Sustainability Portfolio Management (SPM) Framework
Managing innovation and sustainability together, minimizing the risks, maximizing the opportunities, and creating positive business impact: this is the purpose of the Sika Sustainability–Portfolio–Management (SPM)–based concept. The SPM framework is the backbone of the Sustainable Solutions strategy, and ensures that Sika’s products always combine performance and sustainability benefits.
Methodology
Sika’s SPM methodology is based on the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) Chemical Industry Methodology for Portfolio Sustainability Assessments (PSA). Sika uses the SPM methodology to evaluate, classify, and market products in terms of performance and sustainability. By evaluating products using a set of criteria within market segments, Sika can promote new or existing products under the “More Performance – More Sustainable” branding.
The performance and sustainability categories represented within the SPM methodology are directly aligned to the sustainability topics material to Sika (Sika Materiality Analysis) and support the company’s contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). The SPM methodology is an integral part of the Product Creation Process (PCP).
A standardized approach allows an efficient product development evaluation and ensures accurate information for making decisions and benchmarking purposes. The SPM methodology applies to all product categories, including new product developments as well as existing products, and follows a four-step approach. This allows Sika to evaluate products on their performance and sustainability profiles and their contribution to the strategic target. Products that account for a larger volume of sales or with a higher sustainability relevance are prioritized.
The SPM Four-Step Approach
1. SEGMENTATION
Products are evaluated and classified in specific segments. This segmentation determines the context of its unique technology and application combination.
2. SUSTAINABILITY
Evaluation of the product against the range of criteria covered under 12 different sustainability categories (SPM sustainability profile).
3. PERFORMANCE
Evaluation of the product against the range of criteria covered under 6 different performance categories (SPM performance profile).
4. CLASSIFICATION
The final step combines the results of steps 2 and 3 into the final product classification (SPM profile).
Sustainability Categories
The Sustainability categories that form part of the Sika Sustainability Portfolio (SPM) methodology are comprehensive and cover the sustainability topics material to Sika. Products assessed under the SPM methodology undergo a rigorous evaluation against 12 Sustainability Categories, ensuring that Sika Sustainable Solutions are fit for purpose.
Performance Categories
The Performance categories that form part of the Sika Sustainability Portfolio (SPM) methodology are comprehensive and cover technology specific topics material to Sika. Products assessed under the SPM methodology undergo a rigorous evaluation against 6 Performance categories, ensuring that our Sustainable Solutions are fit for purpose.
Communication on Sustainable Solutions
Sika’s commitment to sustainability is reflected at all levels of the company. Customers are offered a wide range of sustainable product technologies, including solutions for energy-efficient construction and vehicles. One of the company’s strategic targets is to generate 25% of sales from products released within the past five years by 2023. Moreover, every new Sika solution must add value for customers with improved sustainability benefits. The communication about sustainable solutions is split into two levels:
Company level
"Sika enables sustainable construction and transportation.” This message
highlights Sika’s brand positioning and its commitment to continuously measure, improve, and report sustainable value creation for its stakeholders. In the upcoming years, Sika will be expanding and further developing the sustainable profile of the product portfolio, thanks to the implementation of the SPM methodology.
Product level
“More Performance – More Sustainable”.
This message applies for products which have an approved SPM profile and are classified in the “More Performance – More Sustainable” cluster.
Sustainable Solutions - Examples
Here are some examples of products which are assessed to demonstrate both significant Sustainability and Performance benefits qualify as Sustainable Solutions.