Kraton names new Chief Sustainability Officer and signals shift to compliance focus

Chemical corporation Kraton has named Rogier Roelen as its new Chief Sustainability Officer, replacing Pedro Moura Lopes, who was in the role for just over a year.

Roelen has assumed the CSO responsibilities in addition to his existing role as VP, General Counsel, and Kraton notes that his appointment reflects “a natural and strategic progression due to the inherent synergies between legal expertise and sustainability objectives”.

Lopes was the company’s first CSO, appointed in November 2022 to integrate sustainability into core business and advance ESG initiatives, including bio-based and circular economy initiatives.

He spent his entire career at polymer and bio-based chemicals manufacturer Kraton, starting out in business development and gradually moving to senior management. Moving on from the CSO role, he will assume the position of Vice President of Marketing and Product Management in Kraton’s Polymers organisation.

Now, the company appears to be shifting its focus on regulatory compliance and risk management in an “increasingly intricate global landscape” – Roelen’s area of expertise as a trained lawyer. He joined Kraton in 2019 as Head of Legal EMEA and APAC after 17 years in a variety of legal roles at coatings firm AkzoNobel.

"Rogier's appointment as our Chief Sustainability Officer is a testament to his exceptional leadership and strategic capabilities," said Marcello Boldrini, Kraton CEO. "His legal expertise, combined with his proven track record of driving growth and excellence, uniquely positions him to shape Kraton's sustainability strategy in line with our overall strategic priorities and drive our continued success."

Kraton Corporation and CSRD requirements

In its 2022 sustainability report, Kraton said it was performing a double materiality assessment to comply with new reporting requirements from the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

“A fraction of our success depends on ESG evaluation, and our disclosures convey our dedication to openness and accountability as crucial to Kraton’s success,” said Lopes at the time.

The company cut Scope 1 and 2 GHG intensity by 26% between 2014 and 2021, and is now aiming for a further 20% reduction by 2030, from a new baseline of 2020. However, it is yet to disclose its Scope 3 emissions, including those associated with the crude oil produced and processed within its supply chain.