Case study: Sustainability at Millipore

Abstract

The sustainability initiative that Millipore wanted to implement is based on sustainable development, i.e. "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" ( United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987), by balancing three aspects: the economic, social and environmental. That is by using the Triple Bottom Line framework. The biggest challenge for Millipore is to get a better reputation in terms of sustainability and respect of the environment, that's why it has to focus on the social aspect.

To do so, Martin Madaus, Millipore's Chairman, CEO and President, outlined three objectives to focus on: reduction of the company's contribution to global climate change, reduction of Millipore's dependence on products based on petroleum, and reduction of waste associated with the company's operations and products. To reduce contribution to global climate change, the first decision is to lower its greenhouse gas emissions. The 2009 company's sustainability report states that its global greenhouse gas emissions decreased from 15% compared to its 2006 level.

Besides, its global waste generation reduced: 10% less for its global waste generation, -22% for its hazardous waste generation, and -5% for its non-hazardous waste generation. As shown by these figures, Millipore's global environmental elements are decreasing, whereas its revenues increase: 32 per cent more than in 2006 (from $1,255.4 to $1,654.0 millions).