AVK CSR 2023-24 web - Flipbook - Page 7
INTRODUCTION BY THE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
We are pleased to present our latest
sustainability report which reflects our
commitment to sustainability and responsible
governance. This report is a testament to
our efforts to integrate environmental, social,
and governance principles into our business
strategy.
During the past year, the global economy has
faced several challenges that have significantly
impacted our business. Geopolitical tensions
increased uncertainty and disrupted global
supply chains, while persistent inflation in many
countries has driven up raw materials and
energy costs. Changes in interest rates have
reduced investments, and regulatory shifts have
affected our operations. Additionally, extreme
climate events and a growing demand for
sustainable practices have further complicated
the landscape.
In response, we are investing in local
production and supply chains to maintain a
strong presence in key markets. Despite these
challenges, we have achieved satisfactory
results this year, focusing on long-term,
sustainable investments that benefit our
company, employees, customers, and the
environment.
Founded in 1941, AVK is built on the
core values: quality, innovation, reliability,
sustainability, and customer service. Thus,
sustainable development is a cornerstone of our
business strategy.
In October 2023, Niels Aage Kjær stepped
down as CEO of the AVK Group after 53 years,
passing the leadership to the new Executive
Directors. At the same time, a Group Executive
Board was established, with the overall
responsibility for the Group. Here the Chairman
of the three business units along with AVK
Holding directors and the Executive Directors
are represented. Niels Aage Kjær has assumed
the role as Chairman of the Board, ensuring
our continued commitment to sustainable
development.
Also in October 2023, we made our largest
acquisition to date, welcoming over 500 new
colleagues from the companies Bayard and
Belgicast into the AVK Group.
AVK’s purpose is to develop, produce, and
market high-quality, long-lasting products
essential for vital infrastructure, including
water supply, wastewater management, and
energy supply, as well as various industrial
applications. These efforts contribute to a
sustainable development, public health, and a
better environment.
AVK operates globally through three business
units: AVK Water, AVK Industrial, and AVK
Advanced Manufacturing. Our companies
provide diverse solutions, including innovative
products like PolyAl, made from recycled
drinking cartons, which we incorporate into
our plastic pallets. This report highlights how
our products support sustainable development
across multiple sectors.
We are committed to optimising processes
and reducing our environmental impact.
Significant investments in automation across
our manufacturing units have enhanced quality
and productivity as well as work processes.
This year, we were honoured with the DIRA
Automation Award 2024, recognising our longterm commitment to advanced automation.
In the 2023/24 financial year, we have initiated
a strategic implementation of the EU Corporate
Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). As
part of the process, AVK has initiated a double
materiality assessment. The purpose of the
double materiality assessment is to identify and
prioritise our most significant impacts, risks,
and opportunities and highlight materiality
topics and areas we need to focus on.
We are focused on environmental efforts,
having obtained several Environmental Product
Declarations (EPDs) that calculate CO2e
emissions throughout our value chain for a
given product, during the last year. We aim to
minimise energy consumption while increasing
our use of green energy sources through
investments in solar panels and low-energy
solutions, and we are phasing out fossil fuelpowered passenger cars. In addition, we focus
on waste management and the use of recycled
materials in the production of high-quality
products.
With operations in various countries, our
diverse workforce is a strength that enhances
our local and global development. We embrace
this diversity, fostering a dynamic and enriching
work environment. AVK is committed to being
a healthy, professionally challenging, and safe
workplace, actively working to reduce workrelated accidents.
AVK operates in several business areas that
are pivotal to driving sustainable development
worldwide. In recent years, there has been
an increasing focus on the management of
drinking water and wastewater, which has an
enormous impact on health and quality of life,
as well as energy consumption and climate.
This past year, AVK has demonstrated resilience
and a strong commitment to sustainability
amid challenges. Our leadership transition
and recent acquisition position us for future
growth, enhancing our capabilities and market
presence.
We remain dedicated to our core values,
ensuring our products benefit both customers
and the environment. By fostering a diverse and
safe workplace, we empower our employees to
drive innovation.
As we look ahead, we are excited about
the opportunities to continue leading in
sustainability and excellence. Thank you for
your support as we move forward together.
Søren Kjær, Lars Kudsk and Bo Johansen,
Executive Directors, AVK Holding.
AVK Sustainability report 2023/2024 | 7
