Dow Highlights Progress in 2016 Sustainability Report

23 May 2017 --- The Dow Chemical Company (DOW) have released its 2016 Sustainability Report, laying a solid foundation with strong first-year results since announcing its 2025 Sustainability Goals. 

Prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards Comprehensive Option (GRI 102-54), GRI is the most widely used framework for sustainability reporting used globally by businesses, governments and other organizations. The report highlights the successes of Dow’s commitment to redefine the role of business at its intersection with society. 

“Our 2025 Sustainability Goals are designed to do nothing less than help redefine the role of business in society,” said Andrew Liveris, chairman and chief executive officer. “By driving unprecedented collaborations, Dow is leading the way in developing societal blueprints that will advance the transition to a more sustainable society and a path to a better, more resilient and more profitable way of doing business.” 

Dow’s 2025 Sustainability Goals serve as the next chapter in the Company’s sustainability journey, in which it will take a leadership role in developing societal blueprints that integrate public policy solutions, science and technology, and value chain innovation to facilitate the transition to a more sustainable planet and society. Overall, in the first full year of Dow’s 10-year effort, Dow has already made exciting gains: piloting new business models to rethink waste, developing tools to recognize how natural ecosystems provide business value, and developing blueprints for low-carbon and livable cities. 

“Our 2025 Sustainability Goals harness Dow’s innovation strengths, global reach and the passion of our employees,” said Neil Hawkins, chief sustainability officer and corporate vice president, environment, health and safety. “These 10-year goals will deliver long-term value to Dow and sustainable, global solutions for our customers and society.”

Just a few goal achievements from Dow’s first year: 

• Leading the Blueprint: 100 dialogue sessions conducted. On track for having the first societal blueprint draft by the end of 2017.
• Delivering Breakthrough Innovations: Implemented a new generation of Sustainable Chemistry Index and developed business-specific 2025 Sustainability Goals.
• Advancing a Circular Economy: 20 projects in progress, including the Hefty Energy Bag Project – a unique program designed to convert previously non-recycled plastics into energy – and our support to ongoing research with Ocean Conservancy to reduce marine debris.
• Valuing Nature: Collaborated with The Nature Conservancy to develop a suite of tools to help businesses place a value on nature in their decision processes. Identified more than $40 million worth of Valuing Nature Goal projects.