Responsible Development Report 2012 - 2013 Contents
Responsible development Report 2012 - 2013 Contents
message from our PRESIDENT 03 - message from our PRESIDENT
04 - A responsible COMmITMENT DRT celebrates 80 years in business SINCE 1932 this year. To mark the occasion, we have chosen to look at our company in a 06 - DRT, A RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS different light.
08 - drt’s genetic make-up Since 1932, the year the company was 10 - from pine tree to products founded, responsible development has 12 - nature at the heart of drt’s business been part of DRT’s genetic make-up. 14 - a lasting relationship with employees Nature is our ultimate resource, and we 16 - RESPONSIBLE PRODUCTION have always been careful to show it our respect. Through its history, its activities 18 - local, reasoned, controlled sourcing and even the choices it makes when it 20 - quality and safety: drt’s commitments comes to innovation, DRT has always 22 - energy policy: controlled and responsible lived by its values of acting ethically and 24 - producing close to markets responsibly, and demonstrating respect for humankind and the environment. 26 - UNIQUE KNOW-HOW
28 - r&d: innovating for the long term As our company now expands 30 - piperonal: a choice in nature’s interests internationally, our commitment to these 31 - pithys® by drt: a new 100% natural range values is more central than ever to our 32 - reasoned development on a planetary scale priorities. Wherever we may operate, 34 - diversifying know-how in France or around the world, our 36 - a major player in the plant chemistry sector development is and always will be guided by these same values.
Laurent Labatut DRT President & Chief Excecutive Officer
LES DÉRIVÉS RÉSINIQUES & TERPÉNIQUES - 30 Rue Gambetta - BP 206 - 40105 DAX Cedex - FRANCE www.drt.fr - email : [email protected] - Tél. : +33 (0)5 58 56 62 00 - Fax : +33 (0)5 58 56 62 40 Société Anonyme au Capital de 13.408.000 Euros - Siret 985 520 154 00016 B.R.C.S. Dax
www.drt.fr 3
Crédit Photos : Getty, Fotolia, Istockphoto - Création : Bleu Ciel A responsible COMmITMENT SINCE 1932 A responsible COMmITMENT SINCE 1932
A responsible COMmITMENT SINCE 1932
1932 1989 1991 DRT’s founding Building of the sewage Signatory to the Responsible plant with physico-chemical Care® charter treatment
1997 2008 2009 Commissioning of the biological DRT joins the plant chemistry Acquisition of SOLAREZO treatment of the sewage plant association Association de la Chimie du Végétal
2010 2011 2011 2012 1st phase of REACH regulations Launching of the 100% Launching of the biomass cogeneration DRT celebrates its 80th anniversary registration bio-based range : power plant project at its site in Pithys® by DRT Vielle-Saint-Girons (Landes, France)
4 5 DRT A RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS
6 7 DRT A RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS DRT A RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS
DRT’s GENETIC MAKE-UP Responsible economic development
The company initially started out producing resins for the ink and rubber industries, and terpenes for use as solvents. Over the past forty years, DRT has expanded its activities to include the fragrances and adhesive sectors as well as developing a range of natural extracts.
On the strength of its expertise and ongoing commitment to research and diversification, DRT now supplies some twenty industrial sectors with over 250 products in daily use by consumers all over the world. DRT takes plants
Best practices onto the road What makes these ranges so successful? Naturally- DRT plays its part in building more “natural” roads Through its history, its activities, its business model and even the choices it makes when it comes sourced and sustainable products developed using by producing plant-based binders to replace more traditional bitumen binders. to innovation, DRT has shaped itself, now and for the future, around three core values: acting environment-friendly processes. A real and viable ethically, behaving responsibly and demonstrating respect for humankind and the environment. alternative to petroleum-based products – an argument Embedded in DRT’s genetic make-up from the outset, these values have become more meaningful that appeals strongly to manufacturers keen to bring to than ever in today’s world. market products that are not dependent on fossil fuel resources.
Responsible development DRT, an international business Diversified natural products at the heart of DRT’s values with deep roots in its home soil DRT takes tall oil derivatives, rosins and terpene derivatives DRT has been a visionary firm since its founding in 1932. DRT is now an international firm with 1,000 employees, extracted from renewable plant resources and turns An independent, family-owned business founded and 300 of them based outside Europe, and is working to them into products with countless applications such as run by foresters, DRT began tapping the vast natural further its international development in the future. Its adhesives, rubber, chewing gum, inks, varnish, paint, etc. resources of the Landes forest by developing rosin and growth strategy across all its businesses is driven by turpentine extracted from pine resin. ongoing investment in its three French production sites DRT’s long experience and thorough knowledge of its and sites in China and India. raw materials are its best guarantee of expertise, flexibility The Landes forest, today the largest man-made maritime and security in the manufacture of a wide range of natural pine forest in Western Europe, came into being through products the efforts of generations of hardy folk who planted this 1000 marshy land with thousands of hectares of pine trees, employees worldwide initially to cleanse the soil and halt the advance of shifting sand dunes. DRT is also strongly anchored in its native soil, with two DRT proved adept not only at identifying the potential of research laboratories and three production sites in France: this vast natural resource, but also at developing uses for Castets, specialising in fine chemicals, Lesperon, which a range of wood industry coproducts. focuses on rosin processing, and Vielle-Saint-Girons, Research which is responsible for tall oil, gum turpentine and R&D is a powerful growth driver for DRT, which concentrates on developing products using plant-based chemistry. The way DRT sees it, nothing is wasted; everything is sulphate turpentine fractionation, as well as the production DRT is one of the few firms on the market to offer 100% bio-sourced products. processed! of plant extracts. Best practices
8 9 DRT A RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS DRT A RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS
From pine tree to productS
Fragrances, adhesives, rubber, chewing gum, ink, varnish, paint etc. are all everyday products The appeal of DRT’s product ranges lies not just in their effectiveness and innovative qualities, manufactured using some of the 250 ingredients that DRT provides. but also in their vegetal origins.
10 11 DR T ARESPONSIBLEBUSINESS for petroleum-based products. plant-based resources andtherecycling ofcoproducts. DRT isdedicatedtofindingsubstitutes adopted astrategyofconstantdiversificationitsrawmaterialssourcing, withtheemphasison wood industry. Asclientdemandshaveevolvedtobecomemore important,thefirmhas From itsverybeginnings,DRT hasrelied onthenaturalresources ofthepineforest andthe resources anddoesnotimpoverish thesoil. water andnutrients,itmakeslimiteddemandsonnatural pine tree has much to offer. Requiring little in the way of For a world facing thechallengesof climate change,the the firm,inspired bytheirloveandrespect fortheforest. A deliberate choice made by the foresters whofounded also tomanageitsusewithmoderationandconsistency. ground withitsdecisiontoexploitthisnaturalresource, but to makeresin broke and terpene derivatives. DRT new that, oncedistilled, gives theturpentineandrosin needed Throughoutits lifecycle,thepinetree produces aresin Na of DR Na ture’s secreunveild ture a T’s business t thehear 12 t Pine sustainablecycle to protect theplanet’sforests. highlights how important, indeed how absolutely vital, it is thus plays an activerole inforest maintenanceand Operating as it does in the very heart of the forest, DRT can actuallyimprove thetree’s health. resin. Notonlydoesthispreserve thetree forthefuture, it making incisionsintothebarkoftrunktocollect collect the turpentine or rosin. Pine tapping involves alsouses traditional pine tapping techniques to DRT of
drt are ’ s
bio product - 85% sourced
ranges
partners inthepaperindustryaround theworld. alsomakesits technical expertise available toits DRT Two waysofrecycling paperindustrycoproducts. which itmakesrosin andterpenederivatives. recovers the tall oil and the crude sulfate terpentine from Then, whentheharvested wood isprocessed, DRT a wasteproduct. extracting turpentinefrom what wouldotherwisebemerely Firstly, recycles DRT woodresidues from forest thinning, involved, atmore thanonestage,inproduction. approach torecycling paper industry coproducts, is DRT work handintoprotect itsvisionary theforest. With help, foresters DRT’s and paper manufacturersWith coproducts Recycling p 90% of Best practices from
tall are
french aper industry
oil
sourced
derivatives
forests
of chemistry basedontheuseofrenewableplantresources. of chemistry common goal:topromotethe developmentinFranceandEurope of keyplayersintheagricultural andchemicalsindustrieswitha association,made up (ACDV), theFrenchplant-based chemistry DRT isamemberoftheAssociationdelaChimieduVégétal Plant chemistr 13 engages inextensivereplanting programmes. Reforestation isatop priority for DRT, sothefirm also tapping technique, optimising product quality, etc. developing activators, promoting the EUROGEM pine isinvolvedinareasDRT suchasimproving pinespecies, working alongsideitsselectedforestry partners. over thelongterm,andputs its beliefs into practiceby isafirmbelieverintheneedtoprotectDRT naturalresources of resources Sust ainble management DR T ARESPONSIBLEBUSINESS y Resin extraction DRT A RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS DRT A RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS
A lasting relationship with employees
DRT’s Human Resources policy is founded on closeness, respect and trust. Training as a binding force The 2012 training programme is designed to develop skills across DRT sees training as not only a tool for developing skills, but our workforce, to support also a source of cohesion. In 2012, DRT is introducing an the Group’s initiatives and ambitious training plan designed to reinforce cooperation to encourage cohesion, between the various departments, maintain and improve cooperation and consistency. employee relations and support group initiatives. A management charter will be introduced, What makes the programme so original is that it forms part but it will above all of a global approach extending to every member of the be tailored to DRT’s underlying philosophy. ” workforce. The new approach will ensure that all DRT teams are involved and will strengthen proximity management, a Patricia Capitanelli key element in maintaining good employee relations. Director, Human Resources
An economic force in the region Mutual respect and dialogue 250 Taking the long view Over the past 20 years, DRT has created over 250 jobs in Dialogue is the glue cementing employee relations at DRT, jobs created its native region. relations based in an atmosphere of trust and respect in DRT knows and appreciates the value of its employees’ which everyone working for the company has his or her in the landes region skills and talents, and is keen to promote internal DRT is committed to its employees, and committed also rightful place. over the past 20 years career development alongside professional adaptation to the Landes, its home département, acting as a dynamic to meet new challenges: technological and economic contributor to the local economy. On the strength of this constant dialogue, DRT is able to transfers, international expansion, diversification into new offer optimal working conditions and satisfy the career business activities, etc. DRT considers human resources DRT remains firmly rooted in its native soil and supports aspirations of all its employees. management as one of its strongest growth drivers. a range of initiatives, in particular cultural and sporting events, that help to put the region’s name on the map. With staff turnover so low as to be almost non-existent, DRT is able to offer its employees coherent and motivating career plans.
As part of its commitment to continuous improvement of working conditions and the work environment, DRT Did you know? has become a member of Sedex (Supplier Ethical Data
At the end of 2011, DRT received the regional Chamber of Commerce Exchange), a non-profit organisation dedicated to driving and Industry’s coveted Aquitain de l’Année award for International improvements in responsible and ethical business Performance. The annual business awards, introduced almost 30 practices in global supply chain. years ago, single out and recognise outstanding local businesses.
“For us, this award represents recognition of our commitment to the Aquitaine region. It is an honour to have been chosen from a shortlist of local businesses, a well-deserved reward for our employees and a tribute to all their hard work. As a company owned by families from Philippe Sainte-Cluque - Director, Purchasing the region, it is also a source of great pride to our shareholders,” Number of employees DRT France Laurent Labatut, President and CEO, DRT.
14 15 RESPONSIBLE PRODUCTION
16 17 RESPONSIBLE PRODUCTION RESPONSIBLE PRODUCTION
Local, reasoned, controlled sourcing
DRT has built its growth on bio-resources provided by the Landes pine. The sourcing of its raw material is primarily local, measured and carefully controlled to reduce transport requirements and carbon footprint to the absolute minimum.
DRT makes every effort to meet market demands through suppliers as close as possible to its production sites, thereby achieving significant reductions in goods transport and so reducing its carbon footprint.
Our plant raw materials are selected according to detailed specifications. Choosing quality Products with a responsible The very essence of our life cycle business involves working Another distinguishing feature of DRT’s sourcing policy is with nature, so we are Local is key careful selection of raw materials. Detailed specifications This reasoned conception of sourcing extends to every under obligation to work include criteria governing the quality of plant resources only with suppliers of aspect of product design. DRT is committed to eco-design At DRT, sourcing is a profession in its own right. Whether the highest quality and and even how these resources are managed (pine forest as part of its overall environmental approach. tracking down raw materials from which to develop new standards. reforestation, for example). Delivery times are another key That’s why all our maritime products or securing resources for the long term, buyers factor in the choice of supplier. Raw materials processed at As well as seeking to minimise its ecological footprint, DRT pine bark suppliers are are guided by the same three principles: promoting the their freshest are essential for high performance products. PEFC certified. PEFC, also uses life cycle analysis of its products to measure use of high quality local resources, recycling coproducts Programme for the environmental impact. This involves making an inventory and building lasting partnerships with suppliers. Endorsement of Forest Production processes are also designed to use every part of inflows and outflows of materials and energy at every Certification, is an of the plant, a concept at the heart of DRT’s philosophy. stage in a product’s life cycle. For its natural extracts business, for example, DRT organisation dedicated to promoting sustainable relies on bio-resources such as the bark of the maritime forest management through DRT processes every part of the pine tree, from trunk to The data is then used to evaluate the product’s pine, Pinus pinaster, from the Landes forest. The bark, an ambitious certification bark, resin and oil; everything has its use, and nothing is environmental impact in terms of parameters such as programme. ” recovered from high-grade wood from sawmills around wasted. greenhouse gas emissions, acidification, eutrophication or the region, has been carefully selected for its various Dominique Mayaux the depletion of natural resources. properties and especially for its high levels of polyphenols, Buyer active ingredients much in demand among formulators.
Olive leaf
DRT’s natural extracts business, trading as Purextract, is developing a new active ingredient derived from leaves from the olive tree. Harvested in Catalonia as a high quality coproduct of the olive oil Pine bark industry and protected by a registered designation of origin, the leaves are used to make a natural extract high in the active ingredient Harvested just 50 km from the DRT site and delivered within 36 hours, the pine bark is still fresh and in ideal condition, oleuropein. guaranteeing optimal extraction of active polyphenols. Marketed as Oligopin® and Cosmythic®, these products have the highest OPC content of any pine bark extract on the market.
18 19 RESPONSIBLE PRODUCTION RESPONSIBLE PRODUCTION
Quality and safety: DRT’s commitments -13% Quality, safety and the environment. DRT is committed to pursuing continuous improvement on Preventing risks at source: a day-to-day basis through strict control of all its production processes. a commitment to employees between 2008 and 2011, drt reduced energy Responsible production requires more than just a consumption by 13% commitment to nature. DRT also pays close attention to the safety of its workforce, a primordial aspect of any at its main site, industrial activity. vielle-saint-girons
DRT considers industrial safety a prerequisite for growth. As a result, integrated QHSE systems have been introduced at all industrial sites.
As part of this proactive approach, safety is factored in at the earliest possible stage. Occupational risk assessment and reduction, protection and prevention equipment, training and information are just some of the Health & Safety measures that have been implemented for a number of years, as part of DRT’s ethical responsibility to its employees and its partners.
Responsible chemistry: In the field of food safety, DRT is ISO 22000 certified for its natural extracts (polyphenols) and its rosin derivatives a commitment to nature in recognition of the (Hazard Analysis Critical HACCP Unflagging commitment Control Point) system applied throughout the company Assessing the safety of its products is one of DRT’s Certification under international ISO 9001 standard is a to cement its bonds of trust with nutraceutical, cosmetic and continuous improvement top priorities and a key element of its bond of trust with guarantee of full control of all quality management system and chewing gum industry clients. initiatives its clients. As a signatory to the Responsible Care® processes. The organisational requirements necessary for Global Charter since 1991, DRT is actively involved in certification, and the client-oriented philosophy on which DRT considers scope for progress a key element in continuous improvement initiatives to promote responsible it is based, are entirely in keeping with the commitment to its development and, as such, has introduced internal management of its products, from the design stage to quality that DRT has always maintained. environmental indicators that are much stricter than current what happens to them once their useful life is over. DRT is regulations require, in order to ensure that the company keenly aware of its responsibilities to the environment and achieves its target environmental impact reductions. to its clients. - 54% between 2008 and 2011, Among the criteria assessed are energy consumption and ecological footprint. The first progress report indicated a drt reduced CO2 positive trend for the period 2010-2011. Reductions in emissions by 54 % water and energy consumption and in greenhouse gas Did you know? emissions suggest promising results. DRT was one of the first firms in the industry to implement REACH, the European Community regulation on chemicals and their safe use. Pursuing REACH compliance has enabled DRT to reduce risk exposure still further The indicators are currently being deployed across all DRT for its clients, suppliers and, of course, employees. All DRT’s production is now fully REACH compliant. sites in Europe, India and China.
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Energy policy: controlled and responsible Biomass DRT has set itself a target of reducing its energy consumption to minimise the environmental TOWARDS 2014 impact of its activities. Significant investments have been made in optimising energy management The Vielle-Saint-Girons site has turned at the various sites. In 2008, for example, DRT launched an ambitious energy reduction plan: biomass into a source of energy by burning Selling Vielle-Saint-Girons is the first of DRT’s sites to aim for energy self-sufficiency. most of the by-products of its activities on site and, in so doing, achieving energy self-sufficiency.
Legend
DRT’s site
Wastewater
Treated water
By-products Granel
Energy biomass power station biomass power station CASTETS
Towards energy self-sufficiency
VIELLE-SAINT-GIRONS Project management company Biomass Energy Solutions VSG, a joint venture between DRT, Cofely, Solarezo and Caisse des Dépôts, was set up to design, build and operate a cogeneration plant powered by locally sourced biomass at the Vielle-Saint-Girons site. The plant is due to come on stream in 2014. Once in service, the plant will burn 150,000 Waste water treatment tonnes of biomass a year and avoid the
emission of 20,000 tonnes of CO2 a year. Operating at 60% energy efficiency compared Wastewater from all DRT’s production sites in the Landes bacteriological trEAtment to no more than 35% for a conventional power is collected and treated at a biological wastewater platform treatment plant with sufficient capacity to serve a town of plant, this biomass boiler will generate 97 GWh 60,000 residents. of electricity and 214 GWh of heat with zero fossil carbon releases.
22 23 RESPONSIBLE PRODUCTION RESPONSIBLE PRODUCTION
Producing close to markets
DRT has moved closer to its markets by setting up operations in different parts of the DRT SPECIALTY CHEMICALS WUXI world, partly as a means of reducing its carbon footprint but also as a way of sharing (China) its corporate vision. To meet demand from Asian markets, in 2006 DRT set up a Chinese subsidiary, DRT Specialty Chemicals Wuxi, to produce the Dermulsene® range of water-based resin dispersions in China and to develop the product range responsibly across China and Southeast Asia. Dermulsene® products are 50% water, and exporting them from France to China would involve transporting close on 5,000 tonnes of water, the equivalent of 250 containers, a year.
DRT has built a modern, responsible facility in China, equipped with features such as fume treatment to neutralise odours. In 2011, the company invested in a new and more environmentally friendly wastewater treatment
unit that has reduced chemical oxygen demand (COD), DRT ANTHEA AROMA CHEMICALS (India) the main environmental indicator of effluent quality, from 10,000 mg/L to less than 500 mg/L. DRT ANTHEA AROMA CHEMICALS (India)
DRT created its Indian subsidiary, DRT Anthea Aroma Chemicals, in 2007, in the form of a joint venture with local firm Anthea, to produce ingredients for the perfume industry. Key to the new venture was the principle of DRT SPECIALTY CHEMICALS WUXI (China) making sustainability a core component of its growth.
Investments were made in environmental protection and Minimising transport Sharing company values safety systems such as the fire protection plan. At the same time, the policy of controlling releases to keep the DRT is keenly aware of the need to rationalise transport in The methods and best practices employed on DRT sites environmental impact of production to a minimum was a world of rapidly expanding global trade, and has opted in France apply equally to its international sites. reinforced. to place its production units as close as possible to the markets they serve. Moreover, DRT prides itself on providing exemplary Community responsibility is also a fundamental working conditions that put employee protection and component of this partnership. DRT has committed itself In so doing, DRT not only secures its sources of supply but safety at the very heart of human resources policy. to applying the same ethical values across all its sites, also rationalises the transport of its raw materials. This in and DRT Anthea Aroma Chemicals therefore offers its turn leads to a significant reduction in its carbon footprint. employees highly competitive salaries. Human resources management is based on career development plans and considerable internal mobility. Understandably, staff
DRT ANTHEA AROMA CHEMICALS (India) turnover is remarkably low.
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26 27 UNIQUE KNOW-HOW UNIQUE KNOW-HOW
R&D: innovating for the long term 85% DRT aims to offer products that are not only effective and safe but also environmentally friendly; the search for natural alternatives to fossil-based products lies at the very heart of its R&D of raw materials strategy. Convincing results and cutting-edge innovation bio-sourced
Unique processes: The results achieved by DRT’s R&D teams are a match for know-how dedicated the processes they employ: innovative and highly effective. to finding alternatives DRT has always regarded innovation as a major growth to fossil resources driver, with a constant emphasis on using renewable plant resources as an alternative to fossil resources. DRT has earned global recognition for its unique expertise, combining the principles of green chemistry with its 2011 was a key year for the company with the launch traditional know-how in pine chemistry and, more recently, of Pithys, a range of 100% bio-sourced products. This plant chemistry on a wider scale. technological breakthrough was a world first. DRT’s R&D teams also developed a synthetic piperonal that offers an Throughout its history, DRT has always used plant environmental compromise between market demand for resources from the wood industries. The 45 scientists the compound and the need to protect its natural source, currently working in DRT’s R&D department concentrate the sassafras tree, now an endangered species due to all their efforts on developing new processes to exploit the over-exploitation. full potential of these natural resources.
One major element of Their aim is to develop bio-sourced products to replace the work done by our R&D R&D: a growth driver those reliant on fossil resources. teams is the implementation of new technologies such as DRT ploughs back 5% of its annual sales into R&D, a policy As well as bridging the gap between Sales and Production continuous intensification, paving the way for process- that has become a key growth driver for the business. internally, DRT’s scientists are also perfectly capable of based innovation. orchestrating research work directly with clients, wherever The aim is to reduce the As a company focusing on the use of plant resources, they may be based. Thanks to their expertise, DRT can environmental footprint of DRT has proved that a commitment to the environment offer clients its support with their own R&D management, products whilst increasing their effectiveness. can be compatible with delivering business growth and from selection of ingredients to the validation of product meeting client demands, as well as anticipating the needs testing. In addition to the direct of the future. environmental benefits, this ongoing work on processes boosts DRT’s A profound change in industrial practices is now essential competitiveness and helps
Best practices to protect the planet and DRT can help companies start to promote the emergence that shift towards greater responsibility right now by of bio-sourced products as green chemistry in a nutshell an alternative to petroleum providing them with sustainable products. derivatives. ” Green chemistry is a research field launched in the 1990s. Its aim is to promote the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use Bertrand Boulin or generation of hazardous substances and to reduce pollution at its source. The principles on which green chemistry is founded include: using renewable Industrial Director resources instead of fossil products, seeking alternatives to highly polluting solvents, developing methods of preventing pollution, etc. All these criteria are wholly in keeping with the approach adopted by DRT.
28 29 UNIQUE KNOW-HOW UNIQUE KNOW-HOW
Piperonal: Pithys® by DRT: a choice in nature’s interests a new 100% natural range
DRT’s commitment to responsible development is also reflected in its innovations. In April Pithys by DRT is the latest range to emerge from DRT’s research laboratories. The 100% 2011, for example, DRT joined forces with Crown Chemicals, an Indian company specialising bio-based range offers a wholly plant-based alternative for a number of industries, pushing the in the production of ingredients for flavourings and fragrances, to produce synthetic piperonal, boundaries of research that much further. a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative developed to prevent massive deforestation.
Natural piperonal is derived from sassafras oil extracted With nine new 100% bio-based products, the Pithys range from the roots of the sassafras tree, a member of the is aimed at the paint, coating and adhesives industries, Lauraceae family. It is much sought after by formulators, and represents a major advance in plant-based chemistry. who particularly value its vanilla notes. In keeping with DRT’s core philosophy, the Pithys by Sadly, the sassafras tree is now facing extinction. The DRT range includes four uniquely innovative products, extraction process involves systematic felling of the trees, including three new plant-based pentaerythritol esters since it is the roots that must be crushed to extract the oil, made using a new method of synthesis developed by which is then distilled. Few replanting programmes are in DRT’s laboratories. place, if any, and illegal felling on a large scale has been reported in Asia. Simultaneously, a new terpene resin was also developed with the distinctive feature of being in liquid form. This Conscious of the threat hanging over these forests and the development was made possible by modifying the biodiversity they shelter, DRT has taken up the challenge of polymerisation process in order to optimise the use of developing a synthetic piperonal as a means of protecting terpenes. the natural source and offering perfume makers and other formulators a sustainable alternative. DRT Sales and Marketing Director Eric Moussu explains: “We were keen to offer our customers 100% bio-based materials so that they, in turn, could increase the percentage of bio-based materials in their own formulations. The new range will meet growing demand for natural products, particularly from the building industry. This 100% natural range is supported by a strong environment-focused It is precisely because we are players in the plant advertising campaign: life cycle analysis, bio-based chemistry industry and ingredient indicators, etc.” committed to respect for nature that we took the apparently paradoxical decision to develop a synthetic piperonal. In this particular instance, we saw it as essential to take action first and Pithys, the nymph of the pine tree foremost to protect the forest and an endangered DRT chose a figure from Greek mythology, the nymph Pithys, to represent its new product range. species, the sassafras tree, Her likeness appears on all the brochures and advertising material for the range, delicately underscoring DRT’s commitment to working constantly towards more natural products. in particular. ” Restored to life by Nature in the form of a pine tree, the nymph Pithys represents the very essence of DRT’s philosophy: bringing out the best of nature. Eric Moussu Director, Sales & Marketing
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Reasoned development on a planetary scale
With its unique ability to process all GRANEL (France) pine derivatives, DRT is now exporting its know-how all over the world and Production of gum and tall oil rosin derivatives 80% of its sales are generated outside DRT Castets (France) France. Fine chemicals for fragrances
In addition to its three production sites in France, MWV SPECIALTY CHEMICALS DRT also operates overseas. In China, for (USA) example, DRT set up a wholly-owned subsidiary, DRT Specialty Chemicals Wuxi Co. Ltd., Production of chemicals derivated from paper industry coproducts dedicated to the production of water-based resin dispersions for the Asian market. In India, DRT VIELLE-SAINT-GIRONS ingredients for the flavourings and perfume (FRANCE) industries are produced by two joint ventures, Production of terpenes, resins DRT Anthea Aroma Chemicals and Crown and natural extracts Chemicals.
The global dimension of DRT’s activities goes hand in hand with a determination to pursue measured development, a guarantee of robustness and durability. Everywhere it goes, DRT also exports its business and social model, sharing the values it holds dear with its entire network of local players. Its production sites operate to the same exacting social, business and environmental requirements as those of the DRT ANTHEA AROMA major groups with which it does business. CHEMICALS (Inde)
Fine chemicals for fragrances DRT SPECIALTY CHEMICALS and flavors WUXI (CHINE) Different locations, Production of resin dispersions but identical values
SAPIRANGUY (Paraguay)
Production of essential oils
CROWN CHEMICALS (Inde)
Fine chemicals for fragrances
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Diversifying know-how
Through its subsidiaries and shareholdings in various structures, Solarezo and Action Pin: DRT shares its philosophy and growth policy with other players. key figures
2,980 m² of photovoltaic panels The dozen or so companies that make up the “DRT family” share a single common 500 MWH generated annually denominator: a readiness to work with others who share the same values and commitments. 50% of site electricity needs covered
tonnes of releases avoided In 1964, for example, the “Specialties” Department of DRT came up with Europe’s 65 CO² first pine oil-based hygiene product that soon became one of its biggest commercial successes. That success led to the department being hived off in 1995 into a distinct subsidiary of DRT, under the name of Action Pin. Action Pin is now actively engaged in an ambitious plan to reduce ecological impacts and use of resources throughout Why Solarezo? its product life cycles, a responsible ecological approach wholly in keeping with the Interview with Laurent Labatut, values DRT has always defended. Chairman and CEO, DRT
Another noteworthy initiative was the acquisition of a shareholding in Solarezo, a “The decision to acquire a shareholding in Solarezo in 2009 was company specialising in photovoltaic energy. The decision to acquire a capital stake prompted by the close link between the activities of the two companies, in the company underscored DRT’s commitment to renewable energy, marking both of which focus on natural and renewable resources. We also a logical step in DRT’s dedication to sustainable development and yet another identified other points of convergence, given that the renewable instance of the company’s commitment to its region. energy sector today inevitably needs the input of chemistry. This is why we are working together on developing natural products such as plant resins to improve solar panel conductivity. We are also working on joint projects such as the construction of the future biomass cogeneration plant at Vielle-Saint-Girons.”
Action Pin, initiatives on biodiversity
Action Pin fully shares in DRT’s philosophy and continues to devise original initiatives to help As industrial chemists, it is only natural for us to concern ourselves preserve biodiversity. Whether it is planting a wildflower meadow of over two hectares to with our environmental impact and, above all, how we go about reducing it. We work with nature; our company relies on nature attract pollinating insects, bees in particular, or supporting various non-profit environmental to survive and we owe it our respect. Through rationalised protection groups, Action Pin is keen to put its commitments into action. The subsidiary is manufacturing processes, eco-design of products, waste involved in the Aquitaine, Landes, Récifs initiative, for example, working in conjunction with recycling and the use of renewable energies and natural the French ocean research institute IFREMER to preserve biodiversity in the Gulf of Gascony or recyclable materials, we are following through on our commitments on a day-to-day basis. ” by creating artificial reefs in which fish can breed safely. Initial results are encouraging, showing that a number of species have begun returning to the waters. Laurent Pelletier, CEO, Action Pin
34 35 UNIQUE KNOW-HOW
A major player in the plant chemistry sector
True to its policy of innovation, DRT is an active promoter of plant-based chemistry that respects natural resources and the environment and a member of bodies such as ACDV.
DRT is firmly convinced of the importance of changing industrial practices for the better and raising awareness among chemicals manufacturers of the need to make their activities more environment friendly. Thus, DRT has become an active member of the Association de la Chimie du Végétal (ACDV), the French bio-based chemistry association. ACDV was set up to bring together key players in the agricultural and chemicals industries around a common goal: working to develop plant chemistry in France and Europe and to promote the development of plant-based chemical intermediates.
ACDV and its members are involved in representing and promoting plant-based chemistry, identifying major issues for manufacturers, establishing business and technical intelligence systems, and strategic planning of future campaigns, pooling their expertise to create a powerful force capable of driving concrete political and industrial initiatives.
ACDV focuses its efforts on plant chemistry firms, the French and European authorities, the media and NGOs, to create an environment in which plant-based chemistry can thrive. For DRT, becoming part of this wider initiative expresses its commitment to taking the ambition that has been its driving force from the outset to a more global level. DRT also translates its ethical values into action by supporting initiatives such as Sustainable Chemistry Day and plant chemistry training sessions.
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