Strategic foundation
The strong performance of Sika is founded on the company’s entrepreneurial philosophy and the Sika Spirit, which is a synonym for the set of five values and principles that make up the DNA and culture of the company: Customer First, Courage for Innovation, Sustainability & Integrity, Empowerment & Respect, and Manage for Results.
–10.1%
reduction of CO2eq emissions per ton sold (Scope 1 and 2). The emission of greenhouse gases was reduced significantly to 17.6 kg per ton sold, a reduction of 2.0 kg compared to 2020.
–9.7%
reduction in water consumed per ton sold. The amount of water used per ton sold declined to 0.20 m3.
+32.2%
community engagement projects than in the previous year.
Sika Roadmap
In 2022, Sika will continue its sustainability journey as presented in the roadmap below, maintaining a focus on net zero with a Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) commitment in the second half of 2022.
“Sustainability drives innovation and permeates our entire organization. It is both a mindset guiding us to be more respectful and resourceful in all our endeavors and a prerequisite for us to move towards the world of tomorrow. We aim to create added value for all stakeholders – with our sustainable solutions, close collaboration along the entire value chain, active community engagement, and our highly motivated and dedicated employees.”
Chief Innovation and Sustainability Officer
Sika Chief Innovation and
Sustainability Officer
In 2021, Sika nominated Patricia Heidtman as the new Chief Innovation and Sustainability Officer and member of Group Management. Combining leadership for Innovation and Sustainability will allow Sika to accelerate the integration of sustainability within the organization at all levels, and to become a leader within its industry.
Identification of Strategic Targets
At Sika, sustainability has long been a core element of its strategy, business operations and corporate culture. Sika’s Sustainability Strategy is therefore linked to its corporate strategy and encompasses six targets that cover the environmental, social, governance/economic dimensions. These targets were identified through the Materiality Analysis conducted in 2018 and contribute to eight of the 17 goals of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (UN SDGs).
Explore Sika’s Strategic Targets and the related 2021 performance.
Environmental
Material Topics
- Water Management
- Waste Management
- Circular Economy
- Materials
- Energy Management
- GHG Emissions
- Environmental Compliance
- Supplier Compliance
TARGET 2023
(BASELINE: 2019)
PERFORMANCE 2021
UN SGDs
TARGET 2023
(BASELINE: 2019)
Climate Performance
We run our business in a responsible way and mitigate climate change and its impacts.
| –12% | reduction of CO2eq emissions per ton sold (scope 1 and 2) |
PERFORMANCE 2021
–10.1% reduction of CO2eq emissions per ton sold (scope 1 and 2)1. The emission of greenhouse gases was reduced significantly to 17.6kg per ton sold, a reduction of 2.0 kg compared to 2020. Compared to baseline 2019: –34.6%
1 Based on market-based GHG emissions.
UN SGDs
THE UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (UN SDGs)
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable
- Sika solutions contribute to sustainable construction and new forms of mobility.
- Sika offers high-performance and low-cement mortars; root-resistant polymeric roof membranes and systems that allow the installation of green roofs to improve the urban climate; special concrete repair mortars and resins extend the service life of bridges and concrete structures.
- In 2021, Sika supported 242 Community Engagement projects. One of the three core areas of “Sika Cares” is buildings and infrastructure.
THE UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (UN SDGs)
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
- Sika’s sustainable innovations enable the expansion of clean energy infrastructure as well as the reduction of the carbon footprint and enhancement of longevity in the construction and transportation industries.
- Sika products enable customers to improve the energy efficiency of their manufacturing processes and their end products. Sika’s solutions reduce customers’ carbon emissions through longer lasting products or for example by replacement of carbon intensive raw materials, the introduction of quickcuring products or water-based solutions.
- Sika actively seeks performance enhancements by using recycled materials and sustainable chemicals.
- In 2021, Sika supported 242 Community Engagement projects. One of the three core areas is water and climate protection.
TARGET 2023
(BASELINE: 2019)
Energy
We manage resources and costs carefully.
| –15% | less energy consumption per ton sold |
 | Increase share of electricity from renewable energy sources |
PERFORMANCE 2021
+7.7% increase in the energy consumption per ton sold. Energy consumption per ton sold increased by 22 MJ to 308.1 MJ, due to the inclusion of leased vehicle fuel. Compared to baseline 2019: –15.1%
52.3% of purchased electricity was derived from renewable sources. This was a significant rise compared to the prior-year figure (+28.2% points)
UN SGDs
THE UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (UN SDGs)
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
- Replacement of technical equipment always focuses on new energy efficient installations, such as motors, air conditioning, heating/cooling, and pressurized air systems.
- Reduced amount of waste per ton sold by putting in place activities such as optimization of the production planning, streamlining the production process layout, and the reuse of production waste.
- Reuse of wastewater and water from cleaning processes, reduced consumption, or use of lower-grade water qualities.
- Sika offers its customers solutions that improve performance and durability. These products make it possible to achieve quality installations with fewer resources.
THE UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (UN SDGs)
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
- Sika’s sustainable innovations enable the expansion of clean energy infrastructure as well as the reduction of the carbon footprint and enhancement of longevity in the construction and transportation industries.
- Sika products enable customers to improve the energy efficiency of their manufacturing processes and their end products. Sika’s solutions reduce customers’ carbon emissions through longer lasting products or for example by replacement of carbon intensive raw materials, the introduction of quickcuring products or water-based solutions.
- Sika actively seeks performance enhancements by using recycled materials and sustainable chemicals.
- In 2021, Sika supported 242 Community Engagement projects. One of the three core areas is water and climate protection.
TARGET 2023
(BASELINE: 2019)
Waste/Water
We increase material and water efficiency.
| –15% | less waste generation per ton sold |
| +25% | higher recycling rate of total waste |
| –15% | less water consumption per ton sold |
PERFORMANCE 2021
–9.6% less waste per ton sold. The volume of waste was reduced to 11.2kg per ton sold. Compared to 2020: –20.5%
33.9% of the waste generated was recycled, a stable figure compared to 2020 (35.3%). Compared to baseline 2019: +/–0%
–9.7% reduction in water consumed per ton sold. The amount of water used per ton sold declined to 0.20 m3. Compared to baseline 2019: –42.6%
UN SGDs
THE UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (UN SDGs)
Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all
- Sika endeavors to provide intelligent support for projects through the application of company-specific expertise, voluntary work by its employees, and long-term collaboration with partners.
- By signing Sika’s Supplier Code of Conduct, suppliers undertake to respect the provisions of the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the core Conventions of the International Labor Organization.
- In 2021, Sika supported 242 Community Engagement Projects. One of the goals of these projects is to improve the quality of life of children, adults, and families in the communities in which the company is active.
THE UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (UN SDGs)
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
- Replacement of technical equipment always focuses on new energy efficient installations, such as motors, air conditioning, heating/cooling, and pressurized air systems.
- Reduced amount of waste per ton sold by putting in place activities such as optimization of the production planning, streamlining the production process layout, and the reuse of production waste.
- Reuse of wastewater and water from cleaning processes, reduced consumption, or use of lower-grade water qualities.
- Sika offers its customers solutions that improve performance and durability. These products make it possible to achieve quality installations with fewer resources.
Social
Material Topics
- Diversity
- Employee Education and Training
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Customer Health and Safety
- Human Rights and Labor Standards
- Supplier Compliance
- Local Community Engagement
TARGET 2023
(BASELINE: 2019)
PERFORMANCE 2021
UN SGDs
TARGET 2023
(BASELINE: 2019)
Community Engagement
We build trust and create value – with customers,
communities, and society.
| 10,000 | working days of volunteering work |
| +50% | more projects |
| +50% | more direct beneficiaries |
PERFORMANCE 2021
1,392 working days of employees were dedicated to volunteering work, an increase of +24.4% compared to prior year.
242 projects were carried out in and for local communities, +32.2% more projects than in the prior year. Compared to baseline 2019: +63.5%
44,188 direct beneficiaries of the Community Engagement Program. Compared to baseline 2019: +469.1%
UN SGDs
THE UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (UN SDGs)
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education, and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
- In 2021, 301,346 hours were dedicated to Sika employees’ training on various topics such as compliance, professional skill building, and leadership development.
- To contribute to the qualification level of people in the construction trade, Sika holds a large number of customer trainings worldwide annually.
- In 2021, Sika supported 242 Community Engagement Projects. One of the three core areas of “Sika Cares” is education and vocational trainings.
THE UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (UN SDGs)
Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
- A global water efficiency program including local road maps is in place to reduce water consumption, wastewater, and promote recycling of water resources with set targets until 2023.
- Identification of Sika countries at risk of water scarcity and floods through the Water Risk Atlas database. Measures to reduce water consumption or to reuse water are in place, particularly in water-stressed regions.
- Sika offers a whole range of innovative solutions to protect and save water used in newbuild and refurbishment of drinking water and wastewater facilities.
- In 2021, Sika supported 242 Community Engagement Projects. One of the three core areas of “Sika Cares” is water and climate protection.
THE UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (UN SDGs)
Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all
- Sika endeavors to provide intelligent support for projects through the application of company-specific expertise, voluntary work by its employees, and long-term collaboration with partners.
- By signing Sika’s Supplier Code of Conduct, suppliers undertake to respect the provisions of the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the core Conventions of the International Labor Organization.
- In 2021, Sika supported 242 Community Engagement Projects. One of the goals of these projects is to improve the quality of life of children, adults, and families in the communities in which the company is active.
THE UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (UN SDGs)
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable
- Sika solutions contribute to sustainable construction and new forms of mobility.
- Sika offers high-performance and low-cement mortars; root-resistant polymeric roof membranes and systems that allow the installation of green roofs to improve the urban climate; special concrete repair mortars and resins extend the service life of bridges and concrete structures.
- In 2021, Sika supported 242 Community Engagement projects. One of the three core areas of “Sika Cares” is buildings and infrastructure.
TARGET 2023
(BASELINE: 2019)
Occupational Safety
Sika employees leave the workplace healthy.
| –50% | Lost Time Accidents |
| 0 | fatalities |
PERFORMANCE 2021
256 Lost Time Accidents, a +11.3% increase compared to prior year. Compared to baseline 2019: –1.9%
Zero fatalities among Sika employees and contractors.
UN SGDs
THE UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (UN SDGs)
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for everyone at all ages
- The Group monitors environmental and safety aspects during development, production, and product-handling stages.
- The EHS minimum requirements are a set of 12 specific operational requirements which have been implemented between 2020 and 2021 in each Sika company in relatio to workplace safety.
- Sika Life Saving Rules are in place to keep all Sika employees, contractors, and visitors safe from harm while at work. They apply to all Sika sites and to Sika employees when visiting clients or suppliers.
- Sika aims to eliminate substances hazardous to health or the environment from products and production processes wherever possible. An internal control system is in place to monitor the progress and complement local legal requirements. Sika constantly improves formulations and presents compliant solutions well ahead of legislation.
- Sika’s offering includes a wide range of low-emission, waterbased construction materials which contribute to health and well-being in work and living spaces.
- In 2021, Sika supported 242 Community Engagement Projects. One of the goals of these projects is to improve the quality of life of children, adults, and families in the communities in which the company is active.
Governance/Economic
Material Topics
- Business Integrity
- Customer Relationship and Satisfaction
- Sustainable Solutions and Innovation
- Product Quality and Reliability
- Economic Performance
TARGET 2023
(BASELINE: 2019)
PERFORMANCE 2021
UN SGDs
TARGET 2023
(BASELINE: 2019)
Sustainable Solutions
We are leading the industry by pioneering a comprehensive portfolio of customer-focused solutions, combining both higher performance and improved sustainability.
 | All new product developments with “Sustainable Solutions” |
PERFORMANCE 2021
When it comes to product development, Sika combines higher performance with additional sustainability benefits.
UN SGDs
THE UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (UN SDGs)
Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all
- Sika endeavors to provide intelligent support for projects through the application of company-specific expertise, voluntary work by its employees, and long-term collaboration with partners.
- By signing Sika’s Supplier Code of Conduct, suppliers undertake to respect the provisions of the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the core Conventions of the International Labor Organization.
- In 2021, Sika supported 242 Community Engagement Projects. One of the goals of these projects is to improve the quality of life of children, adults, and families in the communities in which the company is active.
THE UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (UN SDGs)
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
- With the use of Sika solutions, infrastructures are built in an efficient and sustainable way and contribute to the development of emerging and developing countries.
- Product innovations in construction and industrial production with improved resource-use efficiency. Systematic development of more sustainable and performing solutions.
- In 2021, Sika supported 242 Community Engagement projects. One of the three core areas of “Sika Cares” is buildings and infrastructure.
THE UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (UN SDGs)
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable
- Sika solutions contribute to sustainable construction and new forms of mobility.
- Sika offers high-performance and low-cement mortars; root-resistant polymeric roof membranes and systems that allow the installation of green roofs to improve the urban climate; special concrete repair mortars and resins extend the service life of bridges and concrete structures.
- In 2021, Sika supported 242 Community Engagement projects. One of the three core areas of “Sika Cares” is buildings and infrastructure.
THE UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (UN SDGs)
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
- Sika’s sustainable innovations enable the expansion of clean energy infrastructure as well as the reduction of the carbon footprint and enhancement of longevity in the construction and transportation industries.
- Sika products enable customers to improve the energy efficiency of their manufacturing processes and their end products. Sika’s solutions reduce customers’ carbon emissions through longer lasting products or for example by replacement of carbon intensive raw materials, the introduction of quickcuring products or water-based solutions.
- Sika actively seeks performance enhancements by using recycled materials and sustainable chemicals.
- In 2021, Sika supported 242 Community Engagement projects. One of the three core areas is water and climate protection.
Materiality Matrix
The materiality assessment conducted in 2018 contributed to the definition of the strategic target areas for the Strategy 2019–2023 and the selection of topics for the Sustainability Report. In 2021, Sika conducted a new materiality assessment which will provide the basis for the definition of the Strategy 2028. The Board of Directors will officially approve the new Materiality Matrix 2022 during the first half of year 2022.
