Enhancing Customer Value, Reducing Environmental Impacts, and Assuming Social Responsibility

Sustainability has been at the core of Sika’s business ever since. More than ten years ago, the company started to align its sustainability strategy along environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations. Sika commits itself to genuinely sustainable added value along the entire value chain and strives for aligning operations and strategies with the universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption established by the United Nations Global Compact Initiative.

The company honors its responsibilities by offering sustainable solutions for energy-efficient constructions and environmentally friendly vehicles. It also implements numerous projects and measures aimed at boosting the Group’s business, social, and environmental sustainability.

Sustainability Strategy

Sika is committed to continuously measure, improve, report and communicate sustainable value creation. “More value, less impact” refers to Sika’s commitment to maximize the value of our solutions and contributions to all stakeholders while reducing risks and resource consumption.

Six strategic targets focus on sustainable solutions, climate performance, local communities/society, energy, water/waste, and occupational safety. Sustainability is one of Sika's key strategic pillars that is used as a competitive advantage to benefit all stakeholders.

Sika has a portfolio of technologies and products that combines  both

UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs)

The ambitious UN SDGs are expected to be achieved by 2030 through concerted and immediate action taken by the public and private sector, all around the world. The table below summarizes how Sika has positively contributed to eight of the 17 goals through its 2021 activities.

SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for everyone at all ages

SDG 

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for everyone at all ages.
 

More Value – Less Impact Focus 

SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS

TARGET: 100% of new product developments with "sustainable solutions" until 2023. 

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

TARGETS 2023:

  • 50% less accidents
  • 0 fatalities
Activities @ Sika
  • The Group monitors environmental and safety aspects during the development, production, and product-handling stages. 
  • The EHS minimum requirements are a set of 12 specific operational requirements which have been implemented between 2020 and 2021 in each Sika company in relation to workplace safety.
  • Sika Life Saving Rules are in place to keep all Sika employees, contractors, and visitors safe from harm while at work. They apply to all Sika sites and to Sika employees when visiting clients or suppliers.
  • Sika aims to eliminate substances hazardous to health or the environment from products and production processes wherever possible.
  • An internal control system is in place to monitor the progress and complement local legal requirements. Sika constantly improves formulations and presents compliant solutions well ahead of legislation.
  • Sika’s offering includes a wide range of low-emission, waterbased construction materials which contribute to health andwell-being in work and living spaces.
  • In 2021, Sika supported 242 Community Engagement projects. One of the goals of these projects is to improve the quality of life of children, adults, and families in the communities in which the company is active.
SDG 4 - Quality Education
SDG 4

SDG

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education, and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
 

More Value - Less Impact focus

Community Engagement

TARGETS 2023:

  • 10,000 working-days of volunteering work
  • 50% more projects
  • 50% more direct beneficiaries
  •  
Activities@Sika
  • In 2021, 301,246 hours were dedicated to Sika employees’training on various topics such as compliance, professional skillbuilding, and leadership development.
  • To contribute to the qualification level of people in theconstruction trade, Sika holds a large number of customertrainings worldwide annually.
  • In 2021, Sika supported 242 Community Engagement projects.One of the three core areas of “Sika Cares” is education andvocational trainings.
SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation
SDG 6

SDG

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

More Value - Less Impact focus

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

TARGET 2023:

  • 10,000 working-days of volunteering work
  • 50% more projects
  • 50% more direct beneficiaries
WATER

TARGET 2023:

  • 15% less water consumption per ton sold

 
Activities @ Sika
  • A global water efficiency program including local road maps is in place to reduce water consumption, wastewater, and promote recycling of water resources with set targets until 2023.
  • Identification of Sika countries at risk of water scarcity and floods through the Water Risk Atlas database. Measures to reduce water consumption or to reuse water are in place, particularly in water-stressed regions.
  • Sika offers a whole range of innovative solutions to protect and save water used in new-build and refurbishment of drinking water and wastewater facilities.
  • In 2021, Sika supported 242 Community Engagement projects. One of the three core areas of “Sika Cares” is water and climate protection.
SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 8

SDG

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.

More Value - Less Impact focus

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

TARGET 2023

  • 10,000 working-days of volunteering work
  • 50% more projects
  • 50% more direct beneficiaries

Activities @ Sika
  • Sika endeavors to provide intelligent support for projects through the application of company-specific expertise, voluntary work by its employees, and long-term collaboration with partners.
  • By signing Sika’s Supplier Code of Conduct, suppliers undertake to respect the provisions of the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the core Conventions of the International Labor Organization.
  • In 2021, Sika supported 242 Community Engagement projects. One of the goals of these projects is to improve the quality of life of children, adults, and families in the communities in which the company is active.
SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 8

SDG

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.

More Value - Less Impact Focus

SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS

TARGET: 100% of new product developments with "sustainable solutions" until 2023

 
Activities @ Sika
  • With the use of Sika solutions, infrastructures are built in an efficient and sustainable way and contribute to the development of emerging and developing countries.
  • Product innovations in construction and industrial production with improved resource-use efficiency. Systematic development of more sustainable and performing solutions.
  • In 2021, Sika supported 242 Community Engagement projects. One of the three core areas of “Sika Cares” is buildings and infrastructure.
SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG11

SDG

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

More Value - Less Impact focus
 

SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS
TARGET 2023: 100% of new product developments with "sustainable solutions" until 2023


COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

TARGET 2023:

  • 10,000 working-days of volunteering work p.a.
  • 50% more projects
  • 50% more direct beneficiaries


CLIMATE PERFORMANCE

TARGET 2023:

12% reduction of CO2-emissions per ton sold

Activities @ Sika
  • Sika solutions contribute to sustainable construction and new forms of mobility.
  • Sika offers high-performance and low-cement mortars; root-resistant polymeric roof membranes and systems that allow the installation of green roofs to improve the urban climate; special concrete repair mortars and resins extend the service life of bridges and concrete structures.
  • In 2021, Sika supported 242 Community Engagement projects. One of the three core areas of “Sika Cares” is buildings and infrastructure.
SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 12

SDG

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

More Value - Less Impact focus

Waste / Water

TARGETS 2023:

  • 15% less waste generation per ton sold
  • 25% higher recycling rate of total waste
  • 15% less water consumption per ton sold
 
ENERGY

TARGETS 2023:

  • 15% less energy consumption per ton sold
  • 50% renewable electricity rate
 
Activities @ Sika
  • Replacement of technical equipment always focuses on new energy efficient installations, such as motors, air conditioning, heating/cooling, and pressurized air systems.
  • Reduced amount of waste per ton sold by putting in place activities such as optimization of the production planning, streamlining the production process layout, and the reuse of production waste.
  • Reuse of wastewater and water from cleaning processes, reduced consumption, or use of lower-grade water qualities.
  • Sika offers its customers solutions that improve performance and durability. These products make it possible to achieve quality installations with fewer resources.
SDG 13 - Climate Action
SDG 13

SDG 13

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

More Value - Less Impact focus

SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS

TARGET: 100% of new product solutions with "sustainable solutions" until 2023.

CLIMATE PERFORMANCE

TARGET: 12% reduction of CO2-emissions per ton sold.

ENERGY

TARGET:

  • 15% less energy consumption per ton sold
  • 50% renewable elictricity rate

 

Activities @ Sika
  • Sika’s sustainable innovations enable the expansion of clean energy infrastructure as well as the reduction of the carbon footprint and enhancement of longevity in the construction and transportation industries.
  • Sika products enable customers to improve the energy efficiency of their manufacturing processes and their end products. Sika’s solutions reduce customers’ carbon emissions through longer lasting products or for example by replacement of carbon intensive raw materials, the introduction of quick curing products or water-based solutions.
  • Sika actively seeks performance enhancements by using recycled materials and sustainable chemicals.
  • In 2021, Sika supported 242 Community Engagement projects. One of the three core areas is water and climate protection.

ESG Indices and Ratings

Sika’s strong sustainability performance is recognized by external evaluations and the stock is included in various ESG indices.

  • Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI)
  • MSCI Switzerland IMI ESG Leaders Index
  • STOXX® Europe Sustainability
  • FTSE4Good
  • SPI ESG
  • SPI ESG Weighted  
  • S&P Global 1200 ESG index
  • Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)
  • S&P ESG Evaluation
  • Ecovadis
  • MSCI
  • ISS ESG
  • Sustainalytics

ESG Indices and Ratings

Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) refers to the three dimensions for measuring the sustainability impact of an investment in Sika. These criteria help to better determine the future financial performance of companies. We have summarized the Sika key indicators in an overview.

Environment

GHG EMISSIONS
Metric  Unit 2017 2018201920202021Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
Metric 
GHG Emissions intensity (Scope 1 & Scope 2) per ton sold
Unit
kgCO2eq/t
2017
36
2018
31
2019
27
2020
19.6
2021
17.6
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
24
Metric 
Change compared to previous year
Unit
%
2017
 
2018
-13.9
2019
-12.9
2020
-27.3
2021
-10.1
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
-3 p.a.
Metric 
Total GHG emissions - Scope 1 and 2 - Market - based
Unit
tCO2eq
2017
155,000
2018
157,000
2019
212,000
2020
224,227
2021
238,508
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
    Scope 1 GHG Emissions
Unit
tCO2eq
2017
53,000
2018
48,000
2019
88,000
2020
102,528
2021
156,419
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
    Scope 2 GHG Emissions - Market - based
Unit
tCO2eq
2017
102,000
2018
109,000
2019
124,000
2020
121,700
2021
82,089
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Total GHG emissions - Scope 1 and 2 - Location - based
Unit
tCO2eq
2017
169,222
2018
172,811
2019
243,307
2020
260,401
2021
315,576
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
    Scope 1 GHG Emissions
Unit
tCO2eq
2017
53,000
2018
48,000
2019
88,000
2020
102,528
2021
156,419
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
    Scope 2 GHG Emissions - Location - based
Unit
tCO2eq
2017
116,222
2018
124,811
2019
155,307
2020
157,873
2021
159,157
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Scope 3 GHG Emissions - Business travels
Unit
tCO2eq
2017
16,000
2018
14,000
2019
15,000
2020
4,000
2021
6,463
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Scope 3 GHG Emissions - Leased vehicles*
Unit
tCO2eq
2017
22,000
2018
20,000
2019
16,000
2020
11,000
2021
-

* Note on leased vehicles: In 2021, the fuel consumption of leased vehicles has been included in scope 1 since Sika has operational control as per the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. This category was considered under scope 3 until year 2020. Scope 1 emissions from 2019 and 2020 have not been restated accordingly.

ENERGY
Metric  Unit 2017 2018201920202021Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
Metric 
Energy intensity per ton sold
Unit
MJ/t
2017
450
2018
424
2019
363
2020
286
2021
308
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
309
Metric 
Change compared to previous year
Unit
%
2017
 
2018
-5.8
2019
-14.4
2020
-21.2
2021
7.7
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
-3.8 p.a.
Metric 
Total energy consumption
Unit
TJ
2017
1,961
2018
1,971
2019
2,890
2020
3,269
2021
4,163
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Direct Energy
Unit
TJ
2017
891
2018
875
2019
1,451
2020
1,729
2021
2,546
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
    Brown coal
Unit
TJ
2017
1
2018
-
2019
-
2020
-
2021
-
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
    Heavy liquid fuel
Unit
TJ
2017
1
2018
1
2019
1
2020
3
2021
3
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
    Light liquid fuel
Unit
TJ
2017
257
2018
183
2019
194
2020
154
2021
179
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
    Natural gas
Unit
TJ
2017
468
2018
542
2019
1,002
2020
1,296
2021
1,633
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
    Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG)
Unit
TJ
2017
-
2018
-
2019
66
2020
82
2021
93
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
   Vehicle fuel
Unit
TJ
2017
164
2018
149
2019
185
2020
192
2021
635
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
   Self-produced electricity from renewable sources
Unit
TJ
2017
-
2018
-
2019
3
2020
2
2021
3
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Purchased electricity
Unit
TJ
2017
1,070
2018
1,096
2019
1,439
2020
1,540
2021
1,617
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
   Thereof - Purchased renewable electricity
Unit
TJ
2017
125
2018
143
2019
214
2020
371
2021
845
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Renewable electricity rate
Unit
%
2017
11
2018
13
2019
15
2020
24.1
2021
52.3
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
WATER AND WASTE
Metric  Unit 2017 2018201920202021Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
Metric 
Water consumption per ton sold
Unit
m3/t
2017
0.32
2018
0.39
2019
0.34
2020
0.22
2021
0.2
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
0.29
Metric 
Change compared to previous year
Unit
%
2017
 
2018
21.9
2019
-12.8
2020
-36.4
2021
-9.7
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
-3.8 p.a.
Metric 
Water consumption
Unit
m3
2017
1,338,000
2018
1,317,000
2019
2,685,000
2020
2,469,988
2021
2,638,734
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Water withdrawal
Unit
m3
2017
2,100,000
2018
2,607,000
2019
3,609,000
2020
3,365,416
2021
3,606,168
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Surface water
   
Metric 
Unit
m3
2017
27,000
2018
33,000
2019
82,000
2020
37,655
2021
50,682
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Ground water
   
Metric 
Unit
m3
2017
629,000
2018
1,050,000
2019
1,835,000
2020
1,516,054
2021
1,632,849
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
   Public supply
Unit
m3
2017
1,444,000
2018
1,524,000
2019
1,692,000
2020
1,811,707
2021
1,922,637
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Water usage
Unit
m3
2017
2,060,000
2018
2,117,000
2019
3,576,000
2020
3,350,695
2021
3,616,816
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Process and cooling water
   
Metric 
Unit
m3
2017
877,000
2018
825,000
2019
2,065,000
2020
1,805,445
2021
1,964,077
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Sanitary water
   
Metric 
Unit
m3
2017
461,000
2018
492,000
2019
620,000
2020
664,543
2021
674,658
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
 Water in products
 
Metric 
Unit
m3
2017
722,000
2018
800,000
2019
891,000
2020
880,707
2021
978,081
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Water discharge
Unit
m3
2017
1,190,000
2018
1,230,000
2019
2,540,000
2020
2,315,989
2021
2,491,191
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Water to sewer, sewage plant
   
Metric 
Unit
m3
2017
550,000
2018
670,000
2019
770,000
2020
906,667
2021
913,590
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Water to surface water bodies
   
Metric 
Unit
m3
2017
640,000
2018
560,000
2019
1,770,000
2020
1,409,322
2021
1,577,601
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
 
Unit
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
 
2020
 
2021
 
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Waste per ton sold
Unit
kg/t
2017
18.4
2018
18.1
2019
14.1
2020
12.4
2021
11.2
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
12
Metric 
Change compared to previous year
Unit
%
2017
 
2018
-1.6
2019
-22.1
2020
-12
2021
-9.6
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
-3.8 p.a.
Metric 
Waste intensity compared to total input materials
Unit
%
2017
2
2018
2
2019
1.6
2020
1.6
2021
1.3
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Total waste generated
Unit
t
2017
80,000
2018
84,000
2019
112,000
2020
141,675
2021
151,560
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
   Non-hazardous waste
Unit
t
2017
63,000
2018
66,000
2019
92,000
2020
120,633
2021
129,884
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
   Hazardous waste
Unit
t
2017
17,000
2018
18,000
2019
20,000
2020
21,042
2021
21,676
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Total waste disposed
Unit
 
2017
80,000
2018
84,000
2019
112,000
2020
141,676
2021
151,560
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Landfill
Unit
t
2017
29,000
2018
29,000
2019
45,000
2020
60,794
2021
67,509
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
 Incineration
 
Metric 
Unit
t
2017
26,000
2018
26,000
2019
29,000
2020
30,863
2021
32,603
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Reuse/Recycle
   
Metric 
Unit
t
2017
25,000
2018
29,000
2019
38,000
2020
50,019
2021
51,448
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
   Recycling Rate
Unit
%
2017
31
2018
35
2019
34
2020
35.3
2021
33.9
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
42
MATERIALS
Metric  Unit 2017 2018201920202021Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
Metric 
Volume of input materials used*
Unit
Mio t
2017
4.1
2018
4
2019
7
2020
8.8
2021
11.6
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Thereof recycled input materials
Unit
%
2017
1.2
2018
1.6
2019
1.3
2020
2.7
2021
3.7

Note on input materials: excluding water, packaging and semi-finished products

OTHER AIR EMISSIONS*
Metric  Unit 2017 2018201920202021Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
Metric 
Nitrous Oxides (NOx)
Unit
t
2017
-
2018
-
2019
-
2020
268
2021
482.1
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Sulfur Oxides (SOx)
Unit
t
2017
-
2018
-
2019
-
2020
3
2021
4
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
Unit
t
2017
-
2018
-
2019
-
2020
24
2021
70
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Dust
Unit
t
2017
-
2018
-
2019
-
2020
12
2021
32
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 

*Note on other air emissions: calculated based on the combustion of fuel and gas consumed only from 2020 onwards.
2021 increase was purely related to the increase in energy consumption and inclusion of leased vehicles fuel.

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
Metric  Unit 2017 2018201920202021Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
Metric 
ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management) certification
Unit
#
2017
-
2018
147
2019
172
2020
242
2021
275
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Coverage of Sika Sites in ISO scope*
Unit
%
2017
-
2018
63
2019
55
2020
47
2021
48
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
ISO 50001:2018 (Energy Management) certifications
Unit
#
2017
-
2018
14
2019
16
2020
16
2021
17
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Coverage of Sika Sites in ISO scope*
Unit
%
2017
-
2018
-
2019
3
2020
3
2021
3
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Significant spills**
Unit
#
2017
3
2018
8
2019
5
2020
3
2021
2
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 

*Note on ISO Scope: are considered under ISO scope: headquarters, plants, warehouses and technology centers. Sales offices, administrative offices, training centers and subsidiaries are excluded as these activities do not fall under the scope of the respective ISO standards.
**Note on significant spills: a spill is considered significant when reported to authorities, having media coverage, or creating a significant cost (>CHF 10,000).

Social

HEALTH & SAFETY
Metric  Unit 2017 2018201920202021Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
Metric 
Sika Employees
Unit
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
 
2020
 
2021
 
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Fatalities
Unit
#
2017
1
2018
0
2019
1
2020
1
2021
0
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
0
Metric 
Lost Time Accidents/1,000 FTEs
Unit
Rate
2017
8.7
2018
10.4
2019
9.6
2020
8.4
2021
9.2
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 

  Change compared to previous year
Metric 
Unit
 
2017
 
2018
19.5
2019
-7.7
2020
-12.5
2021
9.5
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Lost Time Accidents
Unit
#
2017
169
2018
209
2019
261
2020
230
2021
256
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
-50%
Metric 
  Change compared to previous year
Unit
%
2017
 
2018
23.7
2019
24.9
2020
-11.9
2021
11.3
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Days Lost due to Lost Time Accidents
Unit
#
2017
2,980
2018
3,856
2019
5,617
2020
4,650
2021
4,919
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Average days lost per Lost Time Accident
Unit
#
2017
17.6
2018
18.4
2019
21.5
2020
20.2
2021
19.2
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
LTIFR per 200,000 hours*
Unit
Rate
2017
0.88
2018
1.03
2019
0.95
2020
0.84
2021
0.92
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Occupational illnesses
Unit
#
2017
14
2018
11
2019
5
2020
16
2021
10
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
OIFR per 200,000 hours*
Unit
Rate
2017
0.07
2018
0.05
2019
0.02
2020
0.06
2021
0.04
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Sika contractors
Unit
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
 
2020
 
2021
 
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Fatalities
Unit
#
2017
0
2018
0
2019
0
2020
1
2021
0
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
0
Metric 
Lost Time Accidents
Unit
#
2017
11
2018
17
2019
14
2020
11
2021
30
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Occupational Health & Safety and Quality Management System
Unit
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
 
2020
 
2021
 
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
ISO 45001:2018 - Occupational Health and Safety Management System certification
Unit
#
2017
-
2018
-
2019
84
2020
114
2021
147
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
   Coverage of Sika Sites in ISO scope**
Unit
%
2017
-
2018
-
2019
27
2020
22
2021
26
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
ISO 9001:2015 - Quality Management System certification
Unit
#
2017
-
2018
164
2019
209
2020
315
2021
345
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
   Coverage of Sika Sites in ISO scope**
Unit
%
2017
-
2018
70
2019
67
2020
61
2021
61

* LTIFR: Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate; OIFR: Occupational Illness Frequency Rate; Apprentices and interns excluded from FTEs and worked hours used.
** Note on ISO Scope: Are considered under ISO scope: headquarters, plants, warehouses and technology centers. Sales offices, administrative offices, training centers and subsidiaries are excluded as these activities do not fall under the scope of the respective ISO standards

EMPLOYEES & DIVERSITY/EQUALITY
MetricUnit20172018201920202021Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
Metric
Total number of employees
Unit
#
2017
18,484
2018
20,060
2019
25,141
2020
24,848
2021
27,059
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric
Change compared to previous year
Unit
%
2017
 
2018
8.5
2019
25.3
2020
-1.2
2021
0.089
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric
Net added value per employee
Unit
CHF thousands
2017
117
2018
117
2019
116
2020
107
2021
118

Breakdown of employees per type of contract
Metric
Unit
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
 
2020
 
2021
 
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric
Permanent employees
Unit
%
2017
96.2
2018
95
2019
88
2020
95.6
2021
87.4
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
87.4
Metric
Temporary employees
Unit
%
2017
2.8
2018
3.9
2019
11
2020
3.6
2021
11.9
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
11.9
Metric
Apprenticeship/internship
Unit
%
2017
1
2018
1.1
2019
1
2020
0.8
2021
0.7
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
0.7

Breakdown of employees per age
Metric
Unit
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
 
2020
 
2021
 
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric
Employees under the age of 30
Unit
%
2017
15
2018
14.8
2019
15.1
2020
13.2
2021
13.5
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
13.5
Metric
Employees between 30 and 50
Unit
%
2017
61
2018
59.8
2019
60.2
2020
62
2021
61.3
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
61.3
Metric
Employees above 50
Unit
%
2017
24
2018
25.4
2019
24.7
2020
24.8
2021
25.2
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
25.2

Breakdown of employees per employment type
Metric
Unit
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
 
2020
 
2021
 
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric
Full-time employees
Unit
%
2017
96.1
2018
96.7
2019
97.2
2020
97.1
2021
97.1
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
97.1
Metric
Part-time employees
Unit
%
2017
3.9
2018
3.3
2019
2.8
2020
2.9
2021
2.9
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
2.9

Breakdown of employees per gender and per category
Metric
Unit
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
 
2020
 
2021
 
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric
Male employees
Unit
%
2017
77.4
2018
77.7
2019
77
2020
77.2
2021
76.8
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
76.8
Metric
Male Staff
Unit
%
2017
76.3
2018
77
2019
76.8
2020
76.7
2021
76.3
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
76.3
Metric
Male Middle Management
Unit
%
2017
80.3
2018
80.7
2019
77.7
2020
79.1
2021
78.1
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
78.1
Metric
Male Company Management*
Unit
%
2017
85.3
2018
80.2
2019
78.5
2020
79.9
2021
80.4
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
80.4
Metric
   Thereof Male Group Management
Unit
%
2017
88.9
2018
87.5
2019
100
2020
88.9
2021
75
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
75
Metric
Female employees
Unit
%
2017
22.6
2018
22.3
2019
23
2020
22.8
2021
23.2
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
23.2
Metric
Female Staff
Unit
%
2017
23.7
2018
23
2019
23.2
2020
23.3
2021
23.7
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
23.7
Metric
Female Middle Management
Unit
%
2017
19.7
2018
19.3
2019
22.3
2020
20.9
2021
21.9
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
21.9
Metric
Female Company Management*
Unit
%
2017
14.7
2018
19.8
2019
21.5
2020
20.1
2021
19.6
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
19.6
Metric
   Thereof Female Group Management
Unit
%
2017
11.1
2018
12.5
2019
0
2020
11.1
2021
25
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
25

New employee hires and employee turnover
Metric
Unit
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
 
2020
 
2021
 
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric
Recruitment rate
Unit
Rate
2017
-
2018
-
2019
11.3
2020
7.9
2021
13.9
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
13.9
Metric
Employee voluntary turnover rate
Unit
Rate
2017
6.2
2018
6.9
2019
6
2020
6.4
2021
7.4
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
7.4
Metric
Employee turnover rate
Unit
Rate
2017
10.9
2018
11.2
2019
10.5
2020
11.2
2021
11.1
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
11.1

Internal promotions
Metric
Unit
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
 
2020
 
2021
 
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric
Internal promotions into a higher management position
Unit
%
2017
0.8
2018
0.8
2019
1.2
2020
0.9
2021
1.6
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
1.6

*Note on Company Management: both Sika Senior Managers and local Company Management teams are included in this category.

TRAINING
Metric  Unit 2017 2018201920202021Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
Metric 
Hours of training of workforce (YTD)/Head
Unit
-
2017
12.9
2018
16.8
2019
11.4
2020
10.1
2021
11.1
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Employees in management functions with performance and career development reviews
Unit
%
2017
20
2018
20
2019
>20
2020
>20
2021
50
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
HUMAN RIGHTS ASSESSMENT
Metric  Unit 2017 2018201920202021Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
Metric 
Violations or incidents occurred
Unit
#
2017
-
2018
-
2019
-
2020
-
2021
-
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Metric  Unit 2017 2018201920202021Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
Metric 
Community engagement projects
Unit
#
2017
118
2018
128
2019
148
2020
183
2021
242
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
0.5
Metric 
Volunteering days of employees
Unit
#
2017
-
2018
-
2019
401
2020
1,119
2021
1,392
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Number of direct beneficiaries
Unit
#
2017
-
2018
-
2019
7,765
2020
268,581
2021
44,188
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
0.5
SUPPLIERS
Metric  Unit 2017 2018201920202021Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
Metric 
Direct materials and trading good spend
Unit
MCHF
2017
2,849
2018
3,334
2019
3,765
2020
3,563
2021
4,461
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Direct materials and trading good spend (% of total net sales)
Unit
%
2017
45.6
2018
47.1
2019
46.4
2020
45.2
2021
48.2
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Suppliers* with supplier code of conduct as part of contractual agreement
Unit
#
2017
5,165
2018
6,936
2019
8,367
2020
9,210
2021
9,527
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 

*Tier 1 suppliers

MARKETING AND LABELLING
Metric  Unit 2017 2018201920202021Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
Metric 
Chemical products in assessment or assessed for health and safety impacts, improvements
Unit
%
2017
100
2018
100
2019
100
2020
100
2021
100
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 

Governance

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Metric  Unit 2017 2018201920202021Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
Metric 
Total directors
Unit
#
2017
9
2018
7
2019
8
2020
8
2021
8
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Male
Unit
#
2017
8
2018
6
2019
7
2020
7
2021
7
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Female
Unit
#
2017
1
2018
1
2019
1
2020
1
2021
1
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Age between 30 and 50
Unit
#
2017
-
2018
1
2019
1
2020
1
2021
-
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Age above 50
Unit
#
2017
9
2018
6
2019
7
2020
7
2021
8
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Average term of office
Unit
years
2017
11
2018
12
2019
7
2020
8
2021
9
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Independence
Unit
%
2017
100
2018
100
2019
100
2020
100
2021
87.5
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
COMPENSATION
Metric  Unit 2017 2018201920202021Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
Metric 
CEO total summary compensation
Unit
MCHF
2017
3.4
2018
3.9
2019
4.1
2020
4.4
2021
2.7
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Board of Directors total summary compensation
Unit
MCHF
2017
2.8
2018
2.6
2019
2.8
2020
3
2021
3
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Group Management total summary compensation
Unit
MCHF
2017
18.7
2018
16.5
2019
15.3
2020
16.3
2021
15.8
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
OWNERSHIP & CONTROL
Metric  Unit 2017 2018201920202021Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
Metric 
Controlling shareholder
Unit
-
2017
yes
2018
no
2019
no
2020
no
2021
no
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Voting rights of largest shareholder
Unit
%
2017
>52
2018
>10
2019
>10
2020
<10
2021
<10
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Nr. of shareholders with voting rights exceeding 3%
Unit
#
2017
3
2018
4
2019
6
2020
4
2021
4
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
AUDIT
Metric  Unit 2017 2018201920202021Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
Metric 
Group audits conducted total
Unit
#
2017
125
2018
126
2019
112
2020
91
2021
101
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 

*Tier 1 suppliers

TAX APPROACH
Metric  Unit 2017 2018201920202021Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
Metric 
Tax rate
Unit
%
2017
24.7
2018
23
2019
21.5
2020
22.2
2021
21.5
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
COMPLIANCE CASES
Metric  Unit 2017 2018201920202021Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
Metric 
Total number of substantiated compliance violations
Unit
#
2017
-
2018
24
2019
24
2020
23
2021
30
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 
Metric 
Of which leading to disciplinary measures*
Unit
#
2017
-
2018
23
2019
24
2020
21
2021
23
Target 2023 (Baseline 2019)
 

*Not all identified violations lead to disciplinary measures (for instance, in some cases, the employee responsible for the violation may already have left the company).

ESG Glossary

Sustainable Development at Sika means integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria into the strategic planning and into the business. To grasp the dimensions of ESG and their priorities for Sika, this ESG glossary contains a list of important terms that are crucial for Sika.

Carbon Footprint

A measure of a group, individual or a company’s total greenhouse gas emissions.  A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) that are generated by our actions. The average annual carbon footprint for a person in the United States is 16 tons.
 

Carbon Neutrality

Carbon neutrality refers to achieving net zero carbon dioxide emissions by balancing carbon dioxide emissions with removal (often through carbon offsetting) or simply eliminating carbon dioxide emissions altogether. It is used in the context of carbon dioxide-releasing processes associated with transportation, energy production, agriculture, and industrial processes.

Carbon Pricing

Carbon pricing is an instrument that captures the external costs of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions—the costs of emissions that the public pays for, such as damage to crops, health care costs from heat waves and droughts, and loss of property from flooding and sea level rise—and ties them to their sources through a price, usually in the form of a price on the carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted.

Cement Replacement - Supplementary Cementitious Material

Cement replacement has a high impact for the Sika Sustainability Strategy as it helps to reduce CO2 emissions and improves the sustainability profile of the Sika dry mix OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement).

50% reduction of CO2 emissions of operational footprint in cement production thanks to the introduction of SCM in dry mix mortars in France and China.

The company is already able to reduce the CO2 emitted by the operations footprint by 50% by replacing ordinary Portland cement by SCM (supplementary cementitious materials). Such an alternative materials can be for example, fly ash, calcium carbonate, ground granulated blast furnace slag, a by product of pig giron making.

Circular Economy

The focus of the circular economy approach relates to direct circular handling of material and energy flows—for example closing loops, extending product lifecycles and increasing usage intensity.

The business case for adopting circularity principles is becoming more and more compelling due to higher awareness and shifting demand towards more sustainable solutions among customers in construction and transportation markets. Sika’s initiatives to impact the development towards a circular economy in its industry, range from the alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 11, 12, and 13 in particular, to the partnering with downstream clients, universities and startups to co-design and implement products.

Collaboration projects are  essential because the deployment of deep circularity interventions relies on access to cost-effective sustainable energy and renewable/recyclable feedstock with appropriate specifications.

Climate Change

The UNFCCC, in its Article 1, defines climate change as: ‘a change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods.’ The UNFCCC thus makes a distinction between climate change attributable to human activities altering the atmospheric composition and climate variability attributable to natural causes.

(Source: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (unfccc.int))

Climate Neutrality

Concept of a state in which human activities result in no net effect on the climate system. Achieving such a state would require balancing of residual emissions with emission (carbon dioxide) removal as well as accounting for regional or local biogeophysical effects of human activities that, for example, affect surface albedo or local climate.

(Source: Glossary — Global Warming of 1.5ºC (ipcc.ch))

CO2 emissions
  • Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources (fuel combustion, company vehicles) --> action: e.g. gas consumption reduction in Sika plant
  • Scope 2: Indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy (purchased electricity, heat and steam) --> action: e.g. renewable electricity consumption in Sika plant
  • Scope 3: All other indirect emissions that occur in the value chain (purchased goods, transportation & distribution, waste disposal, business travel/ employee commuting, processing and use of sold products etc.) --> action: e.g. cement reduction (replacement with SCM) in mortars formulations; energy savings thanks to cool roofs

CO2 equivalent (CO2-eq)

The universal unit of measurement to indicate the global warming potential (GWP) of each of the six greenhouse gases, expressed in terms of the GWP of one unit of carbon dioxide. It is used to evaluate releasing (or avoiding releasing) different greenhouse gases against a common basis.
The Greenhouse Gas Protocol

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a management approach that applies sustainability values in business to promote social welfare within a company and outside it, employs ethical business concepts, supports effective company’s  resource management and preservation of nature.

EU Taxonomy

In December 2019, the European Commission (EC) presented the  European Green Deal, an overarching framework and programme of actions to transform the European economy. A key component of the Green Deal is the proposed Climate Law  embedding a legal commitment for the EU to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Other core components of the Green Deal are strategies and actions on supplying clean, affordable, and secure energy, biodiversity, zero pollution, a circular economy and sustainable food production.

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)

The GRI provides a global standard for sustainability reporting – the GRI Standards - which helps businesses, governments and other organizations understand and communicate their impacts on ESG issues such as climate change, human rights, and corruption. Sika is reporting according to the GRI Standards since 2014.

Greenhouse Gases (GHG)

Greenhouse gases are those gaseous constituents of the atmosphere, both natural and anthropogenic, that absorb and emit radiation at specific wavelengths within the spectrum of terrestrial radiation emitted by the Earth’s surface, the atmosphere itself and by clouds. This property causes the greenhouse effect. Water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4) and ozone (O3) are the primary GHGs in the Earth’s atmosphere. Moreover, there are a number of entirely human-made GHGs in the atmosphere, such as the halocarbons and other chlorine- and bromine containing substances, dealt with under the Montreal Protocol. Beside CO2, N2O and CH4, the Kyoto Protocol deals with the GHGs Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs).

(Source: Glossary — Global Warming of 1.5 ºC (ipcc.ch))

GRI - Global Reporting Initiative
  • Globally recognized standard, since 2013 Sika’s system to manage and report all nsustainability topics.
  • The data/ information is collected from local Sika companies via Operational Reporting and on Group level.
Net Zero CO2 Emissions

Net zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are achieved when anthropogenic CO2 emissions are balanced globally by anthropogenic CO2 removals over a specified period. Net zero CO2 emissions are also referred to as carbon neutrality.

(Source: Glossary — Global Warming of 1.5 ºC (ipcc.ch))

Paris Agreement

The Paris Agreement aims to limit the rise in global average temperatures to below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels by the end of this century, and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5 °C. It has revolutionized climate politics by changing the model of negotiations. Now, all countries voluntarily set their goals based on their economic abilities. To achieve this, countries put forward individual plans known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs), which outline their proposed emissions reductions and adaptation strategies. The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 2018 warned that to achieve the lower 1.5 °C target, emissions need to be cut by 40%-60% from 2010 levels by 2030, reaching net zero around 2050.

(Source: The Paris Agreement | UNFCCC)

Scope 1, 2, 3 Emissions

Scope 1 emissions: Direct GHG emissions occur from sources that are owned or controlled by the company, for example, emissions from combustion in owned or controlled boilers, furnaces, vehicles, etc.; emissions from chemical production in owned or controlled process equipment.

Scope 2 emissions: Scope 2 accounts for GHG emissions from the generation of purchased electricity consumed by the company. Purchased electricity is defined as electricity that is purchased or otherwise brought into the organizational boundary of the company. Scope 2 emissions physically occur at the facility where electricity is generated.

Scope 3 emissions: Scope 3 emissions are a consequence of the activities of the company but occur from sources not owned or controlled by the company. Some examples of scope 3 activities are extraction and production of purchased materials; transportation of purchased fuels; and use of sold products and services.

(Source: GHG Protocol)

Sika Cares - Community Engagement Program

The “Sika Cares” community engagement program focuses on improving the quality of life of children, adults and families in the communities in which the company is active. There are three focus areas: Education and vocational training, buildings and infrastructure, climate and environment. The company endeavors to provide intelligent support for projects through the application of company-specific expertise, voluntary work by its employees, and long-term collaboration with partners.

TCFD

TCFD (Taskforce for Climate-related Financial Disclosures): Evaluating climate-related risks and opportunities related to its business and developing appropriate response measures are of vital importance to ensure a sustainable development and the business continuity of Sika. As a framework to disclose the impacts of climate change on Sika’s business and to increase the understanding of the related risks and opportunities, the Group has endorsed thenrecommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).

Sika has started a process for identifying and assessing the potential implications of plausible future scenarios. Those scenarios allow Sika to explore and develop an understanding of how various combinations of climate-related risks, both transition and physical risks, may affect its businesses, strategies, and financial performance over time.  

Together for Sustainability

As sustainability is a core element of Sika’s growth strategy and procurement plays a key role guaranteeing to select and cooperate with vendors according to the highest ESG standards. In alignment with this strategy, and with a strong focus on sustainable supply and cost & efficiency improvement, Sika ensures responsible sourcing and compliance with sustainability and quality standards within Sika procurement and supply chains.

Sika participates at the ‘Together for Sustainability’ (TfS) initiative as an active member. The organization, founded in 2011, aims to improve sustainability practice within the supply chain of the chemicals industry. The TfS program is based on the UN Global Compact and Responsible Care® principles and allows Sika to assess and evaluate the performance of its suppliers in various aspects. This includes environmental, labor & human rights, ethical and sustainable procurement performance.

The participation at the TfS initiative enables Sika to learn and exchange with its members best practices in sustainable procurement principles, and to actively participate in the improvement of sustainability practices within the chemical industry supply chains.  

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Sika is making a contribution to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focusing on eight of the 17 goals.

Among others, both the construction and the automotive industry highly influence these goals:

  • 3 (Good health and well-being)
  • 4 (Quality education and lifelong learning)
  • 6 (Clean water and sanitation)
  • 8 (Decent work and economic growth)
  • 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure)
  • 11 (Sustainable cities and communities)
  • 12 (Responsible consumption and production)
  • 13 (Climate Action)
WBCSD
  • WBCSD: World Business Council for Sustainable Development
  • CEO-led organization of industry leaders aiming to accelerate the transition to a sustainable world. Sika is member since 2010.
  • Active participation in chemical sector industry group (Sustainability Portfolio Management (SPM) project).
  • Sika works with WBCSD to test Circular Transition Indicators (CTI) framework
     

Learn More About our Global Mission at Sika: