700 trees

Sustainability is an important issue. That is why we place sustainability at the center of everything we do. The responsible use of resources and environmentally conscious actions are key aspects that we consider in all our business decisions. For example, when it comes to offering our customers sustainable, value-adding solutions. Or when we ensure that our raw materials come from renewable sources. Given this awareness, we as a business line decided to also dedicate our Season’s Calendar 2020 to the cause of sustainability. Our idea: planting trees for the preservation of forests and a better climate.

We considered it important to involve our customers and business partners in this campaign. Which is why we came up with an interactive digital Season’s calendar with a question each day – from the 1st to the 31st of December – on the exciting world of trees or our sustainability strategy. We then challenged our followers to answer one of these questions every day and pledged to plant a tree for every correctly answered question. We are delighted that this resulted in 700 sponsored trees. Many thanks to everyone who participated. 

These trees are now being planted in the southwest German state of Rhineland-Palatinate by a true specialist in reforestation: PLANT-MY-TREE®. This organization has been implementing local reforestation projects in Germany since 2007. We opted for this partner because they offer us 100% transparency and a guarantee that the trees are indeed planted. In addition, they always organize the plantations in close cooperation with the local forestry authorities and decide together which types of trees are appropriate for the mixed forest. By adding hedges and pioneer plants, they furthermore establish a refuge and habitat for animals and insects. This ensures the creation of a truly diverse and sustainable ecosystem that is protected from deforestation or economic use for at least 99 years.

But why did we decide to plant trees in the first place? Because our forests are in bad shape. All over the world. In Germany, for example, more than 300,000 hectares of forest have been wiped out by the consequences of extreme weather since 2018. Reforestation projects, like the ones we support with our campaign make an important contribution to restoring natural habitats, protecting soils from erosion and helping to absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere. However, they are not a magic bullet in the fight against climate change. Cutting emissions is a far more important step. Evonik will continue to pursue this path systematically so that our products and services improve the lives and health of as many people as possible. Day by day. Today and for future generations.