Environment

 

Climate Change

 

E1-5 Energy consumption and mix

[E1-5-AR34][E1-5-37][E1-5-38] NORMA Group’s energy consumption in the 2024 fiscal year amounted to:

[E1-5-39] NORMA Group generated a total of 25,694 MWh of energy in the 2024 fiscal year. Of this, 21,842 MWh comes from non-renewable resources and 3,852 MWh from renewable sources.

[MDR-M-77a][MDR-M-77c][MDR-M-77d] The energy data required for this is systematically recorded at all NORMA Group sites. The data is based on information from external sources such as energy source delivery volumes from the respective energy suppliers and internal measurement data. If no actual data is available at the time of the survey, NORMA Group uses extrapolation logic to a limited extent. The estimates mainly relate to office space and logistics centers rented by NORMA Group from third parties. In such cases, direct access to billable consumption values is not possible. In order to obtain the closest approximate statement possible on energy consumption, a specific energy consumption per square meter is determined separately for office and logistics space. This specific consumption value is based on a mathematically calculated reference location for office and logistics centers. For office space 0.31 MWh per square meter and for logistics centers 0.03 MWh per square meter applies. The consumption values of the sites without directly billable energy consumption are determined and reported on the basis of these parameters. The estimate includes a share of 0.54 % of total energy consumption.

Energy intensity based on net revenue

[E1-5-40][E1-5-41] The calculated energy intensity of NORMA Group corresponds to the total energy consumption in relation to net sales from activities in high climate impact sectors. [E1-5-AR36][E1-5-42][MDR-T-77a] NORMA Group assumes that all business activities fall into these high climate impact sectors, as it does not operate any activities in non-climate imapct sectors. The following high climate impact sectors were identified: Manufacture of plastic products (C222000), manufacture of plastic plates, sheets, tubes and profiles (C222100), manufacture of fabricated metal products (C250000), surface treatment and heat treatment; mechanical n.e.c. (C256000), surface treatment and heat treatment (C256100), manufacture of screws and rivets (C259400), manufacture of other fabricated metal products n.e.c. (C259900), manufacture of other parts and accessories for motor vehicles (C293200), water supply (E360000), wastewater disposal (E370000), construction of roads (F421100). On this basis, energy intensity is calculated using total energy consumption and net sales. [E1-5-43][E1-5-AR38a] The amount of net revenue from activities in high climate impact sectors corresponds to EUR 1,155,128 thousand and can be directly reconciled with the information from the annual financial statements in the chapter CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME.

 

E1-6 Gross Scopes 1, 2, 3 and Total GHG emissions

[E1-6-46][E1-6-47] There were no material changes within NORMA Group and its upstream and downstream value chain during the reporting period.

[E1-6-AR48] NORMA Group’s GHG emissions are shown in the following table.

[E1-6-48a][E1-6-48b][E1-6-49a][E1-6-49b][E1-6-51][E1-6-52a][E1-6-52b]

[MDR-M-77a][E1-6-AR39b][E1-6-AR45d][E1-6-AR40] NORMA Group determines and records its greenhouse gas balance in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol initiative in the categories Scope 1 to Scope 3 for all sites worldwide. There is no operational control beyond the financial scope of consolidation. The emission factors from “UK Government GHG Conversion Factors for Company Reporting” (DEFRA) are used for Scope 1 emissions and those published by the VDA (German Association of the Automotive Industry) for emission factors in the fuels sector. Scope 2 emissions can be calculated in two ways: location-based and market-based. In the location-based calculation methodology, energy consumption is calculated using average country-specific emission factors from the International Energy Agency (IEA). In the market-based calculation method, emissions are calculated using individual emission factors of the energy providers themselves. If there is no emission factor for market-based approaches, the location-based emission factors are used based on the requirements of the GHG Protocol. This methodology is intended to ensure that all relevant emissions are recorded and calculated correctly. Depending on the category, different sources of emission factors are used for Scope 3 emissions, including factors from the IEA, Sphera Managed LCA Content Databases, Supply Chain Greenhouse Gas Emission Factors v1.3 by NAICS-6. [E1-6-AR39c] Greenhouse gas emissions include CO2, CH4, N2O, HFCs, PFCs, SF6 and NF3. [MDR-M-77a][MDR-M-77c][MDR-M-77d] NORMA Group’s methodology and assumptions for calculating emissions are based on specific scaling and calculations. The emission factor for N2O is calculated on the basis of incineration. The basis for calculating emissions is therefore the emission factor per unit of fuel. The same applies to CH4 and CO2, scaled from sample measurements by chimney sweeps. HFCs and PFCs are calculated on the basis of the solvent content in operating materials. In addition, the Emission Trading Scheme is not relevant for NORMA, as confirmed by consultation with regional directors.

[E1-6-AR46d] NORMA Group has identified its significant Scope 3 categories based on the criteria of the GHG Protocol Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Accounting and Reporting Standards. The following categories were identified as significant:

Cat. 1 – Purchased goods and services

Cat. 2 – Capital goods

Cat. 3 – Fuel and energy-related emissions

Cat. 4 – Transportation and distribution (upstream)

Cat. 5 – Waste from business activities

Cat. 6 – Business trips

Cat. 7 – Commuting of employees

Cat. 9 – Transportation and distribution (downstream)

Cat. 10 – Processing of products sold

Cat. 11 – Use of products sold

Cat. 12 – Disposal of products sold at the end of their service life

[MDR-M-77a][MDR-M-77c][MDR-M-77d]

[E1-6-AR39c] The Scope 3 categories were determined in accordance with the GHG Protocol and include CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, HFCs, PFCs, SF₆ and NF₃. [E1-6-AR46hi] The scope is consistent with the financial scope of consolidation, so that all consolidated units of the Group are taken into account. [MDR-M-77b] The systems used for the calculation are already part of regular internal audits. [E1-6-AR46g] The data is mainly based on secondary data. Almost 0 % of emissions are determined using primary data obtained directly from suppliers or other partners in the value chain.

[E1-6-AR46i] The following categories were not included in the balance sheet:

[E1-6-AR43][E1-6-AR45][E1-6-AR46] NORMA Group discloses biogenic CO₂ emissions from the incineration or biodegradation of biomass, if available. For the 2024 fiscal year, NORMA Group did not generate any GHG emissions from Scope 1, 2 and 3 in this regard. In addition, emissions of other greenhouse gases (such as CH₄ and N₂O) and CO₂ emissions that occur in the life cycle of biomass and are not attributable to incineration or biodegradation (such as greenhouse gas emissions from the processing or transportation of biomass) are included in the calculation of regular Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions.

[E1-6-AR53c] For the calculation of GHG intensity based on net revenue, NORMA Group has included total GHG emissions in the numerator, while total net revenue of EUR 1,155,128 thousand is included in the denominator.

Greenhouse gas intensity on the basis of net revenue

[E1-6-AR54][E1-6-53][E1-6-54] NORMA Group’s GHG emission intensity is shown in the following table. The greenhouse gas intensity figure includes the total GHG emissions in tons of CO₂ equivalent per net revenue. Net income can be found in the following section of the annual report: CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

[MDR-M-77a][MDR-M-77c][MDR-M-77d] The following methodology was used to calculate the key figure: Total GHG emissions in tons of CO₂ equivalent divided by total net revenue. No significant assumptions were made.

 

E1-7 GHG removals and GHG mitigation projects financed through carbon credits

In the 2024 fiscal year, NORMA Group will not carry out any projects to reduce or eliminate greenhouse gases that are financed through carbon credits.

 

E1-8 Internal carbon pricing

NORMA Group does not currently apply any internal CO₂ pricing.

 

 

E1-2 Policies related to climate change mitigation and climate change adaptation

[MDR-P-65a][MDR-P-65b][MDR-P-65c][MDR-P-65d][MDR-P-65e][MDR-P-65f][E1-2-24][E1-2-25] NORMA Group is aware of the positive and negative impact of its actions on climate change as well as the associated risks and opportunities. On the one hand, negative impacts on climate change result from production processes or the transportation of NORMA Group’s products through GHG emissions, among other things. Selected NORMA Group production sites are also located in climate risk areas. On the other hand, NORMA Group’s business activities in the area of energy and water management, among other things, have a positive impact on climate change. Potential risks of climate change for NORMA Group include potential environmental disasters that jeopardize the supply chain or production processes, possible fines, loss of reputation or retrofitting due to the consequences of climate change. On the other hand, anchoring this topic in the business strategy also offers opportunities, particularly in the form of customer acquisition and retention, by selling products that counteract climate change.

In 2018, NORMA Group developed an environmental concept as part of the environmental strategy to expand and strengthen its environmental management activities and to manage the material impacts, risks and opportunities. The concept relates to NORMA Group’s own business activities and the upstream value chain, but not to the identified impacts, risks and opportunities along the downstream value chain. The focus is on climate, water and waste generation. The strategy comprises three different levels of action: The focus is on managing the company’s own processes, the second level comprises impact measurement along the entire value chain, while the third level addresses pilot projects. This three-stage approach allows NORMA Group to focus on processes that can be directly influenced while addressing the impacts along the supply chain and in the use phase of the products.

NORMA Group has defined and implemented principles for its environmental management system. These principles include compliance with local and national regulations and laws. In addition, regular exchanges are held with relevant stakeholder groups during the fiscal year in order to take their concerns on environmental issues into account.

In addition, NORMA Group sets ambition levels, monitors their achievement and reports on them to local, regional and global management. Another focus is on the continuous improvement of environmental management systems, with the ambition to reduce water and energy consumption, reduce the carbon footprint, use resources more efficiently, minimize waste and prevent pollution. Promoting environmental awareness among employees is also a key concern, which is implemented through cooperative leadership and effective communication. NORMA Group attaches great importance to communicating its environmental objectives and actions clearly and transparently to its stakeholders, for example through the Supplier Code of Conduct. Under the Supplier Code of Conduct, NORMA Group requires its suppliers to, among other things, maintain an effective environmental policy, comply with required environmental permits, properly treat wastewater and solid waste, monitor and control air emissions, minimize waste and promote recycling, and produce in an environmentally responsible manner to avoid harmful environmental impacts. Responsibility for the environmental management systems and the associated issues relating to climate, water and waste management at the individual production sites lies with the Environment, Occupational Health and Safety department, which is represented at all sites. At a global level, this department reports to the Chief Operating Officer. NORMA Group has established an environmental management system at each production site to ensure that environmental incidents are prevented or, in the event of an incident, effectively managed and their impacts adequately addressed. NORMA Group has laid down the principles for its environmental management system in a global environmental guideline. The guideline was adopted in the 2020 fiscal year by the Chief Operating Officer and the Vice President for Quality, Environment, Occupational Health and Safety. The policy is publicly available on the website for potentially affected stakeholders.

The commitments currently focus on climate change mitigation and energy efficiency. Climate change adaptation, the management of physical climate risks and the use of renewable energies are not yet covered by the commitments.

 

E1-4 Targets related to climate change mitigation and climate change adaptation

[E1-4-32][MDR-T-80][E1-4-33] In 2018, NORMA Group developed a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at its production sites. When setting its climate target, NORMA Group followed the recommendations of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The target was further tightened in the 2020 fiscal year, aiming for a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 19.5 % by the end of 2024 compared to 2017, which corresponds to a target value of 42,000 tons of GHG emissions in 2024. The target is also part of the executive compensation framework at NORMA Group. The following applied to the remuneration-related target: The GHG emissions for the target value are reported in orientation with the GHG Protocol (market-based, Scope 1 and Scope 2). In the event of acquisitions, disposals and changes to the general business model, the target is reviewed for necessary adjustments. Scope 1 includes only emissions from natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), while Scope 2 covers emissions from purchased electricity and district heating. When recording emissions, only emissions relating to the production sites are taken into account. [E1-4-34f] [E1-4-AR30a] Since January 2022, NORMA Group has sourced electricity from renewable energies at all production sites. NORMA Group purchases “Energy Attribute Certificates” for this purpose. These are also included in the target value and have contributed to the achievement of the target. The target was reached at the end of 2024.

[E1-4-32][MDR-T-80][E1-4-33] A target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has also been set for the 2025 fiscal year in order to manage the material climate-related impacts, risks and opportunities. The goal is to avoid 1,000 tons of GHG emissions in the 2025 fiscal year by implementing actions. The target applies to NORMA Group’s production sites and distribution centers. [E1-4-34b] The stated 1,000 tons of GHG emissions refer to both Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions combined. In addition, the target applies throughout the 2025 fiscal year. The effects of individual actions are therefore calculated for the year as a whole, regardless of when they are implemented within the year.

[E1-4-34e] The targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions are not scientifically sound and are not compatible with limiting global warming to 1.5 °C.

With the help of the target, NORMA Group wants to promote focused actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make the ambition levels of the individual sites transparent. In this way, NORMA Group aims to reduce its negative impact and at the same time increase its positive impact on the climate by reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.

No communicable, measurable and results-oriented climate change targets have been implemented beyond the 2025 fiscal year. NORMA Group is currently establishing appropriate processes to develop and implement targets with regard to the impacts and opportunities related to climate change. Therefore, the target for the 2025 fiscal year is a bridging target that supports NORMA’s basic level of ambition to counteract climate change while allowing time to develop a long-term roadmap.

 

E1-3 Actions and resources in relation to climate change policies

[E1-3-28][E1-3-29a][MDR-A-68a][MDR-A-68b][MDR-A-68c] NORMA Group took the following actions in the 2024 fiscal year to achieve the climate-related targets set: Installation of photovoltaic systems at the NORMA sites in Newbury, Pune, Juarez, Nashik and Lifial. This means that the action is covered within the company’s own business activities and relates to the reduction of Scope 1 and 2 emissions. The actions were implemented in the 2024 fiscal year. The total capacity of the photovoltaic systems is approx. 1.5 GW. Minor investments were made for this purpose.

[E1-3-29b] The results of the climate change mitigation actions are the use of green energies and thus also the reduction of GHG emissions. The amount of green energy provided by the plants amounted to 3,852 MWh in 2024.

 

E1-1 Transition plan for climate change mitigation

[E1-1-16][E1-1-17] NORMA Group is currently working on a transition plan for climate change mitigation, which will not be completed in the 2024 fiscal year. There were no material current or planned operating expenses or capital expenditures related to the transition plan for climate change mitigation.

 

Pollution

 

E2-4 Microplastics

The following table shows the amount of microplastics used by NORMA Group in the 2024 fiscal year.

[E2-4-28b][E2-4-AR21][E2-4-AR26][E2-4-AR27][MDR-T-77a][MDR-T-77c] [MDR-T-77d]

[E2-4-30] NORMA Group defines microplastics as small plastic particles that are less than 5 mm in size. Microplastics are sourced or used in products and leave NORMA Group’s facilities as emissions, products or as a component of products and services.

To determine the relevant key figure, NORMA Group records the quantity of plastic granulate purchased worldwide. It is assumed that the quantity procured in the fiscal year corresponds to the quantity actually used.

 

E2-1 Policies related to pollution

[E2-1-14][E2-1-15a][E2-1-15b][E2-1-15c] NORMA Group has an environmental concept to address the positive and negative impacts of its activities in the area of pollution in the form of microplastics. The use of microplastics, i.e. granules smaller than 5 mm, in some production processes has a negative impact. At the same time, the company is helping to minimize the need for microplastics by introducing guidelines and processes to comply with environmental regulations and continuously improving products and production processes. No material risks and opportunities in connection with pollution were identified.

The environmental concept includes the company’s principles with regard to pollution, including its prevention and reduction. NORMA Group has established an environmental management system at each production site to ensure that, among other things, pollution incidents are prevented. If there is an incident, individual mitigating actions are defined and implemented to minimize the negative impact. NORMA Group has laid down the principles for its environmental management system in a global environmental guideline. Detailed information on NORMA Group’s overarching environmental concept can be found in the chapter E1-2 POLICIES RELATED TO CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION AND CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION.

 

E2-3 Targets related to pollution

[E2-3-23][E2-3-24][E2-3-25][MDR-T-72][MDR-T-81] NORMA Group has not yet set any specific, measurable targets for combating pollution in the form of microplastics, as the focus is currently on data collection.

 

E2-2 Actions and resources related to pollution

[E1-3-28][E1-3-29][MDR-A-62] NORMA Group is working on the development and implementation of suitable actions and resources analogous to the future development of a target in the area of pollution in the form of microplastics.

 

Water and marine resources

 

E3-4 Water consumption

[E3-4-28a] NORMA Group measures its water consumption in order to monitor and track the defined targets and the effectiveness of the actions. NORMA Group’s total water consumption in the 2024 fiscal year amounted to 167,106 m³. [E3-4-28e][E3-4-AR29][MDR-M-77a][MDR-M-77c][MDR-M-77d] The data basis for this information is based on the consumption values of the individual sites.

In order to obtain the closest approximate statement possible on water consumption, a specific water consumption per employee is calculated separately for office and logistics space. These specific consumption values are based on a mathematically calculated reference location for office and logistics centers. For office space, 2.06 m³ per employee and for logistics centers 7.79 m³ per employee applies. Fresh water consumption was determined on the basis of this parameter for those sites that were unable to report directly billable water consumption. The estimate includes a share of 1.46 % of total fresh water consumption, regardless of area of water stress.

[E3-4-28b] Water consumption in area at water risks and high water scarcity (“high-water stress areas”) amounted to 105,545 m³.

[E3-4-28c] NORMA Group’s total recycled and reused water amounts to 6,050 m³. [E3-4-28e][E3-4-AR29][MDR-M-77a][MDR-M-77c][MDR-M-77c] The reported quantities and data were determined using our own measurement technology by calculating differential quantities.

[E3-4-28d] NORMA Group’s total stored water amounts to 1,457 m³. It is not possible to state the changes in the amount of storage compared to the last fiscal year, as the data was collected for the first time in the 2024 fiscal year. [E3-4-28e][E3-4-AR29][MDR-M-77a][MDR-M-77c][MDR-M-77c] The key figure for stored water corresponds to the planned size of the water reservoir and is reported by the sites that have corresponding water reservoirs.

[E3-4-29] NORMA Group’s water intensity is 0.15 m³ per EUR thousand of revenue and is calculated from the total water consumption in its own operations per sales revenue. Further information on the calculation of net sales can be found in CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME.

 

E3-1 Policies related to water and marine resources

[E3-1-11] NORMA Group has an environmental concept to address the positive and negative impacts of its activities in the area of water resources. NORMA Group’s water consumption within its own production processes and processes in the supply chain has a negative impact on the water resources available in water risk areas. At the same time, it promotes sustainable water use with its own products from the Water Management division. By implementing appropriate internal processes and guidelines, the company also promotes a resource-conserving approach. No material risks and opportunities in connection with water resources were identified.

[E3-1-12a][E3-1-12b][E3-1-12c][E3-1-13][E3-1-14] The global environmental concept includes the company’s principles with regard to water resources. It is of great importance for NORMA Group, as some NORMA Group sites are located in area of very high-water stress. The Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas was used to identify these areas. With regard to water resources, the principles of the environmental concept include the conservation of water resources and compliance with all national and local regulations. These principles apply to all NORMA sites worldwide. At the same time, NORMA Group strives to promote the careful use of water resources by reusing water and minimizing water consumption as part of its Water Management division through product design. The principles of the environmental concept with regard to water resources are anchored in NORMA Group’s environmental management system and set out in a global environmental guideline. Detailed information on NORMA Group’s overarching environmental concept can be found in the chapter E1-2 POLICIES RELATED TO CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION AND CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION.

 

E3-3 Targets related to water and marine resources

[E3-3-22] NORMA Group has set a target for the 2024 fiscal year related to water resources to address the identified material impacts. [MDR-T-80b][MDR-T-80d][MDR-T-80e] Water consumption, i.e. the total amount of water used by production facilities, should be limited to a maximum of 139.7 liters per EUR thousand of revenue within the fiscal year. [E3-3-23a][E3-3-23b][E3-3-23c][MDR-T-80a][MDR-T-80c] The target was valid for all NORMA Group production sites for the 2024 fiscal year. With regard to water resources, the principles of the environmental concept include the conservation of water resources and compliance with national and local regulations. There is therefore a connection between the goal and the environmental concept. [MDR-T-80f] The background to the objective was to ensure a steady reduction in water consumption based on past water consumption. [MDR-T-80g] The target is not based on scientific findings. [MDR-T-80h] NORMA Group did not involve any stakeholders in setting the target. [E3-3-24][E3-3-25] The defined target is voluntary. No ecological thresholds or company-specific breakdowns were taken into account when setting the targets. [MDR-T-80j] NORMA Group measures target achievement using a defined key figure to measure water consumption. Further information can be found in the chapter E3-4 – WATER AND MARINE RESOURCES. The target was not achieved in the 2024 fiscal year.

The target was further developed for the 2025 fiscal year: In 2025, water consumption should amount to a maximum of 142.0 liters per EUR thousand of revenue. All other details and characteristics of the target correspond to the 2024 target.

 

E3-2 Actions and resources related to water and marine resources

[E3-2-17][MDR-A-68a][MDR-A-68b][MDR-A-68c][MDR-A-69][E3-2-19] In order to achieve the targets set, NORMA Group has not yet defined specific and group-driven actions and resources for areas at water risk, including area of high-water stress. These processes and actions are currently being implemented at individual location level. To promote the positive effects and mitigate the negative impacts, NORMA Group is currently establishing appropriate Group-wide processes to develop, implement and track well-founded actions.

 

Resources use and circular economy

 

E5-4 Resource inflows - Products and materials

[E5-4-30] NORMA Group purchases materials and services in the following product groups: Steel, wire, metal components, granulates, plastic parts, molded rubber parts, electrical components and indirect material.

[E5-4-31] The following table presents information on NORMA Group’s resource inflows in the 2024 fiscal year:

[E5-4-31b] NORMA Group does not use a certification system for the information on the percentage of biological materials. Upon specific request, the supplier informs NORMA Group of the proportion of biological materials used. NORMA Group receives a certificate as proof of this. The percentage share results from the relation to NORMA Group’s total resource inflows.

[MDR-M-77a][E5-4-32][E5-4-AR25] The information used to calculate the key figures is based on local ERP systems at the locations, which are consolidated at Group level in a central purchasing information system. The classification into technical and biological materials is primarily based on product specifications. If no information is available, the classification is based on the expertise of NORMA Group’s commodity managers. Euro pallets are excluded from the calculation as they are permanently reused.

NORMA Group does not currently have any primary data for recording secondary materials. The following assumptions are made to determine the key figure:

• According to the raw material suppliers, 83 % of stainless steel products are made from recycled material.

• According to our own specifications, packaging materials, in particular cardboard packaging, consist of 70 % recycled material.

• A conservative approach is assumed for all other material groups, so that a recycling rate of 0 % is attributed.

 

E5-5 Resource outflows - Waste

[E5-5-37] The following table shows the total amount of waste generated by NORMA Group’s own activities in the 2024 fiscal year.

A specific waste volume is determined in order to obtain the closest approximate statement possible about the waste volume. This must be determined separately for office space and logistics centers, as the reference values differ. For office space, 900 grams per employee and per working day (220 days) are assumed. The absolute volume of waste has been scaled on this basis. The basis for the logistics centers is a specific waste volume for a mathematically calculated reference location. On the basis of this key figure, the volume of waste was determined for the locations that could not report any directly billable waste. The estimate includes a share of 5.34 % in relation to the absolute amount of waste.

[E5-5-38] NORMA Group’s waste contains the following materials: Metal waste, plastic waste from the production of products, cardboard waste and wood waste from logistics processes and residual waste.

[E5-5-39] NORMA Group generated 734.53 tons of hazardous waste. The classification of waste is carried out by each NORMA Group site. No radioactive waste is produced.

[E5-5-40][MDR-M-77a] The data basis for NORMA Group’s waste management is based on invoices and waste disposal certificates/weighing slips. The scope includes all NORMA Group sites worldwide. The local waste management practices are part of the ISO 14001 certification. As there are no global waste classifications, classification is carried out at each site in accordance with local rules and regulations. The data on the types of recycling also comes from the disposal companies. The majority of NORMA Group’s waste is recycled, which is due to the nature of production, for example by using pure metal waste and black parts from injection molding machines, which have a high recyclability. [MDR-M-77c][MDR-M-77d]

 

E5-5 Resource outflows - Others

[E5-5-35][E5-5-AR26] NORMA Group’s products and materials are partly designed according to circular economy principles: durability, reusability, reparability and recyclability. The resource outflows can be broken down according to NORMA Group’s three main business segments: fluid systems, fastening systems and water management.

a) Fluid systems

[E5-5-36a] For the durability of fluid systems, NORMA products are generally designed to last as long as the service life of the end product in which the NORMA product was installed. This means that the durability of the NORMA product depends on the durability of the actual end product. The reason for this is that NORMA Group develops its products in such a way that they fulfill and meet specific customer requirements and are therefore best suited for the corresponding end product.

[E5-5-36b] Fluid systems are not repairable, as NORMA Group’s basic recommendation to its customers is to replace the entire NORMA product instead of repairing it. NORMA Group’s products are less complex than the products of its end customers. As a result, repairability is very limited and, due to the design principle of surviving the service life of their customers' applications, repair is not intended.

[E5-5-36c] NORMA Group’s fluid systems products are theoretically 60 % recyclable. In principle, the recycling of NORMA products is organized by their respective customers, e.g. at the end of their service life. To simplify disposal for customers, NORMA Group identifies the materials used in its products. Depending on the materials and fluid systems used, different methods can be used for recycling, from mechanical recycling to chemical recycling. Within fluid systems, NORMA Group distinguishes between multi-layer and single-layer pipes. Multi-layer pipes make up 35 % of Fluid systems and are not commercially recyclable due to their composition. Single-layer pipes make up 60 % of Fluid systems are basically recyclable.

b) Fastening systems

[E5-5-36a] For the durability of fastening systems, NORMA products are generally designed to last as long as the service life of the end product in which the NORMA product was installed. This means that the durability of the NORMA product depends on the durability of the actual end product. The reason for this is that NORMA Group develops its products in such a way that they fulfill and meet specific customer requirements and are therefore best suited for the corresponding end product.

[E5-5-36b] Fastening systems are not repairable, as NORMA Group’s basic recommendation to its customers is to replace the entire NORMA product instead of repairing it. NORMA Group’s products are less complex than the products of its end customers. As a result, repairability is very limited and, due to the design principle of surviving the service life of their customers' applications, repair is not intended.

[E5-5-36c] NORMA Group’s products in the area of fastening systems are theoretically 100 % recyclable due to their recyclable individual components. In this product group, too, the recycling of the products is organized by the respective customer. Fastening products are made from various types of steel (structural steel, stainless steel) and aluminum. Steel and aluminum can generally be 100 % recycled. It is standard industry procedure to collect steel and melt it down for reuse. Few components of the fastening products are made of rubber, which in turn is also fully recyclable.

c) Water management products

[E5-5-36a] When it comes to the durability of water management products, NORMA products are generally long-lasting and last for decades. These products are guaranteed for 1–7 years.

All products are designed and manufactured to withstand installation and use by the consumer over an extended or long-term life cycle. These extended or long-term system life cycles range from 3 to 10+ years. The product warranty is at least 1 year up to a maximum of 7 years under the intended applications and normal operating conditions.

[E5-5-36b] Water management products are generally repairable. The majority of products are designed and manufactured with repairable and/or replacement components, such as gaskets, fasteners (screws, bolts, nuts), lids, caps, connectors/adapters, grates. In addition, one product development criterion is a “backward compatibility” element to support the retrofitting of existing products with new product designs.

[E5-5-36c] NORMA Group’s water management products are generally 100 % recyclable due to their material composition. In most cases, the original products can be mechanically dismantled in one step to ensure the recycling of the individual plastic components.

 

E5-1 Policies related to resources use and circular economy

[E2-1-14][E5-1-AR9]

NORMA Group has an environmental concept to address the positive and negative impacts of its activities in the area of resource use and the circular economy. No material risks and opportunities were identified in connection with the use of resources and the circular economy. The concept relates to NORMA Group’s own business activities and the upstream value chain, but not to the identified impacts, risks and opportunities along the downstream value chain. Among other things, the environmental concept includes the company’s principles with regard to waste generation as a key indicator for the efficient use of raw materials. The reduction or avoidance of waste is managed in accordance with the environmental management systems at each NORMA Group production site. NORMA Group does not take the waste hierarchy into account. NORMA Group has laid down the principles for its environmental management system in a global environmental guideline. Detailed information on NORMA Group’s overarching environmental concept can be found in the chapter E1-2 – POLICIES RELATED TO CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION AND CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION. NORMA Group collects data on the volume of both hazardous and non-hazardous waste. Depending on the type of waste, NORMA Group employs different recycling methods. Plastic waste is reintroduced into the manufacturing process as far as possible, depending on the type of plastic and reasonable costs. A certain portion of the resulting plastic waste is regranulated.

NORMA Group already uses recycled and bio-based plastic materials. For example, NORMA Group actively contributes to reducing waste through the targeted use of reusable packaging. [E5-1-15a][E5-1-15b] In addition, NORMA Group’s environmental concept is currently not yet geared towards abandoning the use of primary materials or increasing the use of secondary resources, nor towards the sustainable procurement and use of renewable resources.

 

E5-3 Targets related to resources use and circular economy

[E5-3-23] NORMA Group has set itself targets for the 2024 fiscal year in connection with resource use and the circular economy in order to mitigate the identified material impacts. [MDR-T-80a][MDR-T-80b][MDR-T-80d][MDR-T-80e] The aim was to limit NORMA Group’s metal and plastic waste to a maximum of 7.4 kg per EUR thousand of revenue within the 2024 fiscal year. [MDR-T-80a][MDR-T-80c] The target was valid for all NORMA Group production sites for the 2024 fiscal year. [E5-3-24] The target thus focuses on parts of the resource outflows: metal and plastic waste, and thereby targets waste management. A commitment in NORMA Group’s environmental concept is the efficient use of raw materials and the reduction of waste. The defined target, which is measured using the waste generation indicator for the two types of waste, puts this principle into concrete terms. [MDR-T-80f] The background to the objective was to ensure a steady reduction in the volume of waste on the basis of past waste volumes. [MDR-T-80g] The target is not based on scientific findings. [MDR-T-80h] NORMA Group did not involve any stakeholders in setting the target. [E5-3-25] The defined targets relate to the production phase and are voluntary. [E5-3-26] No ecological thresholds or company-specific breakdowns were taken into account when setting the targets. [MDR-T-80j] NORMA Group monitors the target using defined key figures. Further information can be found in the chapter E5-5 – RESOURCE OUTFLOWS – WASTE. The target was reached in 2024.

The target was further developed for the 2025 fiscal year: In 2025, metal and plastic waste should amount to a maximum of 7.15 kg per EUR thousand of revenue. All other details and characteristics of the target correspond to the 2024 target.

 

E5-2 Actions and resources related to resources use and circular economy

[E5-2-19][MDR-A-68a][MDR-A-68b][MDR-A-68c][MDR-A-68d][MDR-A-69] In order to achieve the targets set, NORMA Group has not yet defined specific and Group-driven actions and provision of remedial actions. The processes and actions are currently being implemented at individual location level. To promote the positive impacts, NORMA Group is currently in the process of establishing appropriate Group-wide processes to develop, implement and track sound actions.