CDE publishes 2024 sustainability report, recommits to net zero
The report commits to achieving net-zero emissions while reducing water consumption and steel scrap waste by 10 percent
July 24, 2025, marks Earth Overshoot Day, a milestone reached each year marking humanity's consumption and use of ecological resources and services that exceed what can be regenerated in a single year.
With this day arriving a week earlier than in 2024, there is a pressing need for businesses worldwide to intensify their sustainability efforts and strive towards net-zero carbon goals.
As a company with a presence in the wet processing solutions sector for natural and waste recycling, CDE has published its 2024 sustainability report, marking a significant step in its commitment to green practices and hopefully reduce its contribution to global emissions and resource use.
The self-declared report centres on the environmental impact, social responsibility, and transparent governance of CDE's operations, which are aligned with the United Nations Strategic Development Goals (SDGs).
Darren Eastwood, business development director at CDE, says that the commitments in the report are about doing what is right.
"CDE's purpose is to create our best world, a ton at a time, and we have driven that through our ambitious recycling systems around the world. Our sustainability plan has three key focus areas, people, planet and economic development and is driven by a sustainability taskforce."
Environmental impact
The report highlights CDE's commitment to achieving net zero by pledging to decrease its scope 1 and 2 net emissions by 50 percent by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050. CDE is committed to reducing both water consumption and steel scrap waste by 10 percent by 2025.
CDE follows the Energy Savings Opportunities Scheme (ESOS) and as such has implemented PV arrays, EV charging facilities, LED lighting and rainwater harvesting as well as other carbon reduction initiatives such as green electricity contracts and carbon literacy training.
Social responsibility
The report also showcases CDE's commitment to social responsibility, with initiatives focused on mental health, employee wellbeing, and community engagement. These include STEM outreach programmes, volunteering opportunities, and a robust safety and well-being strategy supported by a dedicated committee.
Darren comments: "Our people are the driving force behind our progress. By fostering a culture of wellbeing, inclusion, and innovation, we're building a business that's fit for the future. One that delivers for our customers, our communities, and the environment.
"Sustainability is embedded in our DNA at CDE, we have supported customers to divert over 230 million tonnes of recyclable waste from landfill. Every tonne of material we help our customers recover is a step toward a more circular, resource-efficient future. This report reflects our commitment to transparency, innovation, and continuous improvement as we work together to protect our planet and empower our people."
