3. Materiality and contribution to the SDGs
In order to identify the material ESG topics and to comply with requirements from applicable regulations and standards, PolyPeptide regularly updates its double materiality analysis (DMA).
3.1 Identification of material topics
PolyPeptide’s material ESG topics reported for 2024 are unchanged versus 2023. For a description of the DMA process conducted in early 2023, refer to section 3 of the Annual Report 2023.
As PolyPeptide prepares for the enhanced disclosure requirements for the financial year 2025, it conducted a DMA in line with the requirements under CSRD and ESRS, supported by a specialized sustainability advisory firm. The DMA process consisted of five steps:
1) Project initialization and context analysis.
2a) Set-up and initial assessment of potentially material topics.
2b) Development of a shortlist of material topics, including a description of their impact on society and the environment, risks, and opportunities.
3) Conducting stakeholder and management surveys.
4) Prioritization of the material topics and related impacts, risks, and opportunities.
5) Finalization of a materiality matrix.
The DMA considered PolyPeptide’s entire value chain (i.e., it included the company’s upstream and downstream value chain in addition to the own operations).
The results of the updated DMA will be published in the Annual Report 2025. The material topics identified are broadly consistent with the topics reported for 2023 and 2024 and were approved by the Board of Directors in September 2024. PolyPeptide started during 2024 the preparations for data collection to meet the comprehensive disclosure requirements under the European regulations. To that end, the Group evaluated and selected a new data collection tool and launched its implementation.
3.2 Materiality matrix
PolyPeptide’s six material ESG topics for 2024 include Product responsibility, Green chemistry, Climate change mitigation, Supply chain engagement, People, and Business ethics and compliance. The relative prioritization of the topics is illustrated in the Materiality matrix graph, ranging from moderately relevant to very relevant.
Materiality matrix
3.3 Contribution to the SDGs
The 17 SDGs with their underlying 169 targets are a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet. The goals were adopted by all UN member states in 2015 and take into account the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. The global partnership between all countries as well as the contribution made by the private sector and non-governmental organizations are crucial for the achievement of the SDGs and the agenda for sustainable development by 20301.
PolyPeptide endorses the UN Agenda 2030 and considers the 17 SDGs as an important reference point for a sustainable future.
In line with PolyPeptide’s prioritized material topics, the Group has set its sight to contribute to the following SDG goals, recognizing the comparably limited size and impact of its business.
Materiality and contribution to the SDGs
|
Material ESG topics |
Relevant SDGs 1 |
Relevant underlying targets |
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Product responsibility |
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Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages |
3.8 Contribute to providing access to quality health care services, as well as to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines. |
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Green chemistry |
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Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation |
9.4 Upgrade infrastructure, technologies, and processes for sustainable and efficient use of resources. |
|
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Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns |
12.4 Ensure management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle. 12.5 Reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse. |
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Climate change mitigation |
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Take action to combat climate change and its impacts |
13.2 Integrate climate change measures into policies, strategies, and planning. |
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Supply chain engagement |
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Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work |
8.7 Secure the prohibition and contribute to the elimination of child labor. |
|
People |
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Achieve gender equality and empower women |
5.5 Ensure participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision making. |
|
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Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work |
8.5 Achieve productive employment, decent work, and equal pay for work of equal value. |
|
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Business ethics and compliance |
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Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions |
16.5 Contribute to the reduction of corruption and bribery. |
For more details on how PolyPeptide contributes to the individual SDG targets, please refer to section 4 Reporting on the material ESG topics of this Corporate Responsibility Report.