Dow Corning sharpens environmental focus

Pulling in the right direction

21 July 2008 18:14  [Source: ICB]

Dow Corning prides itself on its green agenda. But how does the company ensure that sustainability remains at the heart of its business?

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Anna Jagger/London

AT WORK, Peter Cartwright, executive director for environmental, health and safety at US-based Dow Corning, helps business managers to improve the sustainability of their operations. But at home, his son wears the environmental hat.

Based at Dow Corning's site in Barry, South Wales, Cartwright says his son is on the eco council at his school in nearby Cardiff. "He certainly keeps me honest with switching the lights on and off."

Cartwright sees his role at the US silicone-based technology company as that of a "sensible community policeman." He provides guidelines and advice, "creating pull rather than push."

CORE VALUES

Pulling the business managers in a sustainable direction is made easier by the fact that Dow Corning has made sustainability one of its seven core values. The business managers are generally receptive to initiatives concerning sustainability and the environment, such as energy efficiency and waste reduction projects, Cartwright says, although some "sometimes don't have [sustainability] at the top of their agenda."

Convincing the business managers is the easy part, however. What is more difficult is understanding how to set challenging but achievable goals.

Dow Corning, a 50:50 joint venture between US groups Dow Chemical and Corning, is on track to meet its five-year goal to cut energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by 20%/kg of product produced by the end of 2009, says Cartwright.

Challenges to be overcome include changes in the fuel mix, for example to coal-fired energy instead of a greener alternative. However, the trend is towards an increasing availability of renewable and low-carbon energy supplies, he notes.

"We've seen it start in Europe, and there are several bills going through US Congress at the moment. Everyone hopes they will be globally standard."

Escalating energy prices are making investment in energy efficiency projects more attractive. "As energy prices go up, more and more projects become viable," says Cartwright.

High energy costs are also boosting sales of one of Dow Corning's key products, solar silicon, which is used in photovoltaic panels. Hemlock Semiconductor, which is 63.25% owned by Dow Corning, is investing $1bn (€630m) over the next four years to increase its production of polysilicon for the solar energy and semiconductor industries at its site in Hemlock, Michigan, US.

Dow Corning's portfolio of products with environmental benefits also includes silicon sealants and adhesives for use in buildings with large glass windows. "Designing buildings that bring more natural light inside has been an effective way to improve energy efficiency and sustainable performance," explains Ron Fillmore, global executive director for construction.

Cartwright estimates that 25-30% of products currently being developed by Dow Corning provide an environmental benefit, such as reduced energy consumption or reduced packaging.

BUSINESS DRIVER

Sustainability has become a business driver across the chemical industry, he says, noting that the scientific consensus is that humans are contributing to global warming. "I think we've reached the stage where it's enough of a business driver, whatever you believe," he adds, acknowledging the existence of some climate change skeptics in the industry.

"If companies don't embrace sustainability, they are going to go out of business," Cartwright stresses.

Understanding the environmental impact of a product across the across the whole life cycle - from design and the procurement of raw material to manufacture, packaging and the ultimate end use - is critical, he says. Dow Corning has conducted, in conjunction with a large customer, a complete life-cycle assessment on one of its products, a basic polymer. Although the results can be complex and difficult to interpret, it helps to indicate areas of focus, he adds.

The emphasis on sustainability is also helping Dow Corning's recruitment efforts, Cartwright observes. "If you're well recognized in sustainability, people want to join you."

Visit Doris de Guzman's Green Chemicals blog

By: Anna Jagger
+44 20 8652 3214

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