Obtain external certification of all European polyolefin (PO) sites (excluding recycling facilities) according to the OCS scheme
This voluntary target relates to the policy objective of achieving zero loss of pellets from primary containment and supports Borealis’ key goal of minimizing plastic particle emissions to the environment as much as possible. The target applies to all of Borealis’ polyolefin production sites (excluding recycling facilities) in Europe, encompassing all activities related to processing and handling plastic pellets. The number of OCS certificates issued is used as a measurement. The baseline value for target 1 is the result for 2024: 9.
2024
All Borealis’ European PO sites externally certified in accordance with the European OCS standard
Absolute Target
Value chain activities
Own operations
In scope
The target applies to all of Borealis’ polyolefin production sites, encompassing all activities related to processing and handling plastic pellets
Out of scope
Borealis’ recycling facilities
Geographical coverage
Europe PO sites.
Base year
2024
Baseline value
9 (based on 2024 result)
The target is defined using data from the number of OCS certificates issued by external certification bodies. A steering committee of Borealis’ senior managers evaluated and finalized the target, which was then approved and enforced by the highest management body for operations As the target was set in 2024, Borealis has not changed its targets, metrics, or methodologies. Borealis periodically review its methodologies to ensure they align with evolving scientific and regulatory standards. The target for minimizing pellet loss and spills is not based on conclusive scientific evidence. It was established through internal benchmarking, considering industry best practices, achievable levels, existing technologies, and operational improvements. No stakeholders were directly involved in setting this target.
Status 2024:
Out of the 14 Borealis PO sites, external OCS certification was completed for 9, postponed for 1, and not applicable for 4. Borealis monitors performance through quarterly on-site meetings of local OCS teams. The target is reviewed annually during management reviews as part of the integrated environmental management system, and adjustments made based on performance trends and operational developments. For details, see the Borealis Group Annual Report 2024 – Group Management Report – Non-financial Statement.
Total number of pellet spills to the environment is ≤1 per polyolefin (PO) site per year
This voluntary target aligns with the policy objective of mitigating impacts from pellet loss and supports Borealis’ key goal of minimizing plastic particle emissions to the environment as much as possible. The target applies to all of Borealis’ PO production sites globally, covering all activities related to processing and handling plastic pellets. All incidents are tracked in Borealis’ internal reporting tool. Performance against the target is measured by the number of cases reported per year per site. The baseline value for target 2 is the 2024 result: 7. This target has been in effect since 2024, which serves as the baseline year.
2025
Achieve ≤ 1 pellet spills to the environment per PO site per year
Absolute Target
Value chain activities
Own operations
In scope
The target applies to all of Borealis’ polyolefin production sites, encompassing all activities related to processing and handling plastic pellets
Out of scope
n.a.
Geographical coverage
Borealis’ polyolefin sites
Base year
2024
Baseline value
7 (based on 2024 result)
The target is based on data from non-conformities with site-specific OCS procedures that are observed and documented during off-site inspections by local OCS teams, as well as observations from all site personnel, contractors, and neighbors. A steering committee of Borealis’ senior managers evaluated and finalized the target, which was then approved and enforced by the highest management body for operations.
As the target was set in 2024, Borealis has not changed its targets, metrics, or methodologies. Borealis periodically reviews its methodologies to ensure they align with evolving scientific and regulatory standards. The target for minimizing pellet loss and spills is not based on conclusive scientific evidence. It was established through internal benchmarking, considering industry best practices, achievable levels, existing technologies, and operational improvements. No stakeholders were directly involved in setting this target.
Status 2024:
5 of the 14 Borealis PO sites reported pellet spills. This included Borealis Polymers Beringen (1 spill), Borealis Polymers Oy (Porvoo: 1 spill), Borealis AB Stenungsund (2 spills), Borealis Compounds Port Murray & Taylorsville (2 spills), and 1 spill at mtm plastics Niedergebra und Fürstenwalde. For details, see the Borealis Group Annual Report 2024 – Group Management Report – Non-financial Statement.
Neither of the targets relates to air pollutants and respective loads. In the EU, where OMV’s main operations are located, air emissions are strictly regulated. We plan to analyze the air emissions of our plants and, based on the analysis, will decide whether an air emissions target beyond the strict legal requirements is necessary. Target 2 addresses both emissions to water and specific loads, as well as pollution to soil and specific loads, with the aim of reducing plastic pellet spills to the environment. Due to their lack of biodegradability, microplastics tend to accumulate in the environment, including in water and soil. Neither target is related to the prevention and control of substances of concern and substances of very high concern. Our target related to pellet spills aims to reduce plastic discharge to the environment, in particular to water. At OMV, our spill management approach is designed to minimize pollution to soil, maintaining the integrity of the environment around our operations. While we are committed to this objective, a specific target for minimizing soil pollution caused by spills is yet to be developed.