NowyStyl_Raport CSR_2020-2021_EN

The safety of our employees is our priority. Therefore, it is very important for us to manage chemicals we use in our plants in such a way that they pose the lowest possible risk to employees and the natural environment. All issues related to the handling of chemicals, from purchase planning through delivery, transport, storage, registration, training, use in processes, and the disposal of chemical waste and packaging, are determined by the existing internal proce- dure for handling chemicals. To ensure efficient and comprehensive management of chemicals, our company has implemented an electronic Central Database of Chemicals where every chemical we use is registered, regardless of its purpose – whether it is used in a production process or, for example, for mainte- nance or in an on-site laboratory. The database contains safety data sheets for chemical substances, feedback on putting them into use and workplace instructions on how to handle the chemicals. Having such instructions is not a legal requirement but we have introduced them as an additional measure, to improve the safety of our employees. They are based on data from safety data sheets and they make it easier to quickly access information, e.g. in the event of an accident or emergency. We make sure that wastewater generated in the produc- tion process is managed and its amount reduced. Sanitary sewage is discharged into the sewage systems of Municipal Utility Companies. Our two plants located in Poland have their own sewage treatment plants. Domestic wastewater generated at the Wood Processing Plant in Rzepedź, Poland, is channelled into the Osławica river following the treatment in an on-site biological treatment plant. Industrial wastewater generated by the Metal Production Plant, on the other hand, goes into the Jasiołka river after being treated in an on-site industrial wastewater treatment plant. In 2020, we started implementing two multi-stage modernisation investments at the Wood Processing Plant in Rzepedź, Poland, which we plan to complete by the end of 2022: > modernisation of a water pumping station (water intake and treatment station); this project involved multiple repairs, replacing deposits, pumps and 6.6 Chemicals under control In addition, the database is used to collect information on the classification of substances with regard to the CLP regulation, H-phrases contained, REACH declarations and Technical Data Sheets. This systemic and comprehensive approach to chemi- cals is helpful when we need to carry out analysis to design and launch new products in line with Ecodesign, which we have implemented, based on the ISO 14006:2020 standard, and with regard to requirements set by leading environ- mental certifications. We still strive to reduce the amount of chemicals, especially hazardous, used in our processes, or to replace them with alternatives which are more employee – and environment-friendly. Examples include our efforts to completely eliminate solvent-based varnishes from the production processes carried out at the Office Furniture Factory and replace themwith water-based varnishes (see page ...). Another example is the reduction of polyols and isocyanates used to make polyurethane foam thanks to the development of a special method of filling moulds. Click to find out more a pipeline as well as installing flood sensors and a control cabinet to be able to monitor electricity and water consumption 24 hours a day. As a result, we can comprehensively monitor water consumption and control damage in case of a pumping station failure. > modernisation of a biological wastewater treatment plant which involved the replacement of deposits, making new wastewater drainage and aeration systems and installation of a wastewater flow meter at the outlet. These measures will help us increase the efficiency of our wastewater treatment process and monitor it better. Click to see the table – GRI 303-3 – T otal water withdrawal by source Click to see the table – GRI 303-4 – S ewage 99