Johnson Matthey joined TfS last April. In this interview with TfS, Janet Lung Standing, CPO Johnson Matthey talks about the benefits of TfS membership.

Q Can you briefly introduce your company and explain your position with regard to sustainability

Johnson Matthey is a global leader in sustainable technologies, catalysing the net zero transition. With over 200 years of sustained commitment to innovation and technological breakthroughs, we improve the performance, function, and safety of our customers’ products. Our science has a global impact in areas such as low emission transport, energy, chemical processing and making the most efficient use of the planet’s natural resources. We do this through our four core businesses: Clean Air, Platinum Group Metal Services, Catalyst Technologies, and Hydrogen Technologies.

As the Chief Procurement Officer, I am accountable for building and orchestrating a supplier ecosystem to deliver sustainable, profitable growth to meet our business strategy. Beyond ensuring our supply base is designed to be resilient to climate change, I lead the reduction our scope 3 greenhouse gas emission to net zero through proactive collaboration with our suppliers, responsible sourcing initiatives which drive inclusive practices, as well as the highest standards in terms of human rights when we do business with suppliers across the globe. Partnering with our operations colleagues, my team leads the renewable energy transition of our own manufacturing plants (scope 2).

Q What is the main rationale for Johnson Matthey to join TfS?

Johnson Matthey is committed to working with its partners to achieve the highest levels of sustainability and standards throughout our supply chain. We chose to join TfS because we believe working with other members will help promote and embed good practices across the chemical industry.

Q What do you see as the main benefits (s) for Johnson Matthey? How will TfS membership help you reach your corporate sustainability targets?  

The main benefits are speed and scale as we won’t have to reinvent tools and methodologies by ourselves.  With TfS, we can stay abreast with evolving trends, learn from other members, and collaborate for faster progress.

Q Last September, TfS launched the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) Guideline to drive decarbonisation through the chemical industry and beyond. How will Johnson Matthey implement the TfS PCF Guideline within the company and with its suppliers?

This fits very well with our commitments to a reduction in Scope 3 emissions from purchased goods and service, and to provide life cycle analysis for our product portfolio, linking upstream supply chain footprint to end products for our customers. We have published targets for enabling reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 50 million tonnes by 2030 through JM’s products and solutions, compared to conventional offerings.

Q TfS is a member-driven organisation; members drive the TfS initiative forward. How/where does Johnson Matthey see itself contributing to the initiative?

I see us contributing to the carbon footprint reduction workstream by sharing how we collaborate with suppliers to drive improvements. JM also has decarbonisation solutions which are relevant to our suppliers and perhaps also other TfS members.

Q Any final recommendations?

Upholding sound human right practices in our supply chain is an important area for collaboration. Through TfS, we can jointly bring further transparency to this area and drive coordinated effort and focus.