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Braskem periodically assesses the materiality, that is, the relevance, of sustainability issues in order to structure its strategy for the company's contribution to sustainable development. In 2013, this evaluation was renewed based on a structured stakeholder consultation process, summarized in the following diagram.
3 workshops with Team Members (2 in Sao Paulo, 1 in Salvador)
4 workshops with external stakeholders (in Triunfo, Maceió, Salvador, and Sao Paulo)
1 workshop in the U.S.A. (with internal and external stakeholders)
6 meetings with Financiers, Government, and Local Communities in Mexico.
35 interviews with Braskem's senior leadership (all vice presidents and Directors responsible for areas with high sustainability influence)
2,001 responses to the online survey, from Team Members, Customers, Suppliers, Academia, Local Groups (NGOs, Local Communities, Trade Associations), Opinion Formers (Government, Press), and General Public.
1 workshop, involving the Sustainable Development, People & Organization (equivalent to HR), and Strategic Planning teams.
* Global Reporting Initiative (G3 and G4); international standard for matters regarding the promotion of sustainability.
** Supported by ERM, specialized sustainability consultancy.
*** Supported by Reputation Institute, specialized stakeholder consultation consultancy.
With the aspects listed by the Global Reporting Initiative Reporting Guidelines (GRI, considering both G3 e G4) as a starting point, we analysed each aspect to define how they should be analysed. We came to the conclusion that some aspects could be aggregated (e.g. safe use of products includes customer health and safety and product labelling) and others did not require evaluation, either because they are issues in which we did not identify any involvement of our value chain (e.g. indigineous rights) or they are considered basic obligations, such as meeting legal requirements. Hence we reached 29 aspects to be analysed. To see the full description, click here .
The result of this process was registered in the Materiality Matrix below, which plots the extent of Braskem's impact in the matter in question (assessed using data on the context in which Braskem operates and our contribution to it) versus the relevance of each aspect to our stakeholders (ponderation of the ranking each aspect attained in the different consultations performed). Braskem's level of control over each aspect was also assessed, to help us understand how to act on the matter. Click on each element of the matrix to find out more about the definitions used, as well as the evaluation of each topic. To download the full material, with all results and definitions, click here .
Level of Braskem's impact
4 - High
3 - Medium
2 - Low
1 - Irrelevant
1 - Irrelevant
2 - Low
3 - Medium
4 - High
Level of importance for Stakeholders
1 - MINIMAL
2 - LOW
3 - MEDIUM
4 - STRONG
Materiality
Critical
High
Moderate
Low
IMPORTANCE
Topic ranking in the consultations
10th per Braskem Leaders (3);
2nd in online survey (4);
Prioritized in 8 out of 8 workshops with an average score of 3.3 (3);
IMPACT
Braskem is the largest industrial consumer of natural gas in Brazil
Braskem is the largest consumer of naphtha in Brazil
CONTROL
Making products from renewable sources is controlled by Braskem, but markets define acceptance (3) ;
Prioritized in 8 out of 8 workshops with an average score of 3.4 (3) ;
IMPORTANCE
Topic ranking in the consultations:
11th per Braskem Leaders (3);
7th in online survey (4);
Prioritized in 8 out of 8 workshops with an average score of 3.6 (4);
IMPACT
Braskem is among the 5 largest consumers of water in the states of Bahia, Rio Grande do Sul, and Alagoas (BA, RS, AL)
CONTROL
Braskem controls the consumption, but not the availability of water (3) ;
Prioritized in 8 out of 8 workshops with an average score of 3.6 (4) ;
IMPORTANCE
Topic ranking in the consultations:
16th per Braskem Leaders (2);
14th in online survey (3);
Prioritized in 5 out of 8 workshops with an average score of 3.3 (3);
IMPACT
Braskem is among the 5 largest industrial consumers of energy and emitters of greenhouse gas emissions in Brazil
CONTROL
The control depends on other parties (suppliers of renewables) and on government regulation (3) ;
Prioritized in 5 out of 8 workshops with an average score of 3.2 (3) ;
IMPORTANCE
Topic ranking in the consultations:
14th per Braskem Leaders (3);
9th in online survey (3);
Prioritized in 6 out of 8 workshops with an average score of 3.6 (4);
IMPACT
Among the 5 largest sources of industrial atmospheric emissions in Maceio, Camacari, and Triunfo;
In Triunfo, responsible for over 90% of SO2, NOx, and Particulate Matter
CONTROL
Braskem controls its SOx, NOx, and PM emissions (4) ;
Prioritized in 7 out of 8 workshops with an average score of 3.4 (3) ;
IMPORTANCE
Topic ranking in the consultations:
12th per Braskem Leaders (3);
11th in online survey (3);
Prioritized in 5 out of 8 workshops with an average score of 3.7 (4);
IMPACT
Braskem is among the 5 largest generators of industrial waste in Alagoas, Bahia, and Rio Grande do Sul.
The chemical industry is the largest source of hazardous waste in Brazil.
CONTROL
Braskem is 100% responsible for the waste produced in its operations (4) ;
Prioritized in 5 out of 8 workshops with an average score of 3.6 (4) ;
IMPORTANCE
Topic ranking in the consultations:
28th per Braskem Leaders (3);
29th in online survey (3);
Was not prioritized in the workshops
IMPACT
Although we transport hazardous products, our operation makes up less than 10% of the quantity of product transported in São Paulo (for example)
CONTROL
A sizeable part of product transport is contracted by our Clients (2) ;
Was not prioritized in the workshops
IMPORTANCE
Topic ranking in the consultations:
29th per Braskem Leaders (3);
20th in online survey (3);
Prioritized in the Alagoas workshop with a high score - 3.8 (4);
7a = high importance in Mexico: 4th in the survey and cited in 4 of 6 meetings.
IMPACT
Braskem has no operational facilities in areas of high value in biodiversity, with the exception of Mexico (7a), where an endangered species was relocated.
CONTROL
Braskem is located at industrial sites and has control through contracts (3) ;
Prioritized in Alagoas workshop with an average score of 3 (3) ;
IMPORTANCE
Topic ranking in the consultations:
3th per Braskem Leaders (4);
18th in online survey (2);
Prioritized in 7 out of 8 workshops with an average score of 3.2 (3);
IMPACT
Braskem is the largest producer of thermoplastic resins in Brazil; the rate of mechanical recycling of post-consumption plastic in Brazil is 21%, only 52% of waste receives appropriate treatment.
CONTROL
Multiple parties are involved in the waste treatment chain (citizens, government, treatment companies...) (2) ;
Prioritized in 7 out of 8 workshops with an average score of 2.7 (3) ;
IMPORTANCE
Topic ranking in the consultations
23rd per Braskem Leaders (1);
28th in online survey (1);
Prioritized in 1 out of 8 workshops with an average score of 3.6 (4);
IMPACT
Braskem is among the 10 largest buyers of hazardous products. Petrobras, however, is one of the main suppliers
CONTROL
Braskem can make contractual requirements to influence suppliers (except naphtha) (2) ;
Prioritized in 1 out of 8 workshops with an average score of 3.4 (3) ;
IMPORTANCE
Topic ranking in the consultations
4th per Braskem Leaders (4);
3rd in online survey (4);
Prioritized in 6 out of 8 workshops with an average score of 3.4 (3);
IMPACT
18% of Braskem's polymer revenue comes from products developed in the last 3 years
Other chains have more innovation potential (technology, telecommunications, automobiles)
CONTROL
Development also depends on suppliers and customers (3) ;
Prioritized in 6 out of 8 workshops with an average score of 3.3 (3) ;
IMPORTANCE
Topic ranking in the consultations:
18th per Braskem Leaders (2);
24th in online study (4);
Prioritized in 3 out of 8 workshops with an average score of 3.5 (4)
11b = considered one of the most important topics at the USA workshop
IMPACT
Braskem is not labor-intensive (less than 0.1% of industrial jobs in Brazil)
the plastics chain, however, generates around 5% of industrial jobs in Brazil
CONTROL
Braskem does not control job generation for its suppliers or customers, but can influence their growth (2) ;
Prioritized in 3 out of 8 workshops with an average score of 3.5 (4) ;
IMPORTANCE
Topic ranking in the consultations:
24th per Braskem Leaders (1);
25th in online survey overall (1),
but 1st per Team Members (4)
Was not prioritized in the workshops
IMPACT
Braskem is not labor-intensive
Considering indirect jobs also, it generates less than 0.5% of industrial jobs in Brazil.
CONTROL
Braskem controls the topic in its operations, including for supervised contractors, through contracts (4) ;
IMPORTANCE
Topic ranking in the consultations
1st per Braskem Leaders (4);
1st in online survey (4);
Prioritized in 7 out of 8 workshops with an average score of 3.7 (4)
IMPACT
Braskem is the largest producer in the country of some toxic products
Due to the stocks of hazardous products, there are high risks
CONTROL
Braskem has total control over these risks (4) ;
Prioritized in 7 out of 8 workshops with an average score of 3.6 (4) ;
IMPORTANCE
Topic ranking in the consultations
9th per Braskem Leaders (3);
6th in online survey (4);
Prioritized in 1 workshop with Team Members (Bahia), with an average score of 3.0 (3)
IMPACT
Braskem is not labor-intensive. Less than 0.1% of industrial jobs in Brazil
CONTROL
Braskem is able to control this matter (4) ;
Prioritized in 1 internal workshop (Bahia), with a high score of 3.8 (4) ;
IMPORTANCE
Topic ranking in the consultations
13th per Braskem Leaders (3);
4th in online survey (4);
Was not prioritized in the workshops
IMPACT
Braskem is not labor-intensive. Less than 0.1% of industrial jobs in Brazil
CONTROL
Braskem can control this matter (4) ;
IMPORTANCE
Topic ranking in the consultations
26th per Braskem Leaders (1);
27th in online survey (1);
Was not prioritized in the workshops
IMPACT
Braskem's expenditures on private security are less than 1% of this market.
CONTROL
Braskem, by means of its contracts, is fully capable of controlling this matter (4) ;
IMPORTANCE
Topic ranking in the consultations
5th per Braskem Leaders (4);
13th in online survey (3);
Prioritized in 2 out of 8 workshops with an average score of 3.0 (3)
IMPACT
Braskem produces and sells some hazardous and toxic products, but handling takes place in industrial settings, which are more controlled
CONTROL
The safe use of chemical products depends on suppliers and customers (2) ;
Prioritized in 2 out of 8 workshops with an average score of 2.6 (3) ;
IMPORTANCE
Topic ranking in the consultations
19th per Braskem Leaders (2);
22nd in online survey (1);
Was not prioritized in the workshops
IMPACT
Braskem is a B2B company, and therefore has a lower number of interactions than B2C companies
CONTROL
Braskem is able to control the matter (4) ;
IMPORTANCE
Topic ranking in the consultations
17th per Braskem Leaders (2);
23rd in online survey (1);
Prioritized in 1 external workshop (São Paulo) with a high score of 3.6 (4)
IMPACT
Braskem is not a large indirect employer. Our supply chain would generate 3% of industrial jobs in Brazil at most.
CONTROL
Braskem can make contractual requirements to influence suppliers (excluding naphtha) (2) ;
Prioritized in 1 out of 8 workshops with an average score of 3.4 (3) ;
IMPORTANCE
Topic ranking in the consultations
2nd per Braskem Leaders (4);
10th in online survey (3);
Prioritized in 4 out of 8 workshops with an average score of 3.3 (3)
IMPACT
Braskem is the 15th largest company by EBITDA in Brazil and number 1 in the industry.
Braskem is the 21st largest chemical company in the world
CONTROL
Braskem controls some variables, but there are numerous others that define the ability to define the profit (3) ;
Prioritized in 4 out of 8 workshops with an average score of 3.4 (3) ;
IMPORTANCE
Topic ranking in the consultations
27th per Braskem Leaders (1);
17th online survey (2);
Prioritized in 6 out of 8 workshops with an average score of 3.3 (3);
IMPACT
Braskem is likely among the 10 largest industrial investors in community benefits in Brazil
CONTROL
Braskem is able to control the matter (4) ;
Prioritized in 6 out of 8 workshops with an average score of 3.1 (3) ;
IMPORTANCE
Topic ranking in the consultations
25th per Braskem Leaders (1);
26th online survey (1);
Was not prioritized in the workshops
IMPACT
Braskem is the 49th largest taxpayer in Brazil
CONTROL
The most Braskem can do is request the benefit, but the decision is beyond Braskem (2) ;
IMPORTANCE
Topic ranking in the consultations
15th per Braskem Leaders (2);
12th online survey (3);
Prioritized in 1 internal workshop (Bahia) with an average score of 3.0 (3)
IMPACT
Braskem is not a large generator of indirect employment, but can be very important for the cities in which it has operations. Example: Maceio, Camacari, Triunfo, Duque de Caxias etc.
CONTROL
Braskem may wish to engage, but local suppliers may not exist (2) ;
Prioritized in 1 out of 8 workshops with an average score of 3 (3) ;
IMPORTANCE
Topic ranking in the consultations
22dn per Braskem Leaders (2);
21st online survey (2);
9th for customers in the survey (3)
Was not prioritized in the workshops
IMPACT
Braskem is the 21st largest chemical company in the world.
Braskem is the largest resin producer in the Americas
CONTROL
Braskem is able to control the matter (4) ;
IMPORTANCE
Topic ranking in the consultations
20th per Braskem Leaders (2);
16th in online survey (2);
Was not prioritized in the workshops
IMPACT
Braskem can define a series of procedures to reduce the risks of illicit negotiations, but they can happen regardless
CONTROL
Braskem may define a series of procedures to reduce the risks of illicit negotiations, but they can happen regardless (3) ;
IMPORTANCE
Topic ranking in the consultations
7th per Braskem Leaders (4);
19th online survey (2);
Prioritized in 2 out of 8 workshops with an average score of 3.7 (3)
IMPACT
Braskem is the 2nd largest chemical manufacturer in Brazil revenue-wise
Braskem is the 49th largest taxpayer in Brazil
CONTROL
Braskem may attempt to have an influence, but decisions are beyond its control (2) ;
Prioritized in 2 out of 8 workshops with an average score of 2.5 (3) ;
IMPORTANCE
Topic ranking in the consultations
6th per Braskem Leaders (4);
5th online survey (4);
Prioritized in 2 out of 8 workshops with an average score of 3.5 (4)
IMPACT
Plastic components reduce costs of final products
Other chains have more innovation potential (technology, telecommunications, automobiles)
CONTROL
Development also depends on suppliers and customers (3) ;
Prioritized in 2 out of 8 workshops with a high score of 3.5 (4) ;
IMPORTANCE
Topic ranking in the consultations
21st per Braskem Leaders (2);
15th in online survey (2);
5th for Team Members (4);
Prioritized in 3 out of 8 workshops with an average score of 3.3 (3)
IMPACT
The plastics chain generates around 5% of the industrial jobs in Brazil, which, if applied to a location, may be very relevant
CONTROL
The participation of other parties is required to train the local workforce.
Prioritized in 3 out of 8 workshops with an average score of 3.8 (4) ;
IMPORTANCE
Topic ranking in the consultations
8th per Braskem Leaders (3);
8th online survey (4);
Prioritized in 5 out of 8 workshops with a high score of 3.7 (4)
IMPACT
Braskem is the 7th largest private company in Brazil
Braskem does not deal B2C, which reduces its exposure
CONTROL
Braskem is able to control the matter (4) ;
Prioritized in 5 out of 8 workshops with a high score of 3.8 (4) ;
Braskem's impact and/or that of its value chain is a major factor in the topic's outcome. The topic is relevant on a global scale, or, if it is local, Braskem makes relevant contributions in the majority of its operating regions.
Braskem's impact and/or that of its value chain contributes to the topic, but Braskem/its value chain is one of the largest agents only in some of its regions of operation.
Braskem's impact and/or that of its value chain influences the topic outcome, but Braskem /its chain is at most a medium-sized agent in its operating regions .
Braskem's impact and/or that of its value chain does notchange the outcome of the topic.
The topic is of high relevance to internal and external stakeholders
The topic is of medium relevance to internal and external stakeholders, orof high relevance to a specific stakeholder
The topic is of low relevance to internal and external stakeholders
The topic is irrelevant for internal and external stakeholders
Braskem has no significant control or influence in regard to this topic. The result depends on the actions of others.
Braskem does not control the matter, but can influence its stakeholders. The result depends more on others than on Braskem.
Braskem controls the matter in its operations and/or significantly influences its stakeholders. The result depends on the collective measures taken by the parties.
Braskem controls the matter and is the main responsible for the outcome.