Ingevity at the Forefront of Sustainability
Trying to save the world is often a thankless job, but Ingevity’s recent efforts have been noticed in a big way. The company was recently recognized on Newsweek Magazine’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies 2023.
The company’s debut on the list was met with equal enthusiasm, amplifying its legacy of sustainability across all sectors.
“Honestly, it can’t be explained into words. It was perhaps one of the most rewarding moments of my entire career,” said Matthew Redmann, Director of Sustainability at Ingevity.
Ranked 58 out of 500, Ingevity ranked 10th in the Materials and Chemicals category and number one among public companies based in South Carolina. It’s a fitting superlative for the company with a legacy of creating solutions derived from renewable materials, essentially turning waste into sustainable treasure.
Redmann joined Ingevity in December 2020 and subsequently moved from Wisconsin to South Carolina, a state he admittedly didn’t know much about. Through Sustain SC, he has established a new professional network, one that has its finger on the pulse of sustainability within the state and access to the leaders who are part of it.
“There’s so much going on. With all its industrial might, South Carolina is punching over its weight class. It really is,” he says. “Sustain SC is such a valuable asset for someone like me. I may not have all the answers but someone may have figured it out and I can partner up with someone else so we can replicate it with other places.”
And Redmann is all in. He joined the 2022-2023 class of Sustainability Leadership Initiative fellows. He says the program will be invaluable as he helps Ingevity navigate through its sustainability journey.
“There’s such an openness amongst everyone from different industries, so no one is competing with each other. It’s truly collaborative, that’s what’s really fun,” Redmann says. “Having that dialogue is so important. Networking between all these companies is going to lead to future collaboration. I’ve started asking questions of chemical peers, asking if they’ve solved this problem or that problem and how they’ve addressed other issues. It’s nice that we’re all thinking about the same things.”
“It’s music to my ears and embodies our entire mission,” said Ethel Bunch, CEO of Sustain SC. “Every single member matters and brings something unique to the table. We are so proud of Ingevity’s accomplishments and look forward to building more momentum in the years to come.”
Accolades aside, Redmann says it’s proof they’re doing the right things for the right reasons with the focus on four main areas–manufacture responsibly, prioritize people, pursue excellence and embrace innovation. He says it’s those key areas that bring Ingevity’s company mission to life–purify, enhance and protect.
