Our approach

Pioneering sustainable thermal processing

While thermal processing is often seen as energy intensive, it is essential for the successful operation, reliability and performance of critical components that power our world – from aircraft engines and electric vehicles to energy infrastructure and medical devices.

Without processes like heat treatment, hot isostatic pressing (HIP) and specialist coatings, vehicles and machinery would not perform or function as needed, and would require far more frequent part replacements, resulting in higher raw materials use, emissions and waste.

Through our emphasis on optimisation, performance and growth, we are shifting perceptions around the role our industry plays in driving industrial sustainability. By leveraging advanced material science and expanding our portfolio of lower-carbon solutions, we are enhancing component quality and performance, while also enabling our customers to accelerate their sustainability achievements.

A lower-carbon alternative to traditional approaches

We are committed to helping our customers meet their decarbonisation goals through precision heat treatment and specialist technologies. By replacing outdated, inefficient in-house operations with our advanced, lower-carbon solutions, we can help our customers to reduce and avoid emissions, enhance process efficiency and deliver improved sustainability outcomes.

Our use of cleaner technologies, recuperative heating and closed-loop cooling systems further minimises waste and emissions. For example, by outsourcing their heat treatment to us, customers can avoid up to 60% carbon emissions per component compared to in-house processing, while also benefitting from improved safety and performance.

A proven track record in sustainability

Bodycote has been at the forefront of driving sustainability in our sector. In 2022, we were the first major heat treatment company to set a science-based carbon reduction target, aligning our efforts with a 1.5°C trajectory. Over the last three years, we have reduced our Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 29%, putting us on track to meet our 46% reduction goal by 2030.

In 2024, we launched a new integrated strategy that aligns our business objectives with long-term sustainability commitments. With clear objectives extending to 2030 and beyond, we are driving measurable environmental and social progress for all our stakeholders.

Our sustainability efforts are reflected in our strong performance in key ESG ratings, including an A- leadership rating for CDP Climate in 2024 and an AA rating from MSCI. These achievements reflect our ongoing dedication to sustainable practices and our commitment to leading the industry in both environmental responsibility and operational excellence.