Identifying & Managing ESG Impacts

Identifying and managing economic, environmental and social impacts
GRI 102-29 

Benchmarking is essential for identifying and addressing material challenges. In keeping with the principle that what can be measured can be improved, we have undertaken extensive research with regard to material challenges. 

In 2020, the materiality analysis was performed and encompassed soliciting input from internal experts and external stakeholders, conducting a benchmarking analysis and assessing Oerlikon’s sustainability actions and initiatives in its Annual Reports relative to more than 120 sustainability reports.

This depth of research has guided us to a consensus view of the topics, risks and trends that are most relevant to Oerlikon. These fall into two categories: those that could or already do have an impact on the company, and those on which the company has or could have a meaningful impact. We have captured an overview of these material challenges in a materiality matrix, which can be found here. 

Based on the materiality assessment, we have defined eight material challenges as focused areas (see materiality matrix here). Out of the eight material topics, six of them are already captured in our 2030 sustainability targets. On the topic of responsible sourcing and human rights, we have started our collaboration with EcoVadis and are working toward defining a reference roadmap by the end of 2022. For community engagement, we intend to define in 2022 a meaningful and measurable target.

We have also identified eight UN SDGs, toward which Oerlikon can make the most meaningful contributions and support countries in achieving these sustainability goals. To enable comparable and transparent reporting, we have chosen to report according to the internationally recognized GRI Standards.