Sustainability agenda and materiality

Kalmar’s sustainability agenda is based on the environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspects of sustainability. In the context of sustainability, all planning and actions should be based on materiality. A materiality assessment is the process of analysing which sustainability-related topics are most relevant (material) to the company, and where the company’s potential and actual impacts are most significant.

The EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) requires that companies conduct a double materiality assessment to identify their most relevant sustainability topics. These are the ones they will need to report on externally. Whereas traditional materiality assessments have typically focused on impacts that the company has on people, society or the environment, a double materiality assessment also analyses the risks and opportunities that the various impacts may have on the company’s business. Simultaneously, the assessment considers impacts, risks and opportunities that might arise not only from our own operations but throughout the whole value chain, from design and sourcing to product use and end of life.

Kalmar conducted its first double materiality assessment in 2023, when the following topics were identified as material. These will set the basis for our sustainability work:

Climate - We tackle climate change.
Circularity and resource use - We promote a circular economy.
Biodiversity - We acknowledge the need to operate within planetary boundaries.
Human rights - We promote human rights and address adverse impacts on people in our value chain.
Health and safety - We strive for a harm-free workplace where people feel safe.
Diversity, equity and inclusion - We want to provide a diverse and inclusive workplace, where everyone has equal access to opportunity.
Ethical business - We are committed to the highest level of ethical behaviour.
Responsible sourcing - We are industry leader in supplier sustainability.