Global specialty chemicals company Albemarle Corporation announces that it has endorsed the United Nations (UN) Global Compact CEO Water Mandate, a global initiative in partnership with the Pacific Institute, that mobilizes business leaders to advance water stewardship practices. The company says it commits to action and continuous improvement, over time, across six key areas of focus in water management and to report annually on progress through its CDP water disclosures and UN Global Compact communication. The six core areas for continuous improvement of water stewardship include direct operations, supply chain and watershed management, collective action, public policy, community engagement and transparency.
"Efficient and responsible water use is a key component of our sustainability strategy," says Albemarle CEO Kent Masters. "Albemarle is committed to responsible management of our water resources and our sustainable business practices align directly with our endorsement of the CEO Water Mandate. Through this platform, we aim to proactively identify and manage business risks, create efficiency in our water use, realize cost savings through water use efficiency and honor our sustainability commitments."
In 2021, Albemarle announced its goal to reduce the intensity of its freshwater use by 25% by 2030 in areas of high and extremely high water risk, as defined by the Water Resource Institute. In La Negra, Chile, Albemarle says it has invested $100 million in thermal evaporator recycling technology to reduce fresh water use by 30% per kilogram of lithium carbonate. In Jordan, Albemarle reportedly has developed process innovations to expand production without increasing water intensity, including a current project to convert a waste stream into saleable product while reducing water and energy use.
Albemarle joins more than 200 global endorsing companies in the CEO Water Mandate platform. In 2021, Albemarle announced its membership to the UN Global Compact, a voluntary leadership platform for the development, implementation and disclosure of responsible business practices, and the largest corporate sustainability initiative in the world.
For more information, visit: www.albemarle.com
