04 Sustainability Statement Pollution (E2) 4.3.4.2 Water pollution: rolling out an initial approach to understanding the Group’s impact 4.3.4.2.1. Actions and resources currently being defined Water pollution initiatives undertaken in 2024 focused on understanding the potential impact of effluent discharged from the Michelin production plants, with the goal of setting a meaningful mitigation target. For example, during the year, material water pollutants from the tire production plants(1) were identified and assessed, with the findings used to deploy a measurement plan for the tire production operations. Given the stakes involved, this method offers the advantage of enabling reporting in 2025 and, more importantly, of quantifying the impact of our process effluent more accurately. Over the medium term, the assessment scope will be extended to the Group’s other operations. In 2024, with a view to understanding the impact of its discharges, the Group carried out a comparative study of two water pollution target-setting methodologies at three production plants on three different continents. The first method is derived from the freshwater “Measure, Set & Disclose” technical guidance issued by the Science-Based Targets Network (SBTN), while the second is inspired by the EU Water Framework Directive’s guidelines on “the compatibility of effluent with the receiving environment.” Feedback from the pilot projects will help the Group to define an appropriate target for effluent quality that is intrinsically shaped by each site’s local conditions and exceeds applicable standards or guidelines. Lastly, to preserve biodiversity, the Group is combating pollution from the pesticides and herbicides used on its manufacturing sites by deploying a plan to stop the use of such products. The goal is for every Group site to complete the switchover to pesticide and herbicide-free groundskeeping by 2030. Michelin is leveraging the active engagement of its service providers, recommending, for example, the use of low maintenance groundskeeping techniques, mechanical alternatives or burning. By the end of 2024, 45 Group sites were maintaining their grounds without using any pesticides or herbicides, compared with 22 in 2023. 4.3.4.2.2. Defining dedicated targets Michelin believes that water quality targets can be set only for each watershed in which it operates. It is therefore working on a target definition method compatible with both the Group’s international footprint and each site’s local and environmental conditions. At the same time, the Group's priority is to deploy a measurement plan for the material substances, so that their impact and the effectiveness of the related initiatives can be effectively tracked. 4.3.5 MANAGING CHEMICAL RISKS 4.3.5.1 A corporate Chemical Risk Management Policy As part of its Chemical Risk Management Policy, the Group is gradually eliminating substances that are potentially harmful to human health or biodiversity in the manufacturing and use phases. The policy is based on the application of the following fundamental principles: n plan for emerging risks and avoid introducing risks from new chemicals or processes; n identify and assess the existing human health and environmental risks of chemicals; n manage these risks by implementing and maintaining effective practices, with a priority focus on substitution whenever technically feasible, without ever comprising the product’s safety and other performance features; n confirm the application and effectiveness of these management practices. Risks that may arise from a chemical’s reasonably foreseeable conditions of use are addressed across the life cycle of Michelin products, to the extent that such information is available in the Group. Objectives and action plans are prioritized to respond first to the most serious risks, based on the objectives, commitments, perceived stakeholder expectations and feasibility of mediumterm initiatives. Depending on the risk, the prioritized order is approved by the Environmental Governance body or the Employee Health and Safety Governance body. The policy is supported by a Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) chemical use approval process, which specifies the ground rules for each chemical’s use and management based on its hazard class, including substances of very high concern (SVHC) on the REACH candidate list. In addition, to guarantee that its products deliver superior endurance, grip and safety performance, Michelin has long vertically integrated the production of synthetic elastomers, fabric or metal reinforcements and certain other components. (1) Excluding facilities operated by the former Camso. 227 2024 UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT_MICHELIN
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