Swisspearl USA | Sustainability Focus - Swisspearl
  4. Our focus on sustainability

Our focus on sustainability

Swisspearl’s purpose is to help create inspiring, healthy, and secure environments for people’s lives, while avoiding unnecessary impact on the planet. We are committed to operating responsibly, with a particular focus on:
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Climate and environment

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In our own operations and purchased electricity, the primary focus is on improving energy efficiency and replacing fossil energy with renewable sources.
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Circularity

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The circular economy is a core principle of sustainable development. We aim to actively contribute to the continued evolution of circular practices within the fiber cement industry.
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Social Responsibility

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We advance social responsibility by strengthening the Swisspearl employee experience through safe, inclusive, and supportive workplaces.
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Governance

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We focus on consistent, transparent governance through shared principles for decision-making, compliance, and responsible business conduct across Swisspearl.
Corona Del Mar High School, NewportBeach, California, USA
Corona Del Mar High School, Newport Beach, California
Corona Del Mar High School, NewportBeach, California, USA

How we take care of the climate and environment

Responsible manufacturing and resource stewardship

We are intentional about how we source materials and operate our facilities. Across our manufacturing network, we focus on reducing waste, conserving resources, and maintaining strict environmental controls.

  • We apply LEAN manufacturing principles to minimize waste and continuously improve efficiency across all factories.
  • Production scrap is collected and reused wherever possible, supporting internal material circularity.
  • Water is managed through closed-loop systems that significantly reduce wastewater discharge. In some facilities, wastewater discharge is eliminated entirely.
  • Any remaining process water is treated to meet regulatory requirements before being safely returned to the environment.
  • Cement and dry materials are stored and transported in enclosed systems to prevent dust and emissions. Cutting and machining processes are also conducted in controlled environments.
  • All factories comply with local environmental regulations. The majority are certified to ISO 14001, and all operate under ISO 9001 quality management systems.
  • The cellulose fibers used in our products are sourced from sustainably managed forests with certified chain of custody.
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Swisspearl plant, Lohja, Finland

Did you know?

At our Finland facility, production has operated for more than 20 years without discharging process wastewater. All manufacturing water is managed in closed systems, with only domestic wastewater generated from employee facilities.

Energy efficiency and carbon reduction

Reducing our carbon footprint is a central priority. We focus on improving energy efficiency, transitioning away from fossil fuels, and lowering emissions across our value chain.

  • We continuously upgrade buildings, equipment, and production processes to reduce energy consumption.
  • Our primary objective is to reduce fossil fuel use and increase energy from renewable sources.
  • We are expanding the share of renewable electricity across our operations, including pilot solar installations at select facilities.
  • Many of our factories are located near key raw materials, reducing transportation-related emissions.
  • Where feasible, we utilize rail transport to move finished goods, lowering road freight impacts.
  • We collaborate with suppliers and research partners to develop lower-carbon raw materials and product innovations.
  • Our products are engineered for long service life and minimal maintenance, supporting durable, adaptable buildings that reduce lifecycle impact.
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Did you know?

Each week, a dedicated 1,970-foot (600-meter) Swisspearl freight train transports materials from Central Europe to Denmark. Each shipment removes the equivalent of approximately 60 trucks from European roads.

How we work with circularity

Design for reuse

  • Swisspearl products are developed with circularity in mind, enabling their reuse in their original form or adaptation through resizing, trimming, or crushing for future applications.

Responsible production

  • Production waste is systematically collected across our factories, with a significant portion reintegrated into the manufacturing process.
  • We continue working to increase the percentage of material reused within our own processes.

Material recovery and innovation

  • Swisspearl fiber cement is formulated to support safe handling and responsible material recovery at end of life.
  • Our development teams advance a “waste to asset” approach, identifying new opportunities to convert end-of-life material into valuable resources.
Square 50, Washington, District Of Columbia, Vereinigte Staaten
Square 50, Washington DC

How we protect and support people

Swisspearl products are designed to support safe manufacturing, installation, and long-term performance. We prioritize employee well-being and provide clear guidance for safe product handling across the project lifecycle.

Workplace safety and compliance

  • All facilities comply with applicable local workplace safety regulations.
  • The majority of our factories are certified to ISO 45001 and operate under structured occupational health and safety programs.
  • Best practices are shared across facilities to continuously improve safety performance.

Safe product use and indoor environments

  • We provide detailed installation guidelines to support safe and correct handling of our products.
  • For large or complex projects, we offer on-site guidance to ensure proper product use.
  • Safety documentation is available for products that require specific handling procedures.
  • All interior products meet M1 low-emission certification requirements for indoor air quality.
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Chloe on Madison, Seattle, USA
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How we operate a responsible business

Sustainability is embedded in how we measure performance, manage risk, and report results.

Alignment with recognized standards

  • We report greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with the GHG Protocol, including Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions.
  • Our sustainability reporting aligns with recognized frameworks, including UNGC, SASB, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Measurable performance and accountability

  • We track environmental and resource performance indicators across our operations to monitor progress and identify areas for improvement.
  • Sustainability metrics inform operational and strategic decision making.

Responsible supply chain oversight

  • We conduct supplier screenings and audits to promote responsible environmental and ethical practices throughout our value chain.

Transparency

  • We publish an annual sustainability report detailing our commitments, actions, and measurable progress.