IUCN to help Solvay meet its new biodiversity commitments

The $4 trillion global chemical sector provides products that are used in 95% of all manufactured goods worldwide (WEF, 2024). As the third largest industry subsector in terms of direct carbon dioxide emissions, it is a key industry to engage with in order to support the transition to a Net-Zero future and drive action to halt and reverse global biodiversity loss.

A longstanding player in the sector, Solvay has been reinforcing its biodiversity goals in alignment with the Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF) adopted at COP15. Several of Solvay’s climate and biodiversity commitments have been publicly disclosed through the Act4Nature International initiative.

IUCN will work with Solvay to help deliver on their biodiversity commitments. Building on science-based frameworks and cutting-edge research, the aim is for IUCN to assess the approach towards conservation in Solvay’s direct operations at priority sites located near biodiversity-sensitive areas.

IUCN will review existing site initiatives and provide recommendations in terms of tools, approach and indicators. The IUCN’s Species Threat Abatement and Restoration (STAR) metric will be used to identify conservation and restoration opportunities.

Together, Solvay and IUCN intend to seize opportunities to support the Framework’s objectives and accelerate the adoption of best practices across the chemical industry in support of economy-wide decarbonisation and nature conservation.

Susanne Pedersen, Director of IUCN’s Centre for Science and Knowledge said:

IUCN is delighted to be working with SOLVAY and deploying IUCN's tools and expertise to turn our global ambitions into tangible actions in business operations. The combination of SOLVAY's sustainability leadership in the chemical sector and IUCN's standards and latest scientific approaches - such as the IUCN approach to measuring Nature Positive - should help demonstrate that credible, high integrity outcomes for the planet, the people and the economy can be achieved by transforming business production practices to better integrate biodiversity.

At Solvay, we understand that protecting nature requires a collaborative approach and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to partner with IUCN. Building upon our recognized initiatives in Brazil, Italy, and Spain, among others, we want to contribute to the Global Biodiversity Framework. Through our new commitment and partnership, we are determined to play a meaningful role by drawing on expert knowledge and delivering tangible positive impacts for nature,

added Jean-Charles Djelalian, Solvay’s Chief Sustainability Officer.