Join us on the road to carbon net zero

We offer products and solutions that embed sustainable practices across their lifecycle and our value chain.

We aim to be part of the solution.

By innovating, using materials and energy responsibly that do not cost the earth, and offering sustainable solutions, we contribute to a low-carbon society and preserve our natural resources.​

Our goals that protect the planet

We established goals with two focus areas in mind: making Bekaert a more sustainable company and contributing to a more sustainable world. We set these targets against the 2019 baseline and are committed to achieve them within the stated timeframe. 

46.2%

Reduction of Scope 1 & 2 greenhouse gas emissions, in line with Science Based Targets by 2030

Zero

Reach Carbon Net Zero by 2050

15%

Less freshwater intake in water stressed areas by 2030

65%

Of sales to be from sustainable solutions by 2030

19.7%

Reduction of Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions, from purchased goods and services by 2035

Becoming part of the UN Climate Champions’ Race to Zero

We all have the responsibility to tackle climate change. This drove us to define targets that are based on the latest climate science and help to create a sustainable future in the longer term. We commit to reduce our Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 46.2% by 2030 and reduce our absolute Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions from purchased goods and services by 19.7% by 2035 (compared to the 2019 baseline).

We also set the goal to reach carbon net zero by 2050. As a major milestone, in December 2022, these targets have been officially validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)  reinforcing our dedication to tackle climate change. Companies that complete this validation, become part of the UN Climate Champions’ Race to Zero.

Focus on reducing our energy use and investing in renewable energy

As part of our strategy to make Bekaert a more sustainable company, we focus on using energy more efficiently and ultimately use energy from renewable sources only. 

With our You Know Watt energy efficiency program, we are counting every “Watt” in our plants. 

Currently 39% of our total energy comes from renewable energy sources. On the path to transition to renewable energy, we signed virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) in the USA and PPAs in India. These agreements help us to secure large amounts of carbon-free electricity and support the development of new renewable resources at the same time. When it comes to renewable power generation, our eyes are on solar and wind energy. We already have three wind turbines and solar panels installed on two of our Belgian sites and in 2023, we inaugurated our on-site solar farm in our Ubisa plant, Spain. We also plan to invest in rooftop solar panels in China, as well as identifying more plants across our global footprint for wind turbine and on-site solar panel installations.

Step by step, we are reducing the amount of fossil fuel energy we use on-site.

Empowering employees for a sustainable future

One critical factor often overlooked in the success of energy-efficient initiatives is employee engagement. When the shop floor workforce is empowered and educated, they can significantly contribute to the company's energy-saving efforts, fostering a culture of sustainability that extends beyond the office walls.

Circularity

We contribute to a circular economy throughout our production process. The wire rod we purchased in 2021 contained 26% recycle content and we have ambitious plans to increase it 2030. We also return 100% of our steel scrap to the steel industry for recycling. 

Less water usage

Water is life. We use water in our production processes, and we want to save every drop. Our target is to achieve 15% less water intake in water stressed areas by 2030. Through programs to reduce our water consumption, especially focused on water-stressed areas, we reduced our water withdrawal by 3% in 2021 compared to 2019.
We keep investing in initiatives such as water recycling programs and others that optimize the water management of our cooling towers and the different water treatment systems for processed water. 

Contributing to a more sustainable world with our solutions

Reducing our own environmental impact is not enough. With our sustainable solutions and innovations, we are contributing to a net-zero future across the value chain. Our solutions are making a positive impact in the space of mobility, energy transition and low carbon construction. We aim to be part of the solution for a more sustainable world and to create a better tomorrow for future generations.

Bekaert’s sustainable solutions to support the energy transition

The shift towards alternative energy sources has become essential for building a sustainable future on a global scale. The energy transition, encompassing advancements in mobility, hydrogen, wind, and solar power, lies at the heart of global efforts to combat climate change. 

Sustainability in action

Meet Ampact, The PEEK-insulated copper wire designed to power up the future of high-voltage e-mobility

Meet Ampact, The PEEK-insulated copper wire designed to power up the future of high-voltage e-mobility

We go all in sustainability thanks to the solvent-free coating and recyclable materials.

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On the way to Net Zero with You Know Watt

On the way to Net Zero with You Know Watt

We launched a global program in 2021 to encourage our employees to take care of every kilowatt we use. You Know Watt is gradually reducing our energy consumption and we are using energy more efficiently in the plants.

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Bekaert accelerates technology breakthrough in smart mooring solutions for floating offshore wind farms

Bekaert accelerates technology breakthrough in smart mooring solutions for floating offshore wind farms

Bridon-Bekaert Ropes Group concludes investment and commercial partnership with TFI Marine, Dublin, Ireland, to accelerate the go-to-market of digital-enabled mooring solutions.

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The UN Sustainable Development Goals

We support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a global agenda of the most pressing challenges facing Earth.

Our priorities to “Protect the planet” contribute to the UN goals for clean water and sanitation, industry innovation and infrastructure, affordable and clean energy, responsible production and consumption, and climate action.