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Beaulieu International Group releases sustainability report

News | May 23, 2022 | By:

With an annual report entitled “Here.We.Go” and a sustainability report “Shaping sustainable living, together,” Beaulieu International Group says it is focusing on a sustainable future.

The Group’s has released its first sustainability report, built around a self-designed sustainability model – “Route 2030” – which is based on achievable commitments, covers the main priorities and reflects B.I.G.’s vision.

“We fully realize that the road ahead is still long and bumpy, but if there is one thing we have learned in recent years, it is this: the greatest threat to our planet is thinking that someone else will save it. Today, we feel ready and equipped to take on our responsibility” said Pol Deturck, CEO.

The company’s vision for the “B.I.G. change” is to actively build a better future by reducing its carbon footprint to zero, taking care of its people and doing business in a transparent way.

Pol Deturck adds “By 2030, together with a broad group of suppliers, stakeholders and partners, we want to be the leader in sustainable flooring and material solutions. Specifically, our future value proposition is based on products and services that are environmentally and climate friendly, circular and offered by talented, innovative people with an emphasis on integrity and respect for values. This results more in a recurring value proposition for the future.”

Clear growth ambitions

“The ambition for 2021 was to invest over 100 million euro. But we were held back by external, unforeseen factors: from delays on quotes and execution to the lack of availability and resources due to the pandemic. If all goes as planned, we’ll make up for it in 2022 with an investment budget well over 100 million euro. The main areas of interest will be sustainability, innovation and Industry 4.0.” says Pieter-Jan Sonck, CFO of B.I.G.

Some of the more concrete initiatives that saw the light of day in 2021 were the company’s new platform for customer relationship management, the acceleration of digital solutions into our operations and the launch of the B.I.G. University offering learning trajectories for its people.

A significant milestone in turnover

Adding to the gradual top-line growth of recent years, the Group can look back on what it is calling an unprecedented financial boom. The driving forces: favorable market conditions, a revitalized growth strategy and a team of nearly 5.000 first-class employees.

B.I.G. reported a turnover of EUR 2.5 billion, an increase of 45% compared to 2020. The Group EBITDA amounted to EUR 451 million, an increase of 120% compared to 2020 and a net result of EUR 274 million, a growth of 215% compared to 2020.

Fruitful year for all business units

It was a fruitful year for all three business units, but the business unit Polymers stood out, the company said. Exceptionally strong demand in Europe and North America, combined with raw material shortages and unplanned shutdowns of competitors, pushed prices and margins up to historical highs.

The business unit Flooring Solutions also fared well. Most divisions and regions outperformed amid surging energy prices, disrupted supply chains, cost volatility in transport and raw materials, and other challenges. Sustained focus on innovation, design and product differentiation led to an improved operating result at the end of 2021, the company said.

The achievements by Engineered Solutions echo those of the other two business units, from volume increases to budget increases. B.I.G. took big leaps forward in all its key markets, including the automotive sector, geotextiles and filtration.

Download the annual report and sustainability report at this link.

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