Driving Change: Hydro and Mercedes-Benz Launch Ambitious Amazon Sustainability Initiative

Driving Change: Hydro and Mercedes-Benz Launch Ambitious Amazon Sustainability Initiative

(IN BRIEF) Hydro and Mercedes-Benz have launched the “Corridor” program at Climate Week 2024 in New York, aimed at fostering sustainable development in the Brazilian Amazon. This long-term initiative will promote positive impacts for local communities and nature through partnerships with NGOs like IPAM and Imazon. The program focuses on economic development, social welfare, and environmental conservation along Hydro’s bauxite slurry pipeline. Eivind Kallevik, CEO of Hydro, emphasized the importance of this collaboration for enhancing sustainability, while Gunnar Güthenke from Mercedes-Benz highlighted its alignment with responsible supply chain management. The initiative is expected to benefit around 8% of Pará’s population and adheres strictly to Brazilian laws.

(PRESS RELEASE) OSLO, 25-Sep-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — At Climate Week 2024 in New York, Hydro and Mercedes-Benz have announced a significant extension of their strategic partnership, launching the “Corridor” program aimed at fostering sustainable development in the Brazilian Amazon. This initiative seeks to create positive environmental and social impacts in collaboration with local NGOs, including IPAM, Imazon, and CEA, as well as the Boston Consulting Group.

The Corridor program will enhance community livelihoods while prioritizing human rights, nature restoration, and the creation of low-carbon value chains. “We are thrilled to deepen our collaboration with Mercedes-Benz, moving beyond product innovation to make a tangible impact in the Amazon,” stated Eivind Kallevik, President and CEO of Hydro. The program will specifically address economic development, social welfare, and environmental conservation along Hydro’s 244-kilometer bauxite slurry pipeline.

Gunnar Güthenke, Head of Procurement and Supplier Quality at Mercedes-Benz Cars, highlighted the program’s alignment with their goals of decarbonization and sustainable supply chains, emphasizing the importance of responsible management throughout the product lifecycle. The initiative is designed to empower local communities, allowing them to prioritize projects that address their unique needs.

Building on their previous agreements, including a commitment to develop low-carbon aluminium solutions, the Corridor program embodies Hydro’s long-standing commitment to community development in Pará. Since its inception in 1905, Hydro has invested heavily in local initiatives, and this new program aims to scale those efforts further.

With strict adherence to Brazilian laws, the Corridor program is positioned to benefit approximately 8% of Pará’s population. The multi-institutional project organization will include various partners, enhancing the initiative’s reach and effectiveness while ensuring sustainable practices are upheld.

By combining their expertise and resources, Hydro and Mercedes-Benz aim to drive sustainable change in the Amazon, setting a precedent for future collaborations in the region.

About Hydro

Hydro is committed to leading the way towards a more sustainable future, creating more viable societies by developing natural resources into products and solutions in innovative and efficient ways. Hydro is through its businesses present in a broad range of market segments for aluminium, energy, metal recycling, renewables and batteries, offering a unique wealth of knowledge and competence.

Towards 2030, Hydro will step up growth in aluminium recycling and extrusions, and its ambitions within renewable power generation. Hydro will execute on its decarbonization roadmap, and contribute to nature positive and a just transition, while shaping the market for greener aluminium.

About Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz aims for its new vehicle fleet to be net carbon-neutral by 2039. The company focuses on reducing CO2 emissions and preserving resources through its “Design for Environment” approach. Together with partners, Mercedes-Benz collaborates to research sustainable materials and promote circularity.

Mercedes-Benz is dedicated to responsible raw material sourcing and advancing global mining standards. Key to this is ensuring low participation barriers for mining communities and indigenous peoples as well as effective certification schemes. The company is actively involved in various raw material initiatives and has extended partnerships with Bon Pasteur in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Terre des Hommes in India to support human rights. Mercedes-Benz aims to merge commercial success with responsible actions towards the environment, people, and society across the entire value chain.

Media Contact:

Anders Vindegg
Head of Media Relations, Group Communication
anders.vindegg@hydro.com
+47 93864271

SOURCE: Norsk Hydro ASA