kWh of electricity.
Reducing our value chain emissions
Our target: reduce our scope three GHG emissions intensity, from purchased goods and services, and upstream transportation and distribution by 55% per GBP of value added by 2030 from a 2022 baseline, and reach net-zero by 2050 at the latest.
Our progress: in 2025, we achieved a 10% reduction in scope three GHG emissions intensity since 2022.
During the year, we continued to optimise our manufacturing footprint and supply chain, increasing local and regional production and distribution where feasible to support efficiency and reduce transportation‑related emissions.
Within our key material procurement of polymers and metals, we continued to engage suppliers through our centre of excellence to support increased circularity and reduced carbon intensity of materials, whilst maintaining required quality and performance standards.
In 2026, we will build on this activity by deepening supplier collaboration and using improved data visibility to identify and prioritise emissions reduction opportunities across raw material sourcing and transportation services.
Reducing our waste usage
Our target: all sites to achieve zero waste to landfill by 2030 at the latest.
Our progress: All sites have achieved zero waste to landfill.
Our target: reduce overall waste volumes by 50% by 2030, compared to 2019.
Our progress: our waste intensity has reduced by 44% compared to 2019.
In 2025, we achieved zero waste to landfill across our direct operations, five years ahead of our original target. Now achieved, zero waste to landfill will be managed as an ongoing operational requirement rather than a standalone strategic target, and will be maintained through regular site‑level compliance monitoring and internal reviews.
Across our global operations in 2025, 78% of waste was recycled, 14% was sent for energy recovery, 7% was incinerated, and 1% was sent to landfill. Looking ahead, our focus is on maintaining zero waste to landfill performance, continuing to reduce waste intensity through operational efficiencies, and embedding consistent waste management practices across existing and newly acquired sites.
Our nature-related impacts
In 2025, we engaged external consultants to conduct a detailed geospatial analysis of our operational assets, building on our previous high-level disclosure of location-based biodiversity and water risks. The review identified two manufacturing sites (Barcelona and Silivri) within Key Biodiversity Areas, one (Jaguariúna) within a Protected Area, and two (Silivri and Sydney) near potential Critical Habitat.
Seven sites (Jaguariúna, Sydney, Rayong, Monterrey, Ningbo, Yichun and Milan) also met TNFD criteria for sensitive locations due to high species rarity and/or richness. Using the SBTN freshwater methodology, five sites – Rayong, Yichun, Silivri, Monterrey and Barcelona – were prioritised for further review of water use and mitigation planning.
Next steps include site-level assessments at these locations, supported by external experts, to inform mitigation measures and integrate nature-related risks into operational planning and future TNFD-aligned disclosures.
Our Components
We are committed to material and product innovation as a key strategic initiative to meet our customers' needs for more sustainable products and services. This is driven from testing by our materials research team in our Centre of Excellence in Kidlington, UK, through to commercial production globally.
In 2025, we completed 68 trials across recycled and biomaterial alternatives and brought several materials into production, including a recycled nylon alternative now in production.
Looking ahead to 2026, we will focus on scaling the sustainable materials introduced in 2025, broadening their use across key product families, alongside continued trials of innovative biomaterials.
Using more sustainable materials in our products
Our target: 50% of raw materials from sustainable sources by 2030 across our polymer ranges. 100% of raw materials from sustainable sources by 2030 across our general protection and security seal ranges.
Our progress: In 2025, 21.1% of our manufactured polymer ranges used sustainable materials. 51% of our general protection and security seal ranges made from sustainable materials.
As an active participant in the circular economy, Essentra are a signatory of the European Commission’s Circular Plastics Alliance. This solidifies our commitment to increasing the use of recycled polymer raw materials in our product range globally.
In 2025, we have increased the percentage of sustainable materials in our polymer ranges. This now sits at 21.1%, up from 18.4% in 2024. This increase was driven by our continued focus on transitioning our product ranges to use more recycled content, and the introduction of our post-consumer recycled caps and plugs product range. Discover our PCR product range.
Reducing our packaging impacts
Our target: support a circular economy by ensuring 100% of our packaging is reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2030.
Our progress: 65% of our packaging is reusable, widely recyclable or compostable.
Our target: 50% recycled content in our packaging materials by 2030.
Our progress: 48% recycled content in our packaging.
In 2025, we launched a coordinated, Group‑wide initiative across all of our sites to engage directly with local packaging supply chains. This initiative was designed to improve the consistency, transparency and quality of packaging data, whilst strengthening supplier relationships and local accountability. As a result, active engagement increased to 79% of our total packaging spend, up from 54% in 2024, providing improved visibility of material composition, recycled content levels and end‑of‑life pathways.
The recycled content reported in our packaging increased to 48% in 2025, up from 29% in 2024, whilst the proportion of packaging that is reusable, recyclable or compostable rose to 65%, compared with 48% in 2024.
In 2026, we will build on the insights generated through this programme by developing regional packaging action plans tailored to local regulatory requirements and operational contexts. These plans will focus on optimising packaging design and sizing, increasing recycled content, reducing unnecessary materials and improving circularity and end‑of‑life outcomes, supporting both environmental impact reduction and customer sustainability objectives.
This pillar focuses on creating a safe, supportive work environment that champions equality and celebrates diversity.
Health, safety and wellbeing
Our target: zero accidents for our people and visitors.
Our progress: In 2025, we had 14 lost time accidents.
In 2025, lost-time incidents increased by four compared to 2024, which had remained flat with 2023 at ten. First Aid cases rose by more than 60%, while OSHA recordable injuries (excluding LTIs) decreased by 50%. Near Miss and Fire Event reporting remained steady year-over-year. Overall reporting activity increased significantly, with total reports up 24% from 2024. Days away increased with longer recovery times. This is a strong indicator that risk mitigation efforts need to be re-evaluated.
As well as physical health and safety, we recognise the importance of our people’s mental health and wellbeing. We provide all of our people with access to our Employee Assistance Programme, providing them and their families with 24/7 access via a confidential phone line to support on any financial, legal or family topics. This is backed up with access to online health and wellbeing resources.
Our commitment to being an ethical employer
Our target: 100% of employees trained on Ethics Code biannually.
Our progress: 97% of employees trained on Ethics Code.
Our Ethics Code is the core foundation of our compliance strategy and is issued to all employees globally. It is supported by a comprehensive training schedule, both online, virtual face to face and in person training that is delivered by our in house team.
In 2023, we joined the UN Global Compact initiative, confirming our commitment to responsible business practices, human rights and our support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In 2025, we also participated in the UN Global Compact’s Working Groups on Circular Economy and Nature, to gain insights and share best practice in those topics.
Championing equality and celebrating diversity
Our target: 40% women in leadership teams by 2025.
Our progress: 28% Women in leadership team, 50% on Board.
Our target: 25% of leaders identify as ethnically diverse by 2030.
Our progress: 19% of leaders identify as ethnically diverse in 2025, 25% on our Board.
As a global organisation, we are dedicated to fostering a safe, supportive work environment where cultural differences are recognised and every individual feels valued and empowered.
Globally, at the end of 2025, gender diversity within our senior leadership team was 28% and at Board level, gender composition changed to 50% women and 50% men.
In addition, we continued to collect data on the ethnic diversity of our senior leadership team and found that 19% of employees in this population identify as ethnically diverse. At Board level, ethnic representation stood at 25%.
Our overall diversity, equality and inclusion (“DE&I”) goals are supported by series of campaigns related to various topics including Pride, Black History Month, International Women’s Day and International Men’s Day.
In 2025, two more groups were launched: EmpowHer, supporting colleagues on topics related to gender, and Accessibility, supporting neurodivergence, disability and wellbeing. These groups are employee‑led, open to all and actively run events throughout the year to raise awareness across a wide variety of topics.
In 2026, we will continue to strengthen our inclusive culture by enhancing the reach of our employee resource groups, improving the quality and coverage of our diversity data, and embedding targeted actions across regions to support representation, development and engagement for all colleagues.
Our Communities
We work with our suppliers, local communities and wider family to ensure our values, ethical practices and processes provide equitable outcomes, as well as volunteering our time supporting good causes.
Developing an ethical supply chain
Our target: 100% of suppliers over a £100k spend threshold sign up to our Supplier Code of Conduct.
Our progress: 51% of suppliers have signed up to our Supplier Code of Conduct.
Our target: 70% of suppliers by spend actively risk monitored.
Our progress: 100% of suppliers by spend actively risk monitored (all suppliers over a material spend threshold).
We are committed to conducting our business in a responsible and ethical manner. We recognise that our suppliers play a crucial role in our value chain and share in our commitment to upholding high standards of integrity, sustainability, and social responsibility. With more than 1,500 suppliers supporting over 50,000 products, our supply base represents both a key operational foundation and an important lever for managing environmental, social and governance matters across the value chain.
We believe that our suppliers are integral partners in achieving our ESG goals. By agreeing to operate to our Supplier Code, suppliers demonstrate their commitment to our key principles:
- health, safety and the environment
- respecting human and labour rights
- acting with integrity, ethics and compliance
- collaboration with us towards a more sustainable and responsible future.
View our supplier code of conduct.
Supporting good causes
Our target: Community Engagement Policy in action with a volunteer day taken by 25% of employees.
Our progress: 10% of employees took a community engagement day in 2025.
We engage with our local communities around the world to create a positive impact through initiatives that positively impact those in need, improving their lives, the community and the local economy.
In 2025, over 1,600 hours of volunteering were recorded by 298 of our people worldwide, supporting a wide range of causes that reflect the diversity of the communities in which we operate. Activities included helping local foodbanks with sorting and distribution, supporting animal shelters with care and maintenance, taking part in environmental clean‑ups, and contributing to educational outreach with local schools. These examples demonstrate our people’s commitment to making a positive difference.
Our Customers
This pillar focuses on supporting our customers to achieve their sustainability goals. Our purpose is to help customers build a sustainable future, and as the only global manufacturer and distributor of our kind, we are in a leading position to assist customers by providing products and services that have been developed to provide a hassle free sustainable choice.
Our target: increasing the number of products introduced with sustainability criteria.
Our progress: 1,662 products introduced in 2025.
We remain committed to increasing our range of sustainable products. In 2025, we introduced 1,662 products into our sustainable product ranges. Our sustainable products include those with lower carbon emissions, increased recycled content or biomaterials, and improved circularity.
During 2025, we rolled out a new range of caps and plugs using a post-consumer recycled material. The range is 100% post-consumer recycled, contributing to circularity by diverting materials from landfill, and providing customers with a low-carbon option that can be recycled easily again at the end of its use. Our total products with sustainability features figure now stands at 8,698.
Continuing to develop our range of sustainable product options is a key focus area in 2026, as we recognise these products meet growing customer demand for sustainable solutions, backed by transparent, clear and credible information.
Our sustainable product focus areas
- Sustainable design: Cutting waste, lowering impact and designing for reuse and longevity.
- Material innovation: Scaling sustainable and recycled materials.
- Responsible sourcing: Embed ESG goals across our supply chain.
- Low-carbon manufacture: Decarbonise energy, boost efficiency, cut waste.
- Circular packaging and end of life: Enhance packaging circularity through recycled content and reuse.
ESG reporting centre
Essentra believe in being transparent about our sustainability journey, progress and challenges. We are proud to confirm that we have successfully achieved our near-term Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) commitment for scope one and scope two emissions, five years ahead of schedule.
In 2025, we also made CDP’s "A list" for the first time and achieved a Gold EcoVadis rating. These achievements demonstrate that sustainability is not an aspiration, it is a core driver of our resilience and growth.
Below are our latest ESG reporting documents:
Our ESG ratings
Our ESG strategy and reporting is aligned to external standards and we are rated by several external benchmarking agencies.
External Standards we align to:
Our ESG ratings and disclosures:
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News and insights to help you achieve your sustainability goals.
Contact us
Contact us to discuss your sustainable product solution request through the local sales team. You can speak to our team about your sustainability challenges.
