Sika: Integrating sustainability into product development

Integrating sustainability into product development: Sika's approach

Sika uses Sustainability Portfolio Management (SPM) to ensure that environmental, social and regulatory aspects are systematically taken into account in product development. SPM accompanies new and existing products as part of the Product Creation Process (PCP) throughout their entire life cycle. The fully digitalised process enables uniform assessment across all business areas and serves as a basis for specifically aligning the product portfolio with sustainability.

The methodology is based on the Portfolio Sustainability Assessment (PSA) of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and has been adapted to Sika's specific requirements. The company thus aligns itself with global standards and contributes to the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Systematic assessment approach with ongoing development

The SPM follows a clearly defined, four-step process:

1. Segmentation: Classification according to technology and application.

2. Sustainability assessment: Evaluation in twelve categories, including climate impact, energy consumption, chemical safety and circular economy.

3. Performance assessment: Examination of technical, economic and functional criteria.

4. Classification: Consolidation of the results into an overall profile.

This approach supports product comparisons, investment decisions and transparent communication.

"Sustainability portfolio management helps us to steer innovation in the direction of sustainability and make informed decisions about our product portfolio," says Patricia Heidtman, Chief Innovation and Sustainability Officer at Sika.

Sika regularly reviews the criteria and adapts them to new scientific findings and regulatory developments. Most recently, for example, the areas of chemical management, resources and circular economy have been further refined.

As part of Sika's Strategy 2028, SPM is strategically anchored and, as a digital tool, supports research, development and the market launch of sustainable solutions – with the aim of permanently combining ecological responsibility and technical performance.