In line with its sustainability commitments: SQM Makes Strides Towards Carbon Neutrality for its Domestic Transport

In line with SQM’s robust Sustainability Plan, which calls for carbon neutrality in all business lines over the next few years, among other goals, the company formalized a partnership with ÜÑÜ Acción Sostenible and Transportes Nazar to plant five thousand native trees in rural and urban areas around the island of Chiloé.

Rodrigo Jasen, Domestic Logistics Manager for SQM, affirmed that “the reforestation project is part of several activities that the company is carrying out with its suppliers to pave the way towards carbon neutrality. One such project is a joint program with VOLVO to develop and train drivers to correctly use different truck mechanisms to reduce fuel consumption and harmful gas emissions. Similarly, SQM and Transportes Nazar are seeking certification from the Giro Limpio initiative, a voluntary national program managed by the Energy Sustainability Agency to certify and recognize companies’ efforts in cargo transport in the areas of sustainability and energy efficiency. We were also trailblazers by incorporating the first electric heavy haulage truck.”

Planting these five thousand trees helps mitigate the emission of 10,000 tons of carbon equivalent. They will be planted in rural areas around Ancud, like the Darwin Path Biological Station, Huicha and Manao; and urban areas like the Castro Alto Plaza. These native species–like canelo (Drimys winteri), luma (Amomyrtus luma), arrayán (Luma apiculata), mañío (Podocarpus nubigenus), tepú (Tepualia stipularis), ulmo (Eucryphia cordifolia), coigue (Nothofagus dombeyi) and tepa (Laureliopsis philippiana)–will be between 30 and 120 centimeters tall and around two to three years old.  Also, they will be transported in biodegradable, compostable, plant-based bags manufactured in Chile under a Norwegian license.

This joint work is part of SQM’s conviction to care for the environment, reduce human impact and contribute to conservation, which goes hand in hand with other collaborative initiatives with its contractors. This measure is one of various on SQM’s road map to bring its domestic transportation of products to zero emissions. With this, the company aims to continue to reduce energy consumption and emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) and other contaminants.

On the topic, Diego Nazar, Director of Transportes Nazar, affirmed that his company is looking to protect the planet for new generations. “We have set the goal of lowering our carbon footprint. Each ton of carbon equivalent can be reduced with five medium-sized trees,” he asserted.

The founder of ÜNÜ, Javier García, commented that “incorporating the climate crisis into corporate decision-making is fundamental. The act of offsetting the carbon footprint emitted by companies marks the start of a new industry transformation. Sustainability is entering companies through their leaders, and that is going to be a trend. That is why we are so pleased with this agreement, which demonstrates that there are not only good intentions but concrete actions that will drive us to change our reality.”

SQM and ÜÑÜ Acción Sostenible will conduct scientific monitoring of tree growth in all planted areas and bi-monthly technical visits to reforested land.