Empowering Sustainability Across the Entire Supply Chain
How does FUCHS drive sustainability alongside the supply chain?
Since 2020, FUCHS has been completely carbon-neutral at all of its more than 60 locations worldwide – from the energy consumption in production all the way up to the consumables used in administration operations. Yet, we do not just focus on the ecological footprint in our own factories but look beyond ourselves to the entire process and value chain of our products. This is why we participate in research projects that focus on the use of sustainable raw materials. Together, with our suppliers, we develop standards and measures for quantifying and certifying sustainability along the entire value chain. Above all, our products reduce friction and increase energy efficiency for our customers which has a positive a financial and ecological impact.
Raw Material
We know that conducting carbon-neutral operations within our own company alone is not enough. Our goal is to sell carbon-neutral products long-term – and we get our suppliers on board to do this by purchasing raw materials. Raw materials are responsible for 90 percent of the carbon footprint of a finished lubricant product. The use of biogenic raw materials from Europe as renewable, environmentally friendly alternatives to fossil raw materials is at the center of many of the research initiatives FUCHS is involved in. Their main benefit is that they do not increase the carbon balance and their use often means a new source of income for domestic agriculture.
Production
The first thing we look at in terms of sustainability at all our sites worldwide is our production and identify where direct changes can be made. These changes have succeeded in lowering CO2 emissions per produced ton of lubricant by 30 percent since 2010. Through continuously optimizing procedures and processes, we will further reduce energy and water consumption and increase the share of renewable energies, which currently stands at 27 percent. By doing this will be able to gradually roll back carbon-compensation measures through the support of climate protection projects in the future.
Application
A joint study by FUCHS and the chemical firm BASF has clearly shown that the usage phase is key for eco-efficiency throughout our products' lifecycle. Our lubricants help to restrict energy consumption, and thereby improve the carbon footprint of our customers, by reducing friction, wear, and corrosion. In numerous research projects, FUCHS is working on improving the energy and resource efficiency of drives with the help of our lubricants.