Sailun Group, a leading Chinese tyre company, has announced its official participation in the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC). This marks a historic moment as Sailun becomes the first Chinese tyre company to join UNGC, embarking on a journey with businesses of global impact to contribute to a sustainable future. UNGC, announced by then UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and officially launched in 2000, is the world’s largest corporate initiative inspiring and guiding global companies to align their strategies and operations with ten universal principles known as The Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact. This initiative also supports the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and enjoys the support of the United Nations General Assembly. Currently, more than 24,000 companies and non-businesses from over 160 countries are participating in practicing The Ten Principles on human rights, labour, environment, and anti- corruption. In 2004, UNGC introduced the concept of Environment, Society, and Governance (ESG) on a global scale for the first time.
Sailun Group has consistently embraced this concept over the past years, translating it into meaningful actions and achieving a series of substantial results. In terms of environmental initiatives, Sailun Group is proactively aligning with Chinese government’s dual carbon goal, which aims to peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. It has established a green manufacturing system with nationally recognised green factories and nation-level demonstration businesses for green design of industrial products. Sailun Group is dedicated to enhancing both product quality and eco-friendliness. This commitment involves progressing towards sustainability through sustainable material application, green product design, adoption of green technologies, and providing green services at end-user level.
An exemplary achievement is the development of Liquid Gold tyres, also known as EcoPoint3 tyres. These tyres utilised a groundbreaking rubber material and replacing traditional carbon black with a renewable silica nanofiller, reducing energy consumption by 40% compared to the international standard. The Liquid Gold PCR tyres utilised in China have attained the highest EU labelling regulations, reaching the AA level. Notably, Liquid Gold TBR tyres are the sole Chinese products to achieve the highest 3A level in the China Rubber Association’s Tyre Grading Standards. The carbon footprints of liquid gold PCR and TBR tyres have seen significant reductions of 27% and 39% respectively, earning these products a TÜV SÜD MARK (Energy Saving Pioneer).
Regarding societal aspects, Sailun has responsibilities to both employees and the society. Within the company, it upholds the value of Trust and Respect. Guided by the principle that “Sailun employees are the most valuable asset,” it fosters a comfortable work environment and diverse development opportunities for its employees. In 2023, over 6,000 training sessions were conducted, impacting more than 320,000 employees. Sailun established an Employee Risk Relief Fund to help employees and their families combat serious diseases and accidental injuries. Externally, Sailun actively shoulders social responsibilities by establishing social responsibility deposit accounts. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sailun donated 10 million RMB to Qingdao Red Cross. Additionally, the group has provided financial and material support to earthquake-affected areas in Ya’an, Sichuan, Yushu, Qinghai, and Morocco. Contributions have also been made to educational development funds for academic institutions such as Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, and China University of Petroleum.
Furthermore, Sailun has actively participated in targeted poverty alleviation initiatives in impoverished areas. In the realm of corporate governance, Sailun wholeheartedly embraces the concept of sustainable development and steadily integrates ESG principles into its day-to-day operations and business advancement. Over one decade, it has consistently issued social responsibility/ESG reports. A governance structure for sustainable development has been instituted, featuring the establishment of the Strategic and Sustainable Development Committee under the board of directors. This committee is dedicated to fostering effective environmental, social, and corporate governance practices, thereby enhancing the overall sustainability of the company. Joining UNGC is an important milestone for Sailun Group, signifying a significant recognition of its consistent actions to promote sustainable development and shoulder social responsibilities.
Moving ahead, Sailun Group remains committed to heeding the calls of UNGC. The focus is on steadfastly advancing the continual optimisation of environmental, social, and governance aspects. The Group is dedicated to effectively fulfilling corporate social responsibilities and collaborating with all segments of society to forge an innovative, green, harmonious, and mutually beneficial future – a visual representation of sustainable development.
