Cabot releases sustainability report update

Boston, Massachusetts – Cabot Corp. has released a sustainability report update highlighting the firm’s progress and performance in 2015.

The report also serves as the company’s first communication on progress according to the 10 principles of the UN Global Compact. Cabot became a signatory to the UNGC in July 2015.

Highlights of the report include:

Environmental performance. Cabot said it remains committed to reducing the impact on the environment through continuous improvements in its operations. As of 2015, it had reached 43 percent of its goal to cut energy intensity and 41 percent of its long-term greenhouse gases intensity reduction goal.

Leadership development. The firm said it is dedicated to providing employees with development opportunities that address their individual career goals and focus on the skills and competencies needed to achieve excellent performance and career advancement. It used technology to deliver effective training programmes that are interactive and engaging, it said.

Innovation. Cabot said it responds quickly to evolving end-user demands and government regulations. In response to tightened regulations limiting the use of certain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in rubber and plastic products, for instance, the company said it introduced a series of low PAH carbon blacks for rubber product applications. The new products are designed to provide customers with alternative reinforcing and semi-reinforcing carbon blacks for use in applications requiring lower PAH content, it said.

Community engagement. In 2015, the Cabot Corp. Foundation and the firm’s global facilities donated or pledged about $1.2 million in direct and in-kind charitable contributions aimed at environmental conservation, community health, as well as science and technology programmes, the company said.

President and CEO Sean Keohane said in a prepared statement that Boston-based Cabot continues “to drive meaningful change in the way that we engage with our employees, customers and suppliers in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.

“Furthermore, we are committed to using our skills and leadership position to influence and collaborate with others to deliver products that make a difference in the world around us.”