To track the effectiveness of our policies and actions that address material impacts and risks with regards to E2 Pollution (including Process safety), we have set the following measurable, outcome-oriented, and time-bound targets.
Obtain External Certification of All European Polyolefin (PO) Sites (Excluding Recycling Facilities) According to the OCS Scheme
This voluntary target relates to the policy objective of achieving zero loss of pellets from primary containment and supports Borealis’ key goal of minimizing plastic particle emissions to the environment as much as possible.
2025
All of Borealis’ European PO sites externally certified in accordance with the European OCS standard
Absolute target |
|
|---|---|
Value chain activities |
Own operations |
In scope |
The target applies to all of Borealis’ polyolefin production sites, encompassing all activities related to processing and handling plastic pellets |
Out of scope |
Borealis’ recycling facilities |
Geographical coverage |
European PO sites |
Base year |
2024 |
Baseline value |
9 (based on 2024 result) |
The target is defined using data from the number of OCS certificates issued by external certification bodies. A steering committee of Borealis’ senior managers evaluated and finalized the target, which was then approved and enforced by the highest management body for operations. Borealis has not changed its targets, metrics, or methodologies since the target was set in 2024. Borealis periodically reviews its methodologies to ensure they align with evolving scientific and regulatory standards. The target for minimizing pellet loss and spills is not based on conclusive scientific evidence. This target was established through internal benchmarking, considering industry best practices, achievable levels, existing technologies, and operational improvements. No stakeholders were directly involved in setting this target.
Status 2025
The target was achieved. External OCS certification was completed for all 10 European PO sites of Borealis. (2024: Out of the 10 European Borealis PO sites, external OCS certification was completed for 9 and postponed for 1). For details on the sites, see the Borealis Group Annual Report 2025 – Group Management Report – Sustainability Statement
Borealis monitors performance through quarterly on-site meetings of local OCS teams. The target is reviewed annually during management reviews as part of the integrated Environmental Management System, and adjustments made based on performance trends and operational developments.
Total Number of Pellet Spills to the Environment is ≤1 per Polyolefin (PO) Site per Year
This voluntary target aligns with the policy objective of mitigating impacts from pellet loss and supports Borealis’ key goal of minimizing plastic particle emissions to the environment as much as possible.
2025
Achieve ≤1 pellet spills to the environment per PO site per year
Absolute target |
|
|---|---|
Value chain activities |
Own operations |
In scope |
The target applies to all of Borealis’ polyolefin production sites, encompassing all activities related to processing and handling plastic pellets |
Out of scope |
n.a. |
Geographical coverage |
Borealis’ polyolefin sites |
Base year |
2024 |
Baseline value |
7 (based on 2024 result) |
The target is based on data from non-conformities with site-specific OCS procedures that are observed and documented during off-site inspections by local OCS teams, as well as observations from all site personnel, contractors, and neighbors. A steering committee of Borealis’ senior managers evaluated and finalized the target, which was then approved and enforced by the highest management body for operations. Borealis has not changed its targets, metrics, or methodologies since the target was set in 2024. Borealis periodically reviews its methodologies to ensure they align with evolving scientific and regulatory standards. The target for minimizing pellet loss and spills is not based on conclusive scientific evidence. It was established through internal benchmarking, considering industry best practices, achievable levels, existing technologies, and operational improvements. No stakeholders were directly involved in setting this target.
Status 2025
In 2025, Borealis reported a total of 5 pellet spills, with one site reporting more than 1 spill and therefore the target was not achieved. This included Borealis Polyolefins GmbH (Schwechat, 2 spills), Borealis Polymers N.V. (1 spill), Borealis Polymers Oy (1 spill), and Borealis Compounds Inc. (Port Murray & Taylorsville; 1 spill) (2024: 7 pellet spills, one site reported more than 1 spill). For details, see the Borealis Group Annual Report 2025 – Group Management Report – Sustainability Statement.
Process Safety Event Rate
Our voluntary target for maintaining a leading position in terms of Process Safety Event Rate aligns with our commitment to keeping our workplaces and processes safe for our employees, contractors, business partners, external stakeholders, and the environment, as stipulated in our Code of Conduct and Process Safety Management Standard.
2025
Maintain leading position in Process Safety Event Rate
2030
Maintain leading position in Process Safety Event Rate
Relative target |
|
|---|---|
Value chain activities |
Own operations |
In scope |
100% for fully owned assets and for assets where the Group’s interest is less than 100% but more than 50%, and where the Group’s interest is 50% or less if OMV is the operator of a joint venture |
Out of scope |
Joint ventures where OMV does not have control or operatorship |
Geographical coverage |
Group-wide |
Base year |
2023 |
Baseline value |
0.23 |
The methodology for classification of the Process Safety Event Rate follows a tiered concept as outlined in API 754.API 754 is the widely used Recommended Practice for Process Safety Performance Indicators for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries. This rate is calculated as the normalized rate of Tier 1 and Tier 2 process safety events per 1,000,000 hours worked by applicable company functions within the reporting scope, excluding hours worked by corporate functions. This approach enables the identification of trends and opportunities for improvement, supporting the implementation of targeted interventions and preventive measures, thus reducing the likelihood and frequency of process safety events. This target is based on comparing our performance with peer groups, using data published by industry associations such as IOGP and Concawe for the previous year. The target was set following consultations with Executive Board (EB) members, SVPs, and HSSE, and approved by the EB. There were no changes to the target in the reporting year. All data is still collected via our internal incident reporting tool. The targets are monitored monthly and reviewed annually.
Status 2025
0.30 (2024: 0.20)
None of the targets directly address air pollutants and respective loads. In the EU, where OMV’s main operations are located, air emissions are strictly regulated. We plan to analyze the air emissions of our plants and, based on the analysis, will decide whether an air emissions target beyond the strict legal requirements is necessary. While air emissions are indirectly addressed through our target on process safety events, the overall contribution of such events to total air emissions is small. Our target regarding the number of spills addresses both emissions to water and specific loads, as well as pollution to soil and specific loads, with the aim of reducing plastic pellet spills to the environment. Due to their lack of biodegradability, microplastics tend to accumulate in the environment, including in water and soil. Our target related to pellet spills aims to reduce plastic discharge to the environment, in particular to water. At OMV, our spill management approach is designed to minimize pollution to soil, maintaining the integrity of the environment around our operations. While we are committed to this objective, a specific target for minimizing soil pollution caused by spills is currently not in place.