Taxonomy-Aligned Economic Activities

Our taxonomy-eligible economic activities under Annex I of Commission Delegated Regulations (EU) 2021/2139, (EU) 2023/2485, (EU) 2023/2086 and (EU) 2023/2026 and Commission Delegated Regulations (EU) 2023/1214, 2023/3850 and (EU) 2023/3851 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2020/852 can be categorized in particular as the “Manufacture of plastics in primary form” at WACKER POLYMERS and WACKER SILICONES.

In this context, we were able to prove that the requirements for a substantial contribution to climate change mitigation are met as regards Criterion c) “manufactured... wholly or partially from renewable feedstock” for one part of the above-mentioned activity.

The corresponding DNSH (Do no significant harm) criteria were also assessed for the activities identified as taxonomy-aligned, with the result that these criteria were met as well.

It should be noted that, especially when we interpreted the DNSH criteria in Appendix C, the entire production process of each activity was taken into consideration. On the one hand, it could be proved that appropriate substances listed in Appendix C under points c) and/or e) and f) and used as such or as a raw-material component meet the exemption criteria mentioned. On the other, it could be proved that at the present moment in time, these base materials have no alternative substances or technologies, that with regard to the processes involved, these substances cannot be avoided and that they are used only under suitably controlled conditions. Furthermore, the requirements in accordance with Appendix C, point f) (2) are met as regards the end products examined. In general, the use of raw materials is subject to strict legal requirements. They are approved by the authorities and are used under controlled conditions or in compliance with defined specifications and requirements relating to occupational and plant safety.

The minimum safeguards defined in Art. 18 of Regulation 2020/852 could then, furthermore, be demonstrated. In accordance with Art. 18 (1), it was possible to implement appropriate due diligence and remedy procedures to ensure alignment with those CSR standards cited in the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. In accordance with Art. 18 (2), it was demonstrated as part of these due diligence and remedy procedures that account is taken of the principal adverse impact indicators on Employment and Social Affairs, Respect for Human Rights and Combating Bribery and Corruption.

We have yet to prove alignment with the taxonomy for the activities identified as part of the new “pollution” environmental objective.