Responsibility
At ICL, our vision is to achieve a net-zero future without compromising the exceptional customer service we are known for. Here you can read about how we plan to make this vision a reality.
Climate protection is one of the most pressing challenges facing our planet today, and the production and transportation of materials play a critical role in addressing it.
At ICL, we take our environmental responsibilities seriously. As one of the UK’s largest and most customer-focused independent chemical manufacturers and distributors, sustainability is at the core of our strategic vision.
We are proud to lead our Plan-Net-Zero Programme, a formal commitment to advancing global sustainability and transforming ICL into a carbon-neutral business by achieving net-zero emissions.
As a national leader in chemical manufacturing and distribution, we aim to integrate sustainable practices into every factor of our operations.
To this end, we are implementing three ambitious sustainability programmes:
- Enhancing energy efficiency through cutting-edge technologies
- Protecting our climate by operating the greenest fleet on the road & smart fleet management systems.
- Reducing our carbon footprint through green workspace initiatives.
Our approach to sustainability is comprehensive and integrated, ensuring that every aspect of our business is aligned with our environmental goals. By doing so, we are committed to driving positive change while maintaining the high standards of service our customers rely on.
Enhancing energy efficiency through cutting-edge technologies
To ensure we meet our low carbon targets and sustainability requirements, we rigorously measure our company-wide carbon footprint. This approach enables us to track progress, identify areas for improvement and remain accountable for our environmental goals. These efforts underscore our dedication to responsible environmental stewardship.
At ICL, we are committed to achieving net-zero emissions by focusing on the energy efficiency of our manufacturing operations. Our plants are at the core of this initiative, and we have invested in a state-of-the-art data-driven platform to drive significant energy reductions across our facilities.
This innovative platform enables us to comprehensively track and monitor our carbon footprint, consolidating emissions data from all manufacturing sites into a single, user-friendly interface. By visualising energy use and emissions across our operations, we can identify energy-intensive hotspots within our plants and implement targeted strategies to reduce consumption and enhance efficiency.
In addition to this platform, we have made a major investment in our boiler system by partnering with Auto flame. Their advanced system allows us to monitor compliance with the Medium Combustion Plant Directive while achieving higher combustion efficiency. As a result, our emissions are significantly lower, and the efficiency of our boiler equipment has improved substantially. Moreover, this new equipment is hydrogen-ready, offering the flexibility to use a mix of natural gas and hydrogen when hydrogen becomes more widely available ICL will already be able to utilise this low carbon fuel without further investment. This capability positions us to further reduce emissions in the future.
We are also actively exploring Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) as part of our broader strategy to incorporate sustainable energy sources and reduce our carbon footprint. These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to leveraging innovative technologies and forward-looking solutions to enhance energy efficiency in our manufacturing operations.
Through these efforts, we are achieving measurable improvements in our manufacturing processes by:
The platform provides a virtual real-time analysis of energy consumption patterns in our manufacturing facilities, enabling us to make precise adjustments to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
By pinpointing areas with the highest energy demands, we can make informed decisions about upgrading or replacing equipment to achieve greater sustainability in our operations.
With a clear understanding of energy usage at each plant, we can implement specific measures to lower emissions and move closer to our net-zero goals.
The ability to visualise emissions data fosters accountability across our manufacturing sites, ensuring we remain aligned with our sustainability commitments.
Greener Transportation
The transport and haulage sector plays a critical role in the economy, and some carbon emissions are an inherent aspect of its operations. However, this doesn’t mean emissions cannot be reduced and offset to support the fight against climate change. By optimising routes, minimising empty miles with return loads, and exploring alternative fuels and technologies, the industry can take meaningful steps toward lowering its environmental impact.
At ICL, sustainability is a key priority. We have already enhanced our environmental performance by deploying a Euro VI fleet, aligning with current UK environmental standards.
ICL has also partnered with Advanced Hydrogen Technologies (AHT) to trial their innovative engine carbon-cleaning technology. This process removes carbon build-up in internal combustion engines – both petrol and diesel – restoring optimal performance while reducing emissions. In late 2023, AHT commissioned ICL to pilot this technology across a portion of our fleet, with empirical testing conducted at the renowned Mill brook testing grounds in the UK. Early results indicate significant improvements in both fuel efficiency and emissions reduction. Based on these promising outcomes, ICL is committed to expanding the program to a larger segment of our fleet in 2025.
Smart Fleet Management Systems
At ICL we have invested in advanced fleet management systems designed to optimise routes, minimise idling time, secure backloads, and enhance vehicle performance. By integrating cutting-edge technologies and software solutions, our approach improves the efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness of trucking operations. Leveraging real-time monitoring, data analysis, and automation, we enable informed decision-making and streamlined fleet management.
Green Workspaces
In our commitment to creating greener workspaces, we have implemented a variety of eco-friendly initiatives across our UK offices and Operation Centres. A key focus has been the consistent introduction of energy-saving systems and onsite waste management facilities.These measures are designed to reduce waste and improve energy efficiency throughout our operations. By integrating these solutions, we aim to foster a more sustainable working environment and minimise our environmental impact.
Additionally, we have invested in laptops and software that facilitate hybrid working practices. By enabling employees to work remotely when needed, we significantly reduce commuting mile age, helping to lower overall emissions from employee travel. This investment not only supports environmental goals but also aligns with modern, flexible working preferences. We are also diligent in monitoring the sourcing of our computer systems and IT equipment.
Particular attention is paid to minimising the environmental impact of extraction and mining, including the sourcing of rare earth materials from developing countries. By prioritising responsible sourcing, we aim to reduce the adverse effects of our supply chain on global communities.
Finally, we continue to upgrade our infrastructure with a focus on sustainability. For instance, new control rooms are being constructed to meet much higher environmental welfare standards. These improvements include better insulation, which enhances energy efficiency during colder months and reduces overall energy consumption. This investment reflects our broader strategy to improve environmental performance across all aspects of our operations.
Forwards to Net Zero
We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and achieving net-zero operational emissions (Scope 1 & 2, including transport) by 2030. Furthermore, we aim to reduce supply chain emissions (Scope3) by 20% by 2040, in line with science-based targets.
We are dedicated to transparently disclosing our ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) performance to customers and stakeholders through our annual reporting. Additionally, we will implement and adhere to our Environmental Management System, certified under ISO 14001, to continuously enhance our environmental performance.
Forwards to Net Zero
Our Net Zero strategy
Environmental protection is integral to our business objectives and, alongside health and safety, is a core responsibility for all employees at every level. All employees will be made aware of this policy and the relevant requirements of the company’s Environmental Management System to ensure its full and effective implementation.
How will we achieve reductions with our strategy?
We are currently engaged in discussions with our existing suppliers to negotiate a sustainable contract for the future. Our strategy is to avoid relying on REGO-backed tariffs, as our goal is to demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability rather than merely purchasing green credentials.
We are actively exploring the option oftrialling HVO fuel. One of our hauliers is already conducting a trial and will be sharing the data collected with us.
We have invested in a carbon measurement platform to monitor and assess our carbon emissions, allowing us to implement effective reduction strategies. Comprehensive energy audits are being conducted to identify areas of inefficiency and high emissions, with the aim of enhancing energy performance. Additionally, we are installing meters across all sites to track and measure emissions levels more accurately.
We prioritise using local suppliers for repairs and parts to invest back into our community,
We are exploring initiatives aimed at removing carbon from the atmosphere, including investments in nature-based projects. Additionally, we are fostering relationships with landowners in our regions to support the development of effective land management schemes.
We are committed to the ongoing renewal of our fleet to uphold stringent truck emissions standards. Recently, we upgraded 12 vehicles from 68 to 74 plates. Additionally, we have invested in advanced fleet management systems that optimise routing, reduce idling time, secure backloads, and monitor vehicle performance. These systems enhance efficiency, safety, and carbon reduction through real-time data monitoring and analysis. This enables us to make informed decisions, streamline operations, and identify areas for improvement, which are then communicated to both management and employees.
We are exploring energy-efficient initiatives to reduce our power consumption, including the potential installation of solar panels.
ESG Position 2025
ICL will continue to monitor, disclose, and improve our scores. We are committed to reducing our emissions where possible. In fact, from 2019 to 2023, we have already managed to reduce this by 19.28%!
We take great pride in investing in our local communities. For several years, we have sponsored a variety of youth teams, including boys’, girls’, and disabled teams. We are committed to continuing our support for these teams and are actively exploring additional opportunities for community engagement in 2025.
We are committed to promoting equity and fairness among our employees, including the annual publication of an independent Gender Pay Gap report. Our risk management process is transparent and undergoes regular reviews by the board of Directors. In addition, Weekly Health, Safety, and Environmental reports are distributed to Directors, Managers, and Operations teams to ensure ongoing oversight and accountability.
