Johnson Matthey releases 2009/10 Sustainability Report, acknowledges Five Winds' support to build capacity on life cycle thinking

Published by Paulette Fréchette on August 09, 2010

Johnson Matthey, an international speciality chemicals company and world leader in environmental technologies, has released its 2009/10 Sustainability Report. In the report, Johnson Matthey discusses its efforts to enhance capabilities on life cycle thinking by developing a 'Life Cycle Experts' group, the support that Five Winds International has provided in this regard, and the value of integrating life cycle thinking into their business practices.

"Over the last year we have ramped up efforts to enhance our capability and are developing a ‘Life Cycle Experts' group within Johnson Matthey. We have been working with Jim Fava, Chair of the UNEP / SETAC Life Cycle Initiative's Coordinating Committee and managing director for Five Winds International, to provide external advice to this group. Comprising 25 people from business and functional teams across Johnson Matthey, our Life Cycle Experts group will work to develop suitable and consistent tools and metrics and conduct appropriate studies."

"The group held an initial workshop session in May 2010 which aimed to increase understanding, conduct worked example studies and establish the next steps. The group will now focus on determining milestones, accountability and training methods, selecting appropriate tools (beyond those already in use) and evaluating the products, technologies and business areas to be examined first. Longer term, expertise in life cycle thinking will equip us with a deeper understanding of the economic, environmental and social impacts of what we do."

"The value of integrating life cycle thinking into Johnson Matthey's core business practices is clear - the key challenge will be determining how to do it in a way that maximises value to the company in the most cost effective way. The formation of the experts group is a key step in driving life cycle thinking forward within Johnson Matthey to support our aspirations through the continued delivery of sustainable products and technologies."

The full report is available on Johnson Matthey's website at http://www.matthey.com/Sustainability2010/

Found in: technologies sustainability report life cycle thinking environmental mining and metals