We want to create a better world through sustainable solutions. That is why we do what we do; produce chemicals with minimal climate impact and biofuel that produces up to 90 per cent less climate-impacting emissions than fossil diesel. We have therefore also developed CelluAPP, biorefinery technology that makes it possible to produce carbon-neutral raw materials for new sustainable chemicals, biofuels and energy carriers from residual products.
Our operations have an impact on people and the environment throughout the value chain, from the choice of raw materials and production, to distribution and end use. Consequently, we also operate our business in a both long-term and responsible manner and the heart of our business is the chemical plant where we work in a circular system with the aid of renewable input energy. This makes us one of the few producers who can offer entirely green alternatives.
In addition to the products and biorefinery technology we develop, we also participate actively in the public debate for a fossil-free society. We strive to demonstrate for politicians and decision-makers, both in Sweden and at the EU level, the opportunities for sustainable development that exist in the chemical, technology and biofuel industry.
Cosmetics, paints and even food – many everyday products – are today produced from fossil raw materials and thus contribute to climate change. But there are alternatives. Sekab can manufacture bio-based chemicals with minimal climate impact and deliver the technology that enables other producers to convert.
The chemical industry’s share of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions is approx. 5 per cent, since production takes place with fossil raw materials and fossil input energy. This means that there are large emission reductions to be made by the chemical industry by switching to bio-based raw materials and renewable energy.
The heart of our operations is our chemical plant where we work in a circular system with the aid of renewable input energy. This makes us one of the few producers that can offer entirely green alternatives.
A fossil-free society is a necessity to cope with climate change; consequently the chemical industry must switch to sustainable and renewable raw materials.
Up until now, fossil raw materials have been cheaper and most operators make their purchase decisions entirely based on price. For this reason, we are participating in the debate for a fossil-independent chemical industry, so that the demand for bio-based chemicals and products from both industry and consumers can increase.
The forest can be used to convert our society to a bioeconomy. Everything that is currently produced using oil as the raw material can instead be produced from residual products from the forest. This applies not only to fuels, chemical products or plastics, but also to products such as pharmaceuticals, toys, nappies and clothing, all of which can be manufactured using biomass as the raw material.
Sekab is a green chemical company and a part of High Coast Innovation Park in Domsjö, outside of Örnsköldsvik. Our research and development are prominent, and at the same time, we are taking our knowledge all the way to finished products and methods.
In the development process, the Biorefinery Demo Plant in Örnsköldsvik is a unique and important asset, as is our investment in biorefinery technology, which makes it possible to make the most out of forestry residual products.
In our production facility, we refine and convert bioethanol into chemical products such as acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate, acetic acid and various blend products.
Our ambition is to be the world’s greenest chemical company.
Our chemicals are green building blocks that are used in numerous industrial processes and products. Inks, paints, varnish, perfumes, pharmaceuticals, cleaning products and windshield washer fluid are some examples of the end results of our chemistry.
Business model
Sekab’s bio-based chemicals and fuels help our customers phase out unsustainable products and processes. We are a part of a green industrial revolution that is fundamentally changing how we produce goods and services.
We create value for owners, employees, customers and society by driving the development toward a sustainable society and increasing the use of renewable raw materials and sustainable products.
How we work
In late 2021, Sekab began to work on the development of a new strategic platform. We are calling it HELA Sekab, and HELA stands for the Swedish words for sustainability, efficiency, profitability and attractiveness. The basis of this work is Sekab’s common story:
“We are the green chemical company Sekab. Our business contributes to a more sustainable world. Our bio-based chemicals and fuels help our customers phase out unsustainable products and processes. We are a part of a green industrial revolution that is fundamentally changing how we produce goods and services.
Sekab’s research and development is prominent, and at the same time, we are taking our knowledge all the way to completed products and methods. We are building our success through strategic collaborations with world-leading players.
Sekab’s operation is built on a historic legacy. We know that with a base in northern Sweden, we can change the world for the better.
We have done it before, and we will do it again.”
In 2022, work with HELA Sekab will continue. We are updating our goal documents and key figures. All activities, business
and processes will be permeated by our four cornerstones:
Sustainability | Efficiency | Profitability | Attractiveness
Our values are an incredibly important part of the HELA Sekab aspect of attractiveness. They help us gather around, live and realize our vision. Three selected characteristics which permeate our actions, our hiring process and our interactions are: Commitment, creativity and trust.
Sekab’s employees are committed
Sekab’s employees are creative
Sekab’s employees have trust
How we work
Sustainability is at the core of all of Sekab’s activities. Our vision for sustainability is based on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals of Agenda 2030. Sekab’s bio-based products contribute to a more sustainable world and reduced emissions. Sekab will also work for social sustainability by being a good employer and a responsible and present player in our local community.
The policy documents in the area of sustainability comprise a number of guidelines, and the overall corporate policy is an integrated health, safety and environmental policy (HSE policy). The purpose of our HSE policy is to clarify Sekab’s position that health and safety must always come first and that consideration must be given to the external environment, as long as it is environmentally justified and economically feasible.
Our code of conduct also clarifies how the company will behave as an employer and business partner. The basis is to conduct operations in accordance with the ten principles of the UN Global Compact. Our code of conduct includes areas that are also covered by three additional guidelines: the gender equality and diversity policy, the purchasing policy, and the sales policy. These are all connected to the area of sustainability.
Sekab also operates according to the environmental standard ISO 14001 and the quality standard ISO 9001.
A materiality analysis has helped us to map the most important issues for the company and stakeholders in terms of sustainability. The analysis included both internal and external stakeholders (board/owners, employees, customers and suppliers) and the results of the analysis laid the foundation for developing Sekab’s sustainability report.
How we work
Through the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, from January 1, 2016 to 2030, countries around the world have undertaken to:
The Sustainable Development Goals help us to identify the sustainability aspects of our business, to meet the expectations placed on us, and to realize our vision of being a benchmark company for sustainable development in the chemical and biofuels industry.
The Sustainable Development Goals have provided a structure for our sustainability report: we have connected to our four focus areas the seven goals that are particularly important to Sekab and our report.
Sekab participates in the chemical industry’s program for Responsible Care. Participation involves the company committing to work based on several guiding principles; to work with continuous improvements in safety, health and the environment; and to openly provide information about the operation and its progress.
We annually report a number of key performance indicators (KPIs) on safety, health and the environment to IKEM, which compiles a common status report for the chemical industry in Sweden.
