Environmental protection & safety at EMS

Both as manufacturer of polymer construction materials and as a development partner, EMS regards the continual improvement of our processes and products to ensure the highest levels of environmental compatibility and safety, to be an ongoing task and commitment.

Ensuring protection of the environmental and upholding safety levels are comprehensive tasks which cover all activities within EMS. This starts with a careful selection and environmentally compatible transport of raw materials and ends with safe and clean handling, application and disposal of our products.

Guidelines regarding health, safety and environment

  • Sustainable development in economical, ecological and social matters is a main concern of company management.
  • Economic targets are not given preference over safety or health and environmental protection.
  • We develop environmentally compatible and safe products and processes.
  • We inform our customers about safe and environmentally compatible handling, application and disposal of our products. We recognise our responsibilities towards people and the environment. We inform customers, employees and the general public about the measures we have implemented in order to ensure protection of the environment and uphold safety levels. We work and cooperate openly with local authorities.
  • We minimise the effect of our actions on the planet and invest in environmental solutions which also protect biodiversity.
  • We expect our suppliers to observe environmental and safety standards and monitor this regularly.
  • We promote sourcing of sustainable climate-friendly resources and raw materials through focussed programmes and ensure they are used in a considered way. We continually analyse opportunities for optimisation to save resources.

Work and process safety

EMS has commited itself to safe operation of plants and processes. It is the mutual task of project engineers and safety experts to optimise ideas and avoid mistakes right from the start of project work.

Based on the most important plant design drawings, an experienced team carries out risk analysis for the complete project to determine any risks to people and the environment. In this way, weak points can be eliminated even before construction work is started.

Before start-up all systems are tested carefully, with particular attention paid to monitoring and control equipment. Following successful trial operation and only after approval by internal and external experts the specialist workforce can take command. Periodical safety controls by the workforce and other experts guarantee a high standard of safety.

Waste disposal management

Together with customers and suppliers EMS is continually striving to eliminate residue materials and waste. Despite efficient processes and ongoing improvements, these cannot, however, always be avoided.

Materials which we consider to be waste, can represent valuable raw materials for someone else. Packaging is separated and collected (metal, glass, cardboard, paper, wood etc.) and made available for recycling. Where recycling is not possible or sensible, materials can be utilised as an energy source. Residue materials often have a high combustive value, which can be made use of by cement works, incineration plants or high-temperature incinerators.

Prevention of air pollution

All technically possible systems are consistently implemented by EMS in order to keep the air clean. Priority is given to avoiding pollution.

In processes where exhaust air cannot be avoided, tailor-made technology for cleaning of the exhaust air are developed and installed.

The U+S experts have the task of carrying out controls and regular monitoring of exhaust air emission levels. Measuring protocols and test reports are provided to the authorities responsible.

GreenLine

GreenLine is the term selected for its new range of bio based polyamide specialties. GreenLine products are based on castor oil derivatives, a fully renewable resource, and are therefore originated from a non food crop.

A detailed Life Cycle Analysis conducted by EMS-GRIVORY shows that, that compared to traditional crude oil based polymers, these products will contribute to a reduction of global warming thanks to a significant reduction of CO2-emissions.

Depending on the GreenLine product the reduction in total CO2 can exceed 70%, compared to crude oil based EMS-GRIVORY products exhibiting similar properties.

For further information please click here.

"Watt d'Or 2008" awarded to EMS-CHEMIE by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy

This year's Watt d'Or for best performance in the energy field has been awarded to EMS-CHEMIE for establishing the TEGRA biomass power station and the resulting 80% reduction of CO2 emissions.

Carbon Neutrality

Since July 1, 2020, EMS has operated worldwide and at all production locations in a CO2-neutral way. more

Sustainability report

Responsible Care

Certificate from the Swiss Energy Agency

Data and Trends