Bekaert’s sustainability strategy demonstrates: sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand

In an era where sustainability is no longer just a buzzword but a critical business imperative, companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of integrating sustainable practices into their operations. Stakeholders, including customers, investors, and employees, expect businesses to address environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. Moreover, legislation in many regions now mandates certain sustainability measures, making it essential for companies to comply with these regulations. Bekaert stands out as a beacon of innovation and responsibility in this evolving landscape. The company’s comprehensive sustainability strategy demonstrates that sustainability and profitability can indeed go hand in hand. 

Bekaert’s sustainability strategy is deeply embedded in its business model, addressing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) dimensions. "Our ambition is to be recognized as the leading sustainability player in our industry by meeting the critical needs of our customers in their own sustainability journey," says Ann-Françoise Versele, VP Sustainability. This commitment is reflected in the company’s efforts to develop and commercialize sustainable solutions that support the shift to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Bekaert’s brands, such as Dramix® and Currento®, have received the prestigious Solar Impulse Foundation Label, awarded as the best sustainable solutions that outperform existing others. These innovations are part of Bekaert’s broader goal to promote sustainable construction and drive the energy transition. Additionally, by embedding ESG principles in all aspects of its operations, Bekaert is not only improving its carbon footprint but also fostering gender balance, equality, and transparent corporate governance.

Bekaert’s sustainability strategy is built on three core pillars:

1. Protect the Planet: Bekaert is committed to addressing climate change, offering products and solutions that embed sustainable practices across their lifecycle and the value chain. "We aim to be the partner of choice for our customers, developing solutions for megatrends like mobility, sustainable construction, and the energy transition”, Ann-Françoise Versele explains. By accelerating its innovation agenda in key sectors and responsibly using materials and energy, Bekaert contributes to a low-carbon and circular economy, preserving natural resources. The company drives operational excellence by reducing emissions, waste minimization, water management, and creating a safe environment for all. 
   
   
2. Put People First: Bekaert creates a diverse, inclusive, and safe environment for its employees and makes a positive impact in the communities where it operates. The company strives to be a force for equality and opportunity, ensuring that its employees understand the purpose of their work and contribute to creating a better tomorrow. "Our innovation and sustainability strategy is very important for our employees, and they appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the creation of a better tomorrow", Ann-Françoise Versele notes. Bekaert aims to be a good corporate citizen in the regions it operates, fostering a sense of purpose and community among its workforce. 
   
   
3. Act with Integrity: Transparency, collaboration, and accountability are at the heart of Bekaert’s business practices. The company is committed to ethical, fair, and legally compliant processes, as well as transparent corporate governance and comprehensive reporting. "Partnerships with our suppliers and customers are highly relevant to achieve our sustainability goals and to make future success sustainable and resilient", Ann-Françoise Versele emphasizes. Bekaert has established clear governance rules and supplier risk management processes to mitigate risks and leverage opportunities within global supply chains

Today, we experience different opinions on sustainability around the world, especially doubting if sustainability and profitability are mutually exclusive. At Bekaert, it’s the opposite: sustainability and profitability are mutually reinforcing. "Sustainability and business go hand-in-hand for Bekaert. We understood very early that sustainability is not a fast-selling item, but that it needs to be explained continuously. We’re proud that sustainability is now a core element of our strategy, an element that addresses relevant topics of today while making Bekaert fit for the future. Sustainability is a marathon, not a sprint, that’s why we continuously engage with all our stakeholders to ensure long-term success”, says Ann-Françoise Versele.

Bekaert’s approach to sustainability includes actions that have a clear payback time, aligned with the company’s financial guidelines. These actions not only make Bekaert more profitable but also reduce its environmental footprint. For instance, the company’s energy efficiency program ‘You Know Watt’ reduces emissions and lowers energy bills, while investments in photovoltaics make Bekaert more independent from the power grid and save money.  
 

By dedicating efforts to developing innovative solutions for clean-end markets such as renewables and green hydrogen, or for markets that need to become more sustainable such as automotive and construction, Bekaert meets its customers' needs and secures the long-term sustainability of its business.

Looking ahead, Bekaert remains committed to its sustainability strategy, which is built on science-based findings and well-embedded in its long-term business plan. "Innovation and collaboration are key to staying ahead in the field of sustainability", Ann-Françoise Versele emphasizes. By maintaining a continuous dialogue with customers and partners, Bekaert ensures that it meets future needs and remains a reliable partner for all stakeholders. The company sees more and more technologies being developed that support circularity, reducing the need for virgin materials and increasing the use of recycled materials. New developments that support the energy transition will drive the growth of Bekaert’s business, with components for the generation of green hydrogen and off-shore wind power being current examples. 
 

Bekaert’s sustainability strategy exemplifies how environmental responsibility and business success coexist. Through innovative solutions, a commitment to ESG principles, and a focus on long-term goals, Bekaert is not only creating value for its stakeholders but also paving the way for a sustainable and profitable future. The company’s holistic approach to sustainability, built on the pillars of protecting the planet, putting people first, and acting with integrity, ensures that Bekaert remains a leader in its industry and a reliable partner for all stakeholders.

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