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Select SDGs to find out how we are taking action in support of the UN Substinable Development Goals
ICL is a specialty minerals company. As such, it has mining sites and production facilities worldwide. ICL is aware of the potential impact of its operations and products. As a major industrial manufacturer, ICL has set for itself a GHG reduction target of 30% (vs 2018) by 2030 and net zero by 2050. On top of its GHG reduction target, the Company continues to invest in environmental protection, pollution prevention and impact reduction, increasing the efficiency of production facilities while enhancing environmental procedures and measures.
Ensuring that our operations, products and distribution systems are safe and secure for employees and our site contractors as well as guests, distributors, suppliers and the communities in which our facilities are located, is part of our ‘Environment, Safety, Health and Security’ policy.
ICL is a professional, responsible company that strives to minimize the environmental impact of its operations.
Resilient food production systems are critical, now more than ever, for food security. ICL’s vital role is expected to expand as climatic uncertainty impacts humanity’s global supply chains. Our “Zero Hunger” goal (SDG2) is now intertwined with Climate Action (SDG13).
ICL approved and updated its sustainability vision to include both a medium-term target to reduce 30% of its GHG emissions by 2030 (vs. a 2018 baseline) and a long-term goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. ICL’s approach is systematic and the Company is moving in sync on all fronts. Encompassed in this systematic approach, is the establishment of internal financial tools that contribute to decision making.
Read MoreOne of the main environmental issues, related to ICL’s activity, is air emissions. ICL is continuously reducing its emissions, striving for additional improvement. This issue has become a focus in recent years in Israel, where ICL sites are obligated to adhere to new regulations, with emphasis on the Israeli Clean Air Law. This requires significant investments, which have already produced results in the form of significant air emissions reductions, which are expected to continue in upcoming years.
The Company routinely invests in capital projects in the areas of environmental protection, health and safety, and also incurs current costs in connection with these issues. In 2020, ICL invested approximately $103 million on environmental matters, of which approximately $41 million were capital projects in property, plant and equipment and approximately $62 million were current expenses. ICL invests it's resources aiming to continuously reduce negative impact on the environment. Over the next few years, the Company intends to invest significant amounts of capital in order to further reduce its air emissions, treat hazardous materials and reduce other negative environmental impacts. These include investments needed to comply with the Israeli Clean Air Act, to comply with European regulations and with other local environmental permits. The Company estimates that in 2021, it will spend approximately $134 million on environmental protection matters, of which approximately $54 million will be capital projects in property, plant and equipment, while approximately $80 million will be current expenses.
ICL applies an overall policy of corporate responsibility and sustainability that integrates social, economic and environmental considerations into all its business activities. This policy includes responsible management and continuous improvement in all sustainability aspects: reducing environmental impact; health and safety; product stewardship throughout the entire product lifecycle; responsible use of natural and land resources; advanced mine reclamation, assuring transparency with all stakeholders.
ICL invests extensive resources in training and mentoring, as well as other safety measures, in order to continuously improve occupational safety and health, environmental management and prevent accidents.
For details on significant environmental incidents and environmental enforcement within the reporting period, see “Management Approach”.
ICL develops products and methods that enable it to be an active participant in circular economy efforts. It is piloting and implementing production processes to close loops in its own facilities, and developing products from its own by-products, as well as producing new products from waste.
Read MoreCurrently, the water level in the Dead Sea is receding at a rate of around 1.1 meters a year, causing its surface area to shrink. Most of the decrease in water levels is caused by the drastic reduction in the quantity of water entering the Dead Sea from its sources. Water which used to flow into the Dead Sea in the past had since been dammed and diverted upstream, by Israel and neighboring countries, for domestic, industrial and agriculture purposes. Unfortunately, the decline in the sea level will continue, even if all industrial operations are halted in the southern basin of the sea. The channeling of water to the southern basin provides an economic basis for industries and tourism, that were developed on the banks of the evaporation ponds in the southern part of the Dead Sea, to continue thriving.
Read MoreOn June 30, 2017 ICL Rotem, an ICL subsidiary located in Israel’s Negev region, suffered a significant environmental incident in which approximately 100,000 cubic meters of acidic phosphogypsum suspension were released from a breach in a detainment pond to the surrounding environment. Following a multi-year cleanup and monitoring effort in which ICL took a leading role, the creek was declared safe for hiking and re-opened to the public by the Israeli authorities in June 2020.
Read MoreICL Iberia has implemented numerous measures to control and manage its salt deposits at Suria and Sallent. It manages the salt deposited using Best Available Techniques. A multi‑year program is currently underway to restore ICL Iberia’s salt deposits, while concentrating efforts on wastewater drainage and sludge treatment.
Read MoreICL is on a continuous path towards operational excellence. While the company strives to minimize any potential negative environmental impact, it is also searching for ways to enhance the benefits of its products.
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