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Celanese Sustainability Report Details Commitment to Safety, Health and Environment

ChemicalProcessing.com
01/05/2009

Celanese Corp., a global, integrated chemical company, has released its 2008 Sustainability Report, which details the company’s commitment to environmental health and safety across its worldwide operations. This year’s report also provides a glimpse into best practices driven by the company’s employees around the world.

“Celanese’s collective effort to advance the company’s sustainability measures confirms our ongoing commitment to environmental health and safety at our global facilities,” said David Weidman, Celanese chairman and chief executive officer. “Sustainability is embedded in our company’s culture, and we believe it is an economic, environmental and social prerequisite for continued commercial success.”

Weidman, who will take over in January 2009 as the Chairman of the American Chemistry Council, the largest chemical industry association in the U.S., noted, “Celanese’s environmental health and safety efforts go far beyond regulatory compliance. From industry-leading safety practices, to reducing natural resource usage, to driving sustainability through our innovative products, we demonstrate our culture of excellence and our commitment to this business imperative.”

Celanese takes seriously the responsibility of protect its employees, local communities in which it operates, and equipment and facilities. The company works towards the goal of zero incidents and zero defects. Since 2004, Celanese has advanced its safety performance to be in the top 10% of its industry peers.

Celanese has set aggressive sustainability goals for 2010 and has made great strides in meeting and exceeding these goals, such as reducing air emissions by 30% and reducing energy intensity by 20%, which will be one of the most aggressive reductions in the industry. As of 2007, the company had nearly reached its goal for reducing waste volume by 25% and is now striving for 40% waste reduction by 2010. Celanese has also reduced green house gas emissions by 30% globally since 2005.

“The value chemistry brings to safety, health, the economy and the environment — fundamental elements of human life — is beyond measure,” said Weidman. “Advanced technological achievements; advancements in medicine, science and exploration; energy discovery and conservation; and protecting and preserving our environmental resources, are all made possible through chemistry. Celanese is proud to contribute to our industry’s success.”

For more information, visit www.celanese.com.