Connects
Transcription
Connects
Connects 25 years of Responsible Care Nobel Prize Winner visits Catalyst Royal appointment Magazine of the Solvay Group in the UK Autumn 2014 Nº 30 Hello and welcome to the autumn edition of Solvay Connects, the magazine for Solvay’s employees in the UK, their families and our many business partners. Welcome Jean-François Berthiaume, Oldbury Site Director introduces himself and his site to us on page 3 and Oldbury’s Semi Work Plant features on the front cover. Meanwhile, our Halifax site has welcomed four student placements and two Local Councillors. editorial There is nothing as constant as change Len Sharpe talks about the changes taking place at Warrington on page 6 and thanks our recent leavers for their contribution to the success of the Warrington site over many years and embraces the launch of a new organisational structure. He also bids a fond farewell to Bob Tyler, who is retiring from Solvay, after a 40-year association with the UK Chemical Industry. On page 8 our corporate pages present four more of our Global Business Units along with articles on Water Stress and Safety. Staying safe is Solvay’s number one priority and we encourage everyone to “Think Safety”, not just at work but, in your everyday life outside of Solvay too. I have been in contact with Clarence House this week for ‘Royal approval’ of a very interesting story featured on page 16. They were happy to sanction our article and will receive a copy of this magazine, so you never know who may be reading Solvay Connects! On page 17, Catalyst Science Discovery Centre in Widnes hosted a reception for Nobel Prize Winner, Professor Sir Harry Kroto which was attended by Solvay’s Mark Sullivan and Martin Griffiths, trustees of Catalyst. And our Solvay colleagues have been very busy in the community with lots of fundraising and support for various charities. I do hope that you enjoy reading Issue 30 of Solvay Connects and we are always grateful to hear from you with any feedback or suggestions for future articles. Julie Hitchin Editor Cover The Semi Work Plant at Oldbury makes chemicals used in mining, industrial and pharmaceutical applications 3Oldbury 4Halifax 6Warrington 7 Responsible care 8 GBU ID Cards 10 Sustainable Development 12 Water Stress 14 Safety 16 Royal appointment 17 Nobel Prize Winner 18 Community 19 Solvay People Magazine of the Solvay Group in the UK. Quarterly nº 30 Autumn 2014 Communications Manager: Martin Griffiths. Magazine Editor: Julie Hitchin. Lostock Co-ordinator: Julie Evans. Specialty Polymers Co-ordinator: Helen Plant. Novecare Co-ordinator: Andrew Baud. Contributors: Jean-Francois Berthiaume, Frédéric Bouchat, Valérie Braut, Victoria Cassidy, Deborah Cook, David Gallimore, David Morris, Guillaume Peron, Taunya Renson, Len Sharpe, Vic Walters, Warrington Gymnastics Club. Design Layout: Paula Vickers Limited. Contact us at: Solvay Connects, Solvay House, Baronet Road, Warrington WA4 6HA E-mail address: [email protected] Website addresses: www.solvay.com and www.solvay.co.uk 2 [ Autumn 2014 ] [ nº 30 ] SOLVAY Connects Introduction Steve Walters, Kilo Lab Senior Scientist, responsible for synthesising Methyl Duphos which is used as a catalyst in the manufacture of fragrances and pharmaceutical intermediates. Oldbury – a proud heritage and exciting future If you’ve met me since I joined the team at Oldbury two years ago, you’ll no doubt be fully aware of my passion for Solvay, the Novecare business unit and our unique 60-acre site (above) close to Junction 2 of the M5 motorway near Birmingham. We are home to 165 full time employees and also host approximately 70 Solvay business, administrative and R&D employees. I feel privileged to continue a tradition of chemical manufacturing on the same site since 1851. Since that time, the focus has been on phosphorus primarily, and a number of our production plants continue to produce phosphorus-based intermediates which are used in the manufacture of a wide range of products including pharmaceuticals, paints, detergents, water treatment chemicals and flame retardants. As part of the Solvay family, it’s striking how all of the business units and sites face very similar issues. We are now just at the start of a process that will engender much closer joint-working and sharing of skills and experience. We must do more though, and make an effort to collaborate, as I believe that there is much mutual benefit. In addition to ensuring the ongoing commercial success of Oldbury, there are two areas that I’m giving significant attention to, namely community relations and UK-wide cross-working. Our site sits within a densely packed resi d e n t ia l n e i g h b o u r h o o d a n d we recognise that, while our history and track record is excellent, our reputation as a responsible operator is not to be taken for granted. We have developed close ties with community groups and have recently launched a calendar design competition with the local primary school. I hope to be able to report more on this front in the next issue of Solvay Connects. Jean-François Berthiaume Oldbury Site Director SOLVAY Connects [ Autumn 2014 ] [ nº 30 ] Regional The site here has thrived over a long period through recognising and responding to changes in the needs of the market. That focus on the customers’ needs continues today, with a growing focus on added value speciality chemicals and a move away from low margin commodity chemicals. Our “Kilo Lab” where we produce very small quantities of highly prized chemicals, is a great example of this quite different business model. As part of our realignment, we announced earlier this year a restructure of the site. Two of our twelve production units proved to be consistently unprofitable, meaning we had to take the difficult decision to mothball them. It meant we had to make a n u m b e r o f re d un da n ci es , a l t h o u g h thankfully this was achieved on a voluntary ea r l y re t i re m e n t basis , a f te r cl os e consultation with employees and unions. 3 News Halifax (L to R) David, Laura, Belinda and Sophie For a decade, Halifax site has taken student placements from regional higher education establishments. More recently, Solvay’s relationship with Huddersfield University and its Applied Science department has blossomed, with four students now on placement. Student placements pay dividends to all Laura Lo, Sophie Jones, David Austin and Belinda McEvoy form the latest intake and they have rapidly become an important part of the site team. Having been thoroughly inducted and given ongoing, high level on-the-job training, their roles range from process development to technical solutions and laboratory testing work. Regional Graham Cox, Technical Manager, said: “We have always enjoyed good relationships with several university chemistry departments, and this year we’ve been delighted to welcome four students to the company on year-long placements. They are doing really well and are already making a genuine contribution.” “We receive excellent feedback from both the students and from the universities. They tell us that having exposure to the realities of a busy commercial and industrial environment offers significant development opportunities and it firmly opens the door for a career in chemistry” Graham added. 4 [ Autumn 2014 ] [ nº 30 ] SOLVAY The complexity of the work undertaken by the students increases during the year, but they are already involved in processes and testing that supports the work of the company and improves relationships with customers. By the end of the placement, the students will be able to devise their own method development, calibrate tests and run their own mini-projects. In-process lab improves safety Changes to the layout of the Halifax site have meant the relocation and upgrading of the in-process laboratory facilities. Designed with safety at the front-of-mind, they have been installed with the latest extraction systems and air conditioning units. QC Chemist, Alan Morgan, said: “The changes mean that we now have both site labs in one building, making us more Deborah Leah, Quality Control Manager efficient. The improvements mean an even safer and more comfortable working and Graham Cox, Technical Manager environment and, with additional office space being created, staff also have a separate work area”. “The improved operating conditions should also see improved reliability of lab equipment and prolonged lifetimes of the systems. The laboratory is also better located for the new DAB ULS plant which is currently being commissioned”. Connects (L to R) Marilyn, Guillaume and Malcolm Halifax Hosts Calderdale Councillors’ Visit Our Halifax site recently welcomed two local councillors for an introductory talk and facility tour. They were hosted by Guillaume Peron, Site Director, who explained how the site has experienced significant change in recent years, including the large scale transfer of technology from Solvay in Leeds and investment in a new production plant. With Solvay’s site lying near the centre of their ward, Councillors Marilyn Greenwood and Malcolm James, the Greetland and Stainland ward representatives on Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council, took great interest in the company’s processes and its community activities. After the tour, Councillor James said: “Having had a career in chemicals before retiring and entering local politics, I found the tour really fascinating. The site is well masked by the surrounding hills and established woodlands, and I had little idea of the true scale of the operations.” Councillor Greenwood added: “We’re very pleased to have Solvay in our ward, as there are many benefits to the community and the economy as a whole. Given the close proximity of residents, it was also particularly interesting to hear about the company’s swift handling of any complaints”. [email protected] [email protected] SOLVAY Connects [ Autumn 2014 ] [ nº 30 ] 5 Regional Guillaume said: “Halifax site is undergoing significant change and, coupled with my recent appointment, we are keen to engage with our local councillors. We explained how the new lines have resulted in Halifax becoming a top tier COMAH (Control of Major Accident Hazards) site; doubling in size in terms of both employees and manufacturing output.” Change Warrington (L to R) Alexis Brouhns (Corporate Governance), Bob Tyler, Melvin Dawes and Len Sharpe H48 demolition in progress “For the times they are a-changin’…” Regional As Bob Dylan reminds us, change is constant and our Warrington site is certainly putting on a new face. The physical look of the site is beginning to undergo great change with the gradual demolition of the H48 Plant and erection of the Process Heat Recovery Unit. We expect both projects to be completed this year. 6 [ Autumn 2014 ] [ nº 30 ] SOLVAY Another aspect of change begins as we say farewell to some familiar faces. With the re-structure of the site, following the closure of the PCS Plant, an offer of voluntary redundancy was made. The times have seen us saying farewell to the first group of volunteers under this programme. See page 19. I thank each and every one of them for their contribution to the success of the Warrington site over many years. The future will bring further changes in personnel as we complete the programme of decontamination required prior to the demolition of the PCS Plant. An extensive training regime is already well underway for the introduction of the new roles and shift pattern. Again, my thanks to all those involved in making this a smooth transition. Manager, a position he took up following Solvay’s acquisition of Rhodia in 2011. In his time, Bob has experienced many changes, with Solvay being the fourth owner of the business he has been associated with. He has fulfilled many roles within Group Purchasing, HR, Facility Management and as a Director of several Business Units. Bob has also had a 40-year association with the UK Chemical Industries Association, serving a term as its President. Our best wishes go with Bob as he begins this new chapter in his life. Congratulations to Melvin Dawes who will take up the position of UK Country Manager whilst continuing with his Solvay UK legal activities. Recent excellent performance and on-line time has seen the volumes of Hydrogen Peroxide transported off site increasing to higher levels than ever before. After what has been the best summer since my arrival in the UK, it seems the change of seasons is upon us and winter fast approaches. As we all know, this means making appropriate changes to ensure we all stay safe and manage the hazards “blowin’ in the wind”! At the national level, Bob Tyler is retiring after 26 years with the company. Bob will step down as Head of Global Facilities and UK Country Len Sharpe Managing Director Solvay Interox Limited Connects Responsible Care This year the Chemical Industries Association (CIA) is celebrating 25 years of its Responsible Care (RC) programme in the UK. The September conference was attended by a wide range of HSE professionals from CIA member companies and other key stakeholders. 25 years of Responsible Care Can you remember 1989? Who was the US President and the UK Prime Minister? What was the UK Christmas number 1 single? Who won Sports Personality of the Year? John Roche, CIA Head of Responsible Care, welcomed everyone to the conference with these questions. 1989 also saw Tim Burners-Lee launch the Blueprint for the World Wide Web and the first trial Text message was sent. Responsible Care was launched by the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada in 1985 and was adopted by the UK in 1989. It helped our industry contribute to sustainable development whilst meeting growing demand for essential chemicals. In 2006 the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) launched the Responsible Care Global Charter. This is sponsored by our own CEO, Jean-Pierre Clamadieu. John Roche was pleased to welcome Dr. HansJurgen Korte, chair of the ICCA Responsible Care Leadership Group (RCLG) and a member of Solvay’s Corporate Governance and Public Affairs department. Presentations by CIA specialists illustrated the improvements made within the industry during the past 25 years, but recognised that we still have scope for further improvement. The perspective of the chemical industry regulator was also presented whilst there was an opportunity to hear from the winners of four of the industry leadership awards made earlier this year (see Solvay Connects no. 29). Finally, Dave Topliffe, Shell Production Manager, outlined the CIA Responsible Care Strategy Group’s vision for the future to close the conference. Conference Delegates (L to R) John Roche (CIA), Hans-Jurgen Korte (ICCA and Solvay), Martin Griffiths (Solvay) and Dave Topliffe (Shell) How did you do with the questions? The answers were: George H W Bush and Margaret Thatcher, Band Aid II “Do they know it’s Christmas” and Nick Faldo. SOLVAY Regional Dr. Korte explained the evolution of the RCLG which now includes 57 member associations throughout the world, each committed to achieving the Group’s vision that “The global chemical industry will be widely valued and supported for its economic, social and environmental contributions to society.” RC awareness continues to grow with interest shown by associations in China, India and Africa. ICCA’s RC charter, released in 2005, was reviewed in 2013 and is expected to be endorsed at the ICCA conference to be held later this year in London. The updated charter will give a clearer message and add explicit commitments to improvement in Process S a fe t y, S ta ke h old e r Co m m un i ca t i o n a n d Security. Connects [ Autumn 2014 ] [ nº 30 ] 7 GBU ID Cards Series 2014/ 9 of 16* GBU ID Cards GBU Silica GBU Silica provides innovative solutions for tyre manufacturers, in addition to applications for many other market segments: toothpaste, food, industrial products and rubber goods. The GBU develops its activity in close partnership with customers, fed by innovation and leveraging a strong global presence. End Products Key Figures for 2013 Revenue EUR 416million Employees Not Reported % of R&I spend from total revenues Not Reported Our Group "Silica is a team proud of its results, focused on innovation and committed to excellence. These qualities have permitted us to double our EBITDA over the five past years and has set the momentum for our future." Tom Benner GBU President 8 [ Autumn 2014 ] [ nº 30 ] SOLVAY Highly Dispersible Silica (HDS), marketed in the Zeosil® range, has become a reference in the tyre industry. Zeosil®HDS products help reduce the energy consumed by tyres and, therefore, vehicle fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The GBU’s Tixosil® silica range is used for oral care, animal nutrition and food applications. It has remarkable absorption capacities and is widely used to transform liquids (Vitamin E, organic acids, flavours…) into free-flowing powders. Its anti-caking properties enable better dosing for products like sugar, and silicas are also used to improve dispersion in soups, powdered milk, etc. When used in oral care applications, Tixosil® silicas allow high quality polishing and cleaning performance. GBU Strategy Silica aims to deliver on its promise of doubledigit REBITDA growth over the next few years. In 2014 the business is targeting a 10% increase compared to last year. The GBU admits that achieving this, particularly when it already holds such a high market share, will be a challenge. Connects Organic growth and innovation are the major pillars of its roadmap. The GBU is leveraging the opportunity provided by the implementation of new tyre labelling regulations in different markets. It also regularly invests in capacity to meet growth opportunities and maintain its market leadership while reinforcing proximity to customers. The GBU has implemented a Voice of the Customer (VoC) initiative (a Commercial Excellence programme) in order to defend its market with existing customers. This initiative has allowed it to assess customer concerns on issues such as quality, on-time delivery, reliability, innovation, and safety, and has highlighted some areas for improvement. Innovation is a critical lever. For example, the GBU is going to soon launch a new product called Efficium ® that will help tyre manufacturers reduce their manufacturing cycle-times by up to 50%. This product could also be used to address new segments such as the truck tyre market. *This series will introduce 4 new GBUs each issue of this magazine throughout 2014. GBU ID Cards Series 2014/ 10 of 16* GBU Acetow Solvay Acetow is one of the top four producers of filter tow, the key component for cigarette filters. Its products and particularly its flakes , Rhodia® Acetol, are also used in plastic applications and textiles. Solvay Acetow’s cellulose acetate is produced from bio-sourced raw material in the form of wood pulp obtained from renewable and carefully managed forests. Key Figures for 2013 Revenue EUR 658 million Employees 1,300 % of R&I spend from total revenues Not Reported "What makes Acetow unique and strong is a high level of team spirit, highly motivated employees and entrepreneurship. We are proud of our good achievements to develop a strong and robust global business. We work on that every day. We have a clearly defined growth strategy and vision for our business." End Products GBU Strategy • The GBU’s key product is Rhodia® Filter Tow, a product attained from the acetylation of cellulose. It is available in a wide range of technical specifications to cover all varieties of cigarette filters. • Acetow offers innovative products and services to the filter industry, such as Filter Tow for Micro Slim cigarettes, Rhodia Coloured Tow™; Rhodia FilterSorb™ and Rhodia DE-Tow™. • Rhodia Acetol®, a bio-degradable polymer material, is used in the production of specialty textiles and bio-sourced plastics worldwide. •Accoya® wood is a long-lasting, non-toxic wood, sourced from sustainable FSC* certified wood. It is a high-performance wood, ideal for outdoor use. *The Forest Acetow’s growth strategy has two key pillars: reinforcing the Tow Business and diversifying its product portfolio. To reinforce its Tow Business, Acetow provides customers and partners with high quality, innovative products, an increasing range of Tow specifications, and active customer support. The GBU also develops new products within Acetow’s core know-how: acetylation. The business’s first acetylation project is Accoya®. Acetylation greatly reduces the ability of wood to absorb water, making it more stable. As an acetylated sustainably sourced timber, Accoya® wood is ideal for outdoor use and challenging applications. Ocalio™, a cellulose acetate bio-plastic manufactured by using wood pulp from sustainably certified forests, is designed for a wide range of consumer goods, with end-uses such as cosmetic packaging and consumer electronics. Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international not for-profit organisation that promotes responsible management of the world’s forests. Our Group Olivier Ferrary GBU President SOLVAY Connects [ Autumn 2014 ] [ nº 30 ] 9 GBU ID Cards Series 2014/ 11 of 16* GBU Emerging Biochemicals GBU Emerging Biochemicals produces and supplies chlor - alkali derivatives such as PVC, caustic soda and bio-based epichlorohydrin Epicerol® to a wide range of industries in Asia. Key Figures for 2013 Revenue EUR 423 million Employees 510 % of R&I spend from total revenues 0.6% "In 2013, GBU Emerging Biochemicals sustainably sailed through headwinds with a full commitment to economic, ecological and social responsibilities. We thank the entire staff and management for their dedication to further enhancing the GBU’s performance and image in its markets, safety results, local environment and social responsibility." Our Group Bruno van der Wielen GBU President 10 [ Autumn 2014 ] [ nº 30 ] SOLVAY End Products GBU Strategy The GBU operates via the Thai company Vinythai Public Company Ltd., and its subsidiaries, managing the Group’s chlorovinyls and Epicerol® activities in Asia. The GBU produces and sells: The GBU strives to increase value creation through: • PVC or polyvinylchloride resins under the trademark - Siamvic®, a high-quality range of products used in a variety of industries, including automotive, building & construction, consumer goods, electrical & electronics, healthcare, packaging, plumbing and wire & cable. • Caustic soda, or sodium hydroxide, a strong base soluble in water. It is used in various applications that are part of daily life, such as pulp and paper, aluminum, detergents, fibres and food & feed, among others. •Epicerol®, a bio-based epichlorohydrin that is an essential feedstock for the production of epoxy resins. It is increasingly used in applications such as corrosion protection coatings, as well as in the electronics, automotive, aerospace and wind turbine industries. Epicerol® is a new production process, developed and patented by Solvay, which has demonstrated significant economic and environmental advantages. Connects • Continuously improving the cost competiveness of the well-integrated industrial site of Map Ta Phut, through secured raw material supplies, research and development activities and operational excellence programmes. • Increasing PVC share in the domestic Thai market and refocusing export in selected markets with a high contribution margin; developing targeted applications to support market growth. • Establishing and stabilising Epicerol ® market share with profitability in the Asian epichlorohydrin market, and developing alternative export markets to other regions for further growth. Also, leveraging the product’s bio-based and CO2 reduction value to capture volume in the short and medium term, and securing a bio-based price premium in niche markets. • Consolidating the sustainable development activities of the GBU through further emission reductions, the improvement of raw material and utilities consumption, the broadening of well-established corporate social responsibility projects and further involvement of all GBU employees in those activities. • GBU Emerging Biochemicals intends to double its REBITDA between 2013 and 2016. GBU ID Cards Series 2014/ 12 of 16* GBU Fibras Fibras is Latin America’s number one manufacturer of polyamide (nylon). The GBU produces polyamide 6.6-based yarns and fibres used in many textile and industrial applications. With a strong focus on innovation, Fibras has developed specific expertise in designing yarns for smart textiles. Key Figures for 2013 Revenue EUR 138 million Employees 1,194 % of R&I spend from total revenues Not Reported "Fibras is experiencing a notable moment in its history. For the first time, our international ambitions can be effectively realised, thanks to global demand for our unique innovations EMANA® and AMNI® Soul Eco. Alongside that, intense foreign competition in our key markets has required a thorough review of our strategy. Our customers demand top quality products and high productivity. Our response is to invest in new processes and technologies. Innovation and productivity: these are our answers to the challenges we face, building a new, revolutionary GBU Fibras." GBU Strategy Textile Yarns The GBU provides high quality textile yarns, notable for their excellent performance, comfort, raw materials and functionality. Marketed under the AMNI® and EMANA® brands, these innovations are recognised by Brazil’s health authorities. The EMANA® fibre includes bio-crystals that interact with body heat. EMANA® is well regarded by textiles manufacturers for its beneficial cosmetics effects on skin and ability to enhance athletic performance. In 2013, the integration of EMANA® into denim resulted in the world’s first "technological jeans", opening new global prospects for the brand. GBU Fibras’ strategy focuses on three main levers: Industrial Yarns Durability, fatigue resistance, high abrasion resistance, dimensional stability and mechanical strength are some of the characteristics found in the GBU’s industrial yarns and fibres, which are used in products such as nets, ropes and ship cables, sewing thread, and the structural reinforcement of tyres, conveyor belts and transmission hoses, as well as fibres for abrasives, such as dishwashing sponges. 1. Innovation: solve unmet/ unforeseen end customer demand through the development of intelligent yarns such as EMANA ® and AMNI ® Soul Eco; new products and new applications; 2. Differentiation: value proposition and brand promotion to offer enhanced consumer experiences to end users; 3. Competitiveness: reinvent the GBU’s industrial footprint, focusing on productivity, flexibility and superior quality. Innovation, technological expertise, high quality products and reliable logistics are Fibras’ major assets to serve its demanding markets. The development of close relationships with its customers is the key factor to its success. SOLVAY Our Group Francisco Ferraroli GBU President End Products Connects [ Autumn 2014 ] [ nº 30 ] 11 Solvay Way Sites vulnerable to hydric stress under survey Water scarcity is a challenge Solvay is confronting head on. Water stress occurs if the freshwater renewal in a particular area is low in comparison to the needs. "It’s not a matter of water quantity per se. It’s a matter of fulfilling requirements for all users, be it for agriculture, drinking water or industry," explains Koen Vermeiren, Health Safety & Environment (HSE). "Should water shortages occur, there could be competition for these resources. We don’t want to enter into that." The sites of Map Ta Phut (Thailand, 2005) and Rosignano (Italy, 2011/2012) have been affected by drought periods and urgently had to find alternative water sources to maintain operations. In a more recent crisis, some operations that have open water circuits had to be stopped for three weeks at the Paulinia plant (Brazil). In review Solvay has initiated a study for 35 of the Group’s sites, selected by the use of water risk screening tools. The study comprises 20 general questions covering various types of water risks, the way water is managed, rainfall, and the demographic and economic development in each region. It also queries data on the various water sources a site uses, in terms of long-term availability, cost, and Solvay’s share among all users. Our Group During the Paulinia crisis 12 [ Autumn 2014 ] [ nº 30 ] From the 35 sites under investigation, 11 have indeed suffered water scarcity episodes and three had to slow down production as a consequence. Early results show that 60% of the assessed sites have effective water consumption reduction plans aligned with Solvay’s water policy. Additionally, a third use more than one source to cover their water needs. There is room for improvement in terms of best practices. The following key best practices are in place at only 10 – 19% of the sites surveyed: water audits, recycling water from external companies such as municipal wastewater treatment plants, getting sites involved in the management committees of local water basins. "The recent water supply crisis in our region of Brazil made us all aware of the need to discuss the management of this resource, together with Recovering from Paulinia crisis the urban population, a g r i c u l t u ra l s e c t o r, industrial community and governmental authorities," says Jorge Galgaro, Solvay Environment Manager at Paulinia. "Collectively, we are working to ensure that water remains available to future generations." SOLVAY Connects Koen Vermeiren: "A full analysis of the survey is in progress, and the coming months will be dedicated to developing dashboards and drawing conclusions." The study at Group level completes the local water resource efficiency evaluations, which are a requirement of the Solvay Way framework for continuous improvement in sustainable development. "It will feed the Group’s water management strategy," explains Abdoul Razak, a trainee from ENSEEG* in France who contributed to the survey. Blue water footprint For 18 of the sites studied, water use impact at the level of individual water basins was calculated using data available from UNESCO**. Results show that 10 of the 18 river basins, where these sites are located, are over-exploited: during part of the year, more water is taken out than is returned to the basin. This seasonal scarcity could result in increased competition between users, and could impact local eco-systems and bioavailability. "One of the Group’s 12 key 2020 sustainability targets is to achieve viable water management in each of the sites located in regions under hydric stress," says HSE Director Patrick Cleret. "We must ensure that there is fair access to water among the various users who rely on the same source." (*) The École Nationale Supérieure d'Électrochimie et d'Électrométallurgie de Grenoble (engineering school) (**)The Institute of Water Education UNESCO-IHE, A.Y. Hoekstra and M.M. Mekonnen, September 2011, Research report series No. 53 Solvay Way Solvay and Sustainability, how are we doing? In 2013, Solvay developed a set of sustainability targets for 2020 that aim to address social, societal and environmental challenges. What progress has been made? The answer to this can be found in the Group’s 2013 Sustainable Development Report… Highlights Energy reduction Thanks to the introduction of the Group’s energy efficiency control programme "Solwatt", Solvay’s overall energy intensity has been reduced by 4% since 2009. Sustainable products and solutions By the end of 2013, 64% of Solvay’s revenue had been assessed for market alignment, and it was determined that 36% of the revenue came from solutions that help improve the sustainability profiles of customers and deliver environmental benefits to end consumers. Holding ourselves accountable Since 2013, 10% of the annual variable bonus of the 7,500 managers and of the CEO relates to CSR criteria. "To my knowledge, the Social and Environmental Responsibility bonus, as introduced at Solvay, does not exist elsewhere," explains Jacques. "Other similar practices generally only concern top management, but this is not the case in our Group since more than 7,000 of our employees are eligible." Solvay CEO Jean-Pierre Clamadieu signs IndustriALL Global Agreement A major step towards fulfilling the Group’s sustainability priorities was the signing of a global agreement on social and environmental responsibility with IndustriALL Global Union in 2013. "With this, Solvay has committed to respecting international social standards as defined by the International Labour Organisation and has promised to comply with the principles of the United Nations Global Compact in all of its operations worldwide," says Jacques Kheliff, Sustainable Development Group General Manager. "The Agreement creates a structure for information and dialogue, and for affirming our commitment to good industrial and labour practices," adds Jean Christophe Sciberras, Human Resources Head of Industrial Relations. Another milestone was the launch of Solvay Way, which defines the Group’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), implemented through best practices. The results of that self-assessment, concluded at the start of this year, are included in various parts of the 2013 Sustainable Development Report. "These positive assessments should encourage us to continue our efforts on the way to the creation of responsible development," concludes Jacques. Download a copy of the Sustainable Development report on WeLink: http://welink.solvay.com/en/ binaries/2013_SD_Report_166449.pdf Who is IndustriALL? IndustriALL Global Union represents 50 million workers in mining, energy and manufacturing in 140 countries. It is a force in global solidarity for better working conditions and trade union rights. SOLVAY Connects [ Autumn 2014 ] [ nº 30 ] 13 Our Group "In a short period we have been able to – as a Group – construct and formalise the Solvay Way policy, deploy it and achieve a first self-assessment with 100% of our entities," explains Jacques. "This could only have been achieved through the successful mobilisation of employees. Solvay Way is a culture of responsibility." Sustainable development performance is recognised by international, non-financial rating agencies. Solvay is well referenced in the 2013 indices of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and FTSE4Good, among others. Safety Let’s avoid learning safety by accident! One of the key objectives of Solvay’s Safety Initiative, launched in 2012, was to reduce, by the end of 2014, the number of irreversible accidents by 30%, compared to mid-2012. This would mean a move from three accidents to no greater than two over a 12-month timeframe. Unfortunately, a fatality in India this August marks the Group’s second irreversible accident this year, and serves as a stark reminder that there’s just no room for complacency. An irreversible accident is more specifically an accident with irreversible consequences, such as a loss of limb, incapacitation or death. The year 2013 was a particularly worrying year for the Group with no fewer than nine irreversible accidents, including two deaths. Accidents most often involve moving parts "In reviewing the accident investigations, one sees that there is no unique cause or common explanation for irreversible accidents. This is why safety management poses such a challenge," explains Jean-Bernard Savoye, Industrial Function / HSE, Corporate Process Manager, Occupational Safety. "What is relatively similar is that in most cases the accidents involved equipment with moving parts, be it operations on equipment already in motion, moving parts that suddenly start motion during operation, or operations involving vehicles."These accidents most often impact the extremities of upper limbs. Jean-Bernard Savoye "Lock out, tag out, try out" Our Group To avoid such dramatic consequences, Solvay operators apply a range of safety procedures promoted by the Industrial Function, such as LOTO – lock out, tag out and try out. "This means you have to cut off the equipment’s energy, ‘lock’ it and try it out to ensure that it is inoperable. Then the operator should ‘tag’ the equipment indicating why it has been isolated," says Jean-Bernard. 14 [ Autumn 2014 ] [ nº 30 ] SOLVAY Connects Another effective practice is the Last Minute Talk. "Just before work starts, the foreman talks to the team explaining what work is going to be done, what risks they face, how they can protect themselves and what they should be aware of. This is a simple but worthwhile reminder just before everyone starts their activities, to heighten the awareness of risks and safety precautions," he adds. A culture of safety A building block of safety culture is raising awareness about irreversible accidents. "People must be well prepared for the job at hand; there can be no improvisation," JeanBernard emphasises. A living safety culture also means that in any unexpected situation, reassessing the risks is a must. Irreversible accidents are unacceptable. “You hear of some workplace environments in which workers brag about a missing tip of the finger or a damaged limb as if it is the result of a colourful workplace war story. But losing a finger should never be ‘the cost of doing business’. At Solvay, the well-being of our colleagues and the communities in which we work should be valued above all else.” How Accidents Happen Fingertip crushed when pushing a crane’s stabiliser During the removal of a crane’s stabilisers, the operator had his fingertip crushed between the stabiliser bolt and the truck chassis. Unfortunately, part of his fingertip had to be amputated. Belt conveyors are particularly dangerous Amongst equipment with moving parts, belt conveyors are particularly dangerous. An accident occurred in the Group last year, injuring an operator. It happened while cleaning a rotating drum of a conveyor in operation. The operator’s right arm was trapped between belt and drum, and had to be amputated above the elbow. Our Group Belt conveyor at the time of the accident Belt conveyor after corrective actions SOLVAY Connects [ Autumn 2014 ] [ nº 30 ] 15 Royal appointment David explains the bottling process to Prince Charles Welsh Farmhouse Apple Juice Each year Warrington employs an environmental sandwich student to assist with our ground remediation monitoring programme and other environmental work. David Morris was our intern in 2012-13 and returned in June this year to assist with the training of this year’s student, Daniel Lansley. David received his degree from Manchester Metropolitan University in July and started full-time work in August. Before he did so, he returned home for a very special appointment. He sent us this report. juice. The organically grown apples are all sourced locally and picked by hand to ensure the product is of the highest quality. Many of the orchards we use contain ancient and often rare types of apples that possess unique qualities that give us a wide spectrum of flavours depending on which apple we use. The handshake Local Over the past five years my family’s apple juice company – Welsh Farmhouse Apple Juice – has been juicing and bottling for a wide variety of clients. The Prince of Wales recently visited the farm to see how the process works. Of course we were delighted to welcome The Prince to the family home and show him how this award winning juice is produced. Our family-run company, nestled in the picturesque Brecon Beacons National Park just outside Crickhowell, produces upwards of 30 different types of single variety apple 16 [ Autumn 2014 ] [ nº 30 ] SOLVAY The process A single variety of apple is picked by hand when ripe and juiced, using a press, the same day to ensure the quality is not compromised. At this point a small amount of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is added to prevent the juice from browning. The juice is then pumped into tanks where it is left over night to allow the sediment to settle. The following morning, the juice is put into bottles and heated up to 70 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes (pasteurised) to prevent the juice from turning into cider. Once the tops are put on and the bottles have cooled they are stored away to undergo Connects labelling and boxing for delivery. From tree to bottle, the process takes less than 24 hours to complete and ensures that the juice is of the highest quality possible. No sugars, colours or preservatives are added to the juice, the only addition is a tiny amount of vitamin C. For more information visit: www.welshfarmhouseapplejuice.co.uk Prince Charles sampling David Morris Former Environmental Trainee Community Meryl Jameson (Catalyst), Harry Kroto and John Roche (Chemical Industries Association) Trustees and staff at Catalyst Science Discovery Centre in Widnes were delighted to welcome Nobel Prize Winner, Professor Sir Harry Kroto, to two recent events at the Centre. Professor Kroto grew up in Bolton before studying chemistry at Sheffield University where he gained his BSc and PhD. Nobel Prize Winner at Catalyst He was knighted in 1996 for contributions to Chemistry and later that year, together with Robert Curl and Richard Smalley, received the Nobel Prize for Chemistry for the discovery of C60 Buckminsterfullerene, a new form of carbon. It has a cage-like structure which resembles a football, earning it the nickname “Buckyball”. Professor Kroto is a Fellow of the Royal Society, former President of the Royal Society of Chemistry and is currently a professor at Florida State University. As a Patron of Catalyst, Professor Kroto and his wife Margaret were delighted to accept an invitation to an evening reception where he was taken on a guided tour of the Centre and met trustees, sponsors and invited guests. The following day, Professor Kroto returned to Catalyst to present a workshop to over 100 schoolchildren from West Bank and St Bede’s Catalyst Trustee Andrew Ritchie with Harry Kroto Phill Day, Education Manager at Catalyst said “It was amazing to see children from three local schools in the presence of a Nobel Prize Laureate for Chemistry, who clearly remembered what it was like to be a child with an aspiration to succeed. Professor Kroto’s enthusiasm rubbed off on these children as they then constructed the ‘Buckyball’ models of the carbon that he so famously discovered”. Sir Harry, who travels extensively around the world delivering these workshops, said “I am so pleased that the children were inspired, as that makes our travels worthwhile”. Having just returned from teaching children in Columbia and Rome, Professor Kroto also held sessions at Sheffield and Bolton. After Catalyst he was travelling on to Sussex before leaving for Moscow. Catalyst Chairman, Bryan Davies said “Catalyst had the most prestigious day in its history when Sir Harry Kroto agreed to teach local pupils”. He added, “Sir Harry is Lancashire born and his presentation to the assembled school children was inspirational and reinforced the values of studying STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects as a route to future interest, stimulation and employment. As the UK’s only Science Discovery Centre dedicated to Chemistry, it was an honour and a privilege to host a Nobel Prize Winner at the Centre.” More information about Catalyst can be found at www.catalyst.org.uk Alan Tulley (Friends of Catalyst) and Trevor Rhodes (Harman Technology) with Martin Griffiths SOLVAY Connects [ Autumn 2014 ] [ nº 30 ] 17 Local West Bank Primary pupils Abi Kelly and Stephen Downey with Prof. Kroto and a Buckyball model Primary Schools in Widnes and Didsbury CE Primary School in Manchester. A presentation was followed by an interactive workshop in which pupils built their own model of C60 Buckminsterfullerene, ably assisted by student volunteers from Liverpool Life Sciences UTC. Community We received this unique thank you from Warrington Gymnastics Club for our donation. Stockton Heath Festival thanked Solvay for sponsoring their Box Office. (L to R) Julie & Louise with the cheque they donated to St Luke’s Local £625 was donated to St Luke’s Hospice in recognition of achieving ‘No lost Time Accidents’ over a 10 year period, at the Solvay Lostock Site. The donation was to support St Luke’s “Recording Memories” service, which St Luke’s Hospice were campaigning for funding from local businesses, so they could buy essential equipment for their volunteers to use for this project. Solvay saw a way of putting their “reward” for safe working to good use within the community. 18 [ Autumn 2014 ] [ nº 30 ] SOLVAY Vic Walters (centre) and helpers Oldbury site held its annual Macmillan Coffee Morning on Friday 26th September. Employees and contractors alike enjoyed the great range of home-made cakes on offer. This year's event was a resounding success, raising a total of over £1,200 for this very worthwhile cause. Connects Congratulations to Robert Fitzsimons who married Charlotte Gibson on 30th August, 2014 in Moraira, Spain. Solvay People New Starters Warrington Long Service Lostock Warrington Vasco Castanho Utility Operator Paul Skitt 40 years Mark Wotham 35 years. (L to R) Alan Pritchard, Mark and Robert Fitzsimons Ian Greenway 40 years Lostock – Peter Dutton, 40 years Farewell Eduardo Leandro Laboratory Analyst Keith (centre), with Jon Pannell, Maintenance Services Manager (left) and Jean-François Berthiuame, Oldbury Site Director (right) Gereon Ploenes Laboratory Trainee Oldbury Site said farewell to Keith Waterhouse in July. He retired from his position as Safety Store & HSE Technician after 24 years of service with Solvay. We wish Keith a very happy retirement. Alan (3rd right) hands over to members of the new Tank Farm team, (L to R), Ashley Fleet, Andrew Keir and Clare Longden We would like to thank Reg Humphreys, Chris Easton, Paul Berwick, George Garside and Alan Rushworth for the service given to the company over the last 30 to 40 years. They have left as part of the current restructuring process at the Warrington site and we wish them all good luck for the future. Congratulations! SOLVAY Connects [ Autumn 2014 ] [ nº 30 ] Local Well done to Louise Williams for gaining a BSc First Class Honours degree in Health & Safety Management from Bolton University in June. 19 Solvay is pleased to support Acorns Children's Hospice.