ESG
Not once, not twice. For three years in a row, Hindalco has been recognised as the World’s Most Sustainable Aluminium Company as per S&P Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI). Based on its S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) rankings for 2020, 2021 and 2022, Hindalco has been the DJSI industry leader for three years, the only Indian company to be so recognised. This ranking is an affirmation of Hindalco’s commitment to operations under a resilient, responsible and reliable business model. Satish Pai, Managing Director, Hindalco Industries Ltd., said, “The continued recognition by DJSI validates Hindalco’s pioneering work and consistent efforts to integrate sustainability across the aluminium manufacturing chain–from mining to end products. This distinction takes forward the idea of aluminium as a ‘green’ metal. Along with a sustained focus on decarbonisation, ‘green’ is about managing waste, zero liquid discharge, life cycle impact, biodiversity and more. Our listing in DJSI is a testament to the effectiveness of our holistic approach and reinforces our commitment to our motto of people, planet and prosperity.”
The company first made its debut on DJSI’s emerging markets index in 2019, scoring 60 points combined on all three dimensions of environmental, social and governance (ESG) in DJSI’s CSA. The ranking placed it at the number 3 position in the aluminium industry globally.
Knowing that the aluminium industry can contribute to lower waste and energy savings in the products it produces, Hindalco has taken bold bets to achieve its 2050 targets.
ESG goalposts
- Carbon neutrality
- Water positivity
- No net loss on biodiversity
- Zero waste to landfill
Hindalco sets the bar
Bauxite waste: Hindalco’s tie-up with cement manufacturers to use red mud as a replacement for mined resources is a global-first initiative to create value from an aluminium processing by-product. Hindalco is the first aluminium company in the world to achieve this breakthrough on red mud utilisation. This pioneering effort reduces the environmental impact of both aluminium and cement industries.
Redefining transport: Hindalco takes product stewardship seriously, and that includes transportation and logistics. The company developed and commercialised India’s first lightweight aluminium trailer and bulker–this helps transporters save up to 15,000 litres of fuel per trailer. Hindalco has also launched India’s first aluminium rakes for the railways, thus contributing to bringing down carbon emissions for the nation as a whole.
Sustainable packaging: Hindalco has promoted 100% recyclable packaging for Tirumalai Tirupati Devasthanam to distribute its prasad, using a combination of aluminium and jute bags as an innovative initiative. Novelis Inc., Hindalco’s wholly owned subsidiary, is not only the world’s largest producer of aluminium beverage can stock, but also the largest recycler of used beverage cans.
Sustainable mining: Partnering with Xynteo has promoted India’s first Sustainable Mining Charter, to focus on good environmental practices in water and biodiversity, community livelihood and health. At Bagru Mines, for instance, topsoil has been restored, water ponds have been developed that are home to native birds, and a bamboo garden and fruit orchards have come up.
Water positivity: The company has a specific goal of 20% reduction in freshwater consumption by 2025. The company’s CSR activities support the construction of rainwater harvesting ponds and reservoirs, and agri-water management for local communities. Biodiversity management initiatives are also being undertaken across the company’s multiple locations in partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with a focus on no net loss. The cumulative green belt has grown 10% in FY2021-22.
These innovative solutions are among the many that Hindalco has initiated for a sustainable planet. Guided by the vision of building a greener, stronger, smarter world, Hindalco has taken its sustainable agenda to new heights.
