By James Findlay, Finance Director, Esseco UK
At Esseco UK, ESG is not just a framework—it’s a core part of who we are and how we operate every day. It represents a set of moral and ethical responsibilities that guide our strategy and actions across environmental, social, and governance areas. As a company, our long-term ambition is clear: to transition our energy mix and become a 100% CO₂-free industrial operation.
Putting people and communities first
From a social standpoint, the wellbeing of our employees and the strength of our local communities are always front of mind. We prioritise transparency and mutual trust in everything we do, and we believe that a safe, healthy working environment is the foundation of a resilient company. In 2024, we proudly achieved 2,000 days without a reportable injury—a milestone we are carrying forward into 2025.
Sustainability in action
On the environmental front, we’ve made targeted investments to reduce our impact, both at the site level and nationally. One of the most significant is the installation of a sulphur burner and a waste heat boiler at our Wakefield site. This project alone has enabled us to cut our carbon footprint by 68% and reduce our reliance on natural gas by 95%. It marks an important step in our sustainability journey.
In addition, we’ve implemented solar panels across multiple locations, helping to reduce our Scope 2 emissions. But this is far from the end. Our ambition to achieve 100% CO₂-free energy remains, and we continue to develop and refine our strategy to get there.
A strong local connection
Our commitment to ESG also includes strong social engagement. We’re working closely with the local council and the combined authority to shape a community-focused social strategy for 2025, strengthening our ties with the Wakefield area and contributing to its development.
Governance as a foundation
Governance underpins all of our ESG efforts. It provides the structure and discipline that allow us to move forward in a sustainable way. As part of our ongoing procurement strategy, we evaluate our potential suppliers against ESG criteria to ensure visibility and accountability across the entire supply chain. This holistic approach helps us maintain integrity, consistency, and purpose in everything we do.
At Esseco UK, we believe ESG is more than a goal—it’s a shared commitment. And I’m proud to be part of a team that brings such passion and dedication to building a more sustainable future.
