NEWARK, Del. (April 23, 2020) — W. L. Gore & Associates, a materials science company with Associates in more than 25 countries, announced plans to accelerate the application of its deep scientific knowledge and passion for innovation to address sustainability challenges.
The company’s expectation is that the value of its innovations is greater than the environmental and social impact of its products and operations. Toward that end, Gore is setting its first carbon reduction goal, reducing facility-related carbon emissions by 60% no later than 2030, and working toward carbon neutrality by 2050.
This focus on sustainability is directly aligned with Gore’s brand promise of Together, improving life, and its long-established values, culture and commitment to Associates, customers and communities. While always serving as a responsible steward of air, water and energy resources, Gore is taking additional concrete steps in its operations to achieve these new targets. These ambitious goals are guided by scientific evidence and consistent with commitments set by other corporations to reduce their carbon emissions to ensure the planet does not warm more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
Operations
As Gore maintains offices in more than 25 countries and manufacturing operations in the U.S., Germany, United Kingdom, China and Japan, even small operational adjustments can have a meaningful impact toward achieving its sustainability goals. Changes underway range from investing in renewable energy systems, such as solar power, to upgrading to more efficient manufacturing equipment. Gore is also investing in its chemical management systems in a continued effort to lower the chemical burden of its supply chain and minimize releases of mobile and persistent chemicals.
Innovation
In addition to Gore’s ongoing production of sustainability-oriented products, including materials made with lower environmental impact and those used for air pollution control, hydrogen economy and improved chemical catalysis, the company is developing new products internally and in partnership with other companies. Gore is expanding its engagement with external partners on topics of carbon-use reduction, sustainability and innovation through its Silicon Valley Innovation Center in Santa Clara, California.
Consistent with its culture, Gore is inviting its more than 10,500 Associates worldwide to share their ideas about how to take these innovations and operational changes even further. “As a community of Associates, it is part of our culture to do the right thing and use our creativity to make a difference in the world,” said Bernhard Kiehl, Global Enterprise Sustainability Leader. “As our planet faces societal and environmental challenges, we take seriously our responsibility to apply our unique expertise to create sustainable solutions that benefit generations to come.”
About Gore
W. L. Gore & Associates is a global materials science company dedicated to transforming industries and improving lives. Since 1958, Gore has solved complex technical challenges in demanding environments — from outer space to the world’s highest peaks to the inner workings of the human body. With more than 10,500 Associates and a strong, team-oriented culture, Gore generates annual revenues of $3.7 billion. gore.com
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