AkzoNobel recognizes that in view of the scope of its activities and the public role the company fulfils, proper communication with its various groups of stakeholders is essential. In many cases we go a step further: we work together with stakeholders to develop improved products and/or business concepts.
Our business partners
Partnerships with suppliers and customers are vital to optimize sustainability aspects and unlock business value along the supply chain. A number of Business Cases demonstrate how we are building and capitalizing on such cooperative activity.
Employees
Sustainability, responsibility and integrity are core AkzoNobel values. At all AkzoNobel sites, employees are engaged in a broad range of sustainability issues. We measure progress in embedding sustainability throughout the organization using team meetings, employee surveys and Performance and Development Dialog. Decorative Paints UK formed a Green Team to initiate and implement activities in line with the business sustainability strategy. Representatives from each department act as champions for communication and to inspire fellow employees to engage with sustainability issues.
Investors and analysts
For some investors, a strong record on sustainability is simply seen as an indicator of good management, especially risk management. We believe that the agenda goes beyond this and continue to find ways to quantify how product and people performance add financial value to the organization. We are engaging with pension funds, investors, investors and analysts on the contribution of sustainability to our business performance on a regular basis.
Governments and industry associations
AkzoNobel does not employ government advisors or lobbyists. Where there are issues of common interest to discuss or communicate with governments or society we work through industry associations, including CEPE (the European Council of the Paint, Printing Ink and Artists’ Colors Industry), CEFIC (the European Chemical Industry Council) and ACC (American Chemicals Council). We are members and support the activities of the UN Global Compact. We also participate in multi-stakeholder groups like the Round Table on Palm Oil.
During 2008 we have taken part in working groups setting ISO standards for carbon foot printing, climate reporting and eco-efficiency standardization.
Non-governmental and sustainability organizations
A number of concerns in society are related to the operations of chemical companies. Non-governmental organizations are positioned to voice these concerns and to lobby for improvement. We continue to actively engage in a dialog with dedicated NGOs.
We continue to build our relationships with several sustainability organizations, to maintain an external perspective:
- Our Director of Sustainability participates in the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, the Dutch Council for Sustainable Trade Initiatives in emerging countries and the Climate Council for the City of Amsterdam.
- We have worked with the World Resources Institute on an Eco-systems Services Review and development of the international Greenhouse Gas Protocol.
- Decorative Paints has continued to partner with Forum for the Future on sustainability projects; and to benefit from Cambridge Programme for Industry development programs.
We work together with the Flour Fortification Initiative (FFI), BOSK, The International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus and the Dutch government to train millers throughout Africa in fortifying flour with essential nutrients so that people will benefit from more vitamins and minerals in their staple foods.
General public
In some specific areas we have to deal with dilemmas. Stakeholders are interested in how we deal with these issues so we have clarified our position in Position Statements. These include biodiversity, child labor, product testing, vendor policy and energy efficiency and climate change.
Neighbors
Maintaining good relationships with our neighbors and communities is integral to corporate responsibility, and vital to our license to operate. Our operating sites have regular contact with their neighbors via local panels, open days or publications; and our Community Program supports employees in playing an active role in their local society. Our direct neighbors are also among the most important stakeholders for emergency communications and response.
Media
AkzoNobel actively provides information to media, carefully balancing the need for optimal transparency and fair disclosure with other legal and business considerations such as corporate reputation and the protection of intellectual property.
Universities and other Educational and/or Scientific Institutions
AkzoNobel has contacts on different levels with Universities and other Educational and/or Scientific Institutions in a range of countries. To underpin its commitment to scientific research as the vehicle for innovation, AkzoNobel has created the AkzoNobel Science Award. The objective of the Award is to encourage scientific research in the widest sense.