Material Topic: E2 Pollution
Material Sub-topics: E2 Pollution (Pollution of Air, Pollution of Water, Pollution of Soil, and Microplastics) and E2 (Entity-specific) Process Safety
Minimize negative environmental impacts by preventing water and soil pollution, where possible, and reducing emissions to air
Relevant SDGs:
SDG targets:
6.3By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally
12.4By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment
14.1By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution
OMV is committed to protecting people and nature through measures such as preventing air, water, and soil pollution. We take responsibility for the environmental impact of our activities, recognizing that breaching environmental regulations at local, national, and international levels can result in financial losses and damage to our reputation. Our license to operate relies on compliance with environmental protection regulations, which is of critical importance to governmental authorities, shareholders, and stakeholders, including the public, local communities near our operations, and environmental NGOs and NPOs. OMV’s Code of Conduct and HSSE Policy formalize our public commitments to safeguarding the environment.
With the addition of Borealis to OMV, addressing microplastic pollution has become a priority. Every Borealis polyolefin production site produces microplastics in the form of plastic pellets, as well as flakes, powder, “angel hair,” and dust. These microplastics are typically smaller than 5 mm and accumulate in the environment because they are not biodegradable. This raises growing concerns about their potential long-term negative impacts on both ecosystems and human health. Most microplastics produced leave Borealis production sites as products packaged within primary containment. However, incidents involving the loss of primary containment and unintentional, unrecovered pellet loss can result in microplastics being emitted into the environment.