Grade summary

Yara has demonstrated a strong upward trend in their performance since 2020, earning a notable B- grade with 26 points. This remarkable progress has elevated the company to the top 3 in the ranking. Yara maintains two SIN List substances in its portfolio but no persistent chemicals. However, less than half of the company’s sold production occurs in the EU and US markets, where chemical information is publicly available. This low transparency have a big effect on Yara’s total score.

While the company mentions that substitution is taking place, clear cut-off criteria for harmful chemicals in new products are missing. Yara markets green fertilizers and works on more sustainable packaging, but does not advertise safer alternatives on ChemSec’s Marketplace. Notably, Yara is awarded full points for circular products and processes due to the company’s utilization of industrial by-products in its production, as well as the production of green ammonia using green hydrogen from water and renewable energy. Hazardous waste has also decreased. Yara’s phase-out plan for harmful chemicals lacks a specific timeline, resulting in only one point being awarded. Nevertheless, the company’s KPI regarding ammonia stands out as it is time-bound, relevant and ambitious.

How did we come to this score?

Opportunities for improvement

1. Market safer alternatives
   Yara does not have any safer alternatives evaluated by independent third parties in its product portfolio. Safer alternatives replace the use of hazardous substances and are crucial in order to put an end to chemical pollution. The company should, therefore, start producing safer alternatives or market existing ones on an independent third-party platform. A good place to advertise is ChemSec’s Marketplace, where buyers and suppliers can find and market safer alternatives.

2. Publish clear phase-out plan timelines
   While Yara mentions having an effective process for phasing out Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs), it is essential for the company to provide a transparent timeline for these phase-out plans. This should include specific information on which substances are being phased out and the corresponding deadlines. Clear timelines will help stakeholders better understand the scope and implications of these efforts.

3. Increase transparency
   Much is still unknown about Yara’s production of hazardous chemicals. At least when it comes to public information. In order to allow a comprehensive global evaluation, Yara should disclose the share of revenue and production volume of hazardous chemicals (or products that contain them). This information should cover all operations globally. This is particularly important since only 45% of the company’s sales are in the EU/US, where some degree of chemical transparency exists.

Category breakdown