Materiality Assessment
Clariant regularly conducts comprehensive materiality assessments in order to assess which material topics have the greatest impact on long-term value creation. The prioritization of material topics related to performance, people, and planet is well aligned with Clariant’s strategic pillars.
1. Ongoing assessment of material topics
Clariant continually assesses the materiality of economic, environmental, and social topics. In 2017, a comprehensive materiality assessment identified and prioritized the issues that were most relevant to Clariant and its stakeholders. In 2018, discussions with stakeholders and management indicated that the topics of Circular Economy and Digitalization were increasing in importance, and consequently, the materiality matrix was updated. The materiality assessment review in 2019, however, did not reveal any change in relevance of any particular topic.
2. Based on recognized standards and procedures
The 2017 comprehensive materiality assessment was based on two internationally recognized frameworks: the Integrated Reporting IR framework issued by the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) and the sustainability reporting standards of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). First, Clariant compiled an extensive list of economic, environmental, and social topics that are included in these frameworks as well as in others, such as those of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), the UN Global Compact, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The list was supplemented with Clariant’s previously determined material topics and topics defined by peers. The resulting list of over 400 topics was then consolidated to less than 50.
Second, the materiality of each topic was evaluated by stakeholders who provided feedback on the relevance for Clariant from their point of view and senior Clariant managers who assessed the importance for Clariant’s value creation. The latter assessment included the possible influence of each topic on strategy development and achievement, market positioning and growth opportunities, risk and reputation management, and compliance. By considering the risks and opportunities, Clariant indirectly accounted for impacts on sustainable development.
3. Broad stakeholder inclusion
As part of the 2017 assessment, external and internal stakeholders were asked to share which topics they deemed most relevant to future value creation. Clariant applied carefully defined selection criteria in order to ensure a balanced representation of interests. Worldwide surveys of management and stakeholders were conducted with the latter offered in English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and Mandarin.
Overall, 131 external stakeholders, 69 employees, and 36 managers gave feedback. External stakeholder respondents included customers, non-governmental organization representatives, sustainability experts, scientists, and suppliers. Senior management evaluated and validated outcomes in a workshop.
4. Materiality Matrix
The Clariant Materiality Matrix summarizes the results of the materiality assessment. SEE FIGURE 001 Topics considered moderately to highly relevant for Clariant’s value creation are shown on the horizontal axis, while the relevance of the topics for stakeholders are depicted on the vertical axis.
The topics fall into three categories: Cultivate, Advance, and Focus. Focus topics are at the core of Clariant’s ability to create long-term value; further improvements regarding Advance topics will allow Clariant to better meet expectations; Cultivate topics support successful value creation in the future.
001 CLARIANT MATERIALITY MATRIX
Stakeholders are people or groups whose interests are linked in various ways with those of a company. They include shareholders, business partners, employees, neighbors, and the community. View entire glossary
Reporting that extends traditional formats of corporate disclosure in order to communicate the full range of factors that significantly affect an organization’s ability to create value through its business model. An integrated report provides insight about the resources used and impacted by the company – collectively referred to as »the capitals« – and their interdependence. It reflects and supports integrated thinking and decision-making that focuses on the creation of value over the short, medium, and long term. View entire glossary
Compliance is a key element of Corporate Governance. It refers to compliance with the law and directives as well as with voluntary codes within the company. View entire glossary
Stakeholders are people or groups whose interests are linked in various ways with those of a company. They include shareholders, business partners, employees, neighbors, and the community. View entire glossary
Ethics and Compliance
Corporate Governance
Value Chain Collaboration for Sustainability
Sustainability Performance in the Supply Chain
Employee Engagement
Policy and Stakeholder Relations
Product Stewardship / Sustainability Chemistry
Advance Natural Ingredients
Innovation and Technological Advances
Make Use of Nature’s Design Process
Occupational Health, Safety, and Well-being
Keep the Team Safe
Customer Relationships
Be a Local Partner
Environmental Protection and Resources
Help Cities Move Forward
Circular Economy
Drive Change in the Industry
Growth and Profitability
Focus on the Core Businesses
Talent Attraction and Development
Find Skills for the Digital Age
Digitalization
Manage Risks Faster and Smarter
Current developments, activities, and achievements for each material topic can be found throughout the Integrated Report, especially in the Multicapital Review.
For Focus topics as well as for Advance topics, Clariant has formulated dedicated management approaches that can be found in the GRI Report.
Focus topics are further illustrated with practical examples: Customer Relationships, Circular Economy, Digitalization, Environmental Protection and Resources, Growth and Profitability, Innovation and Technological Advances, Occupational Health, Safety, and Well-being, Product Stewardship/Sustainable Chemistry, Talent Attraction and Development