At RPM, we’re Building a Better World, working together toward a future that reflects our values of Transparency, Trust and Respect. Through our shared vision, we are committed to sustainability in all its forms – in the environment, throughout society and in our principles of our governance. With operations worldwide, we take a localized approach to creating meaningful impact in the communities where we live and work. We believe long-term success comes from doing the right things, the right way, for the right reasons. Guided by our MS-168 process improvements, we are now focused on driving efficiencies to ensure these foundational investments deliver lasting environmental and business benefits.
Our Building a Better World program integrates sustainability into every level of our business. It equips associates in understanding how sustainability issues – like climate change – may impact our risks, opportunities and strategies, and encourages them to lead, innovate and help achieve both our own and our customers’ sustainability goals.
HIGHLIGHT
There are 168 hours in a week, and at RPM we use that number to remind us that we are called upon to conduct our business ethically - every hour throughout the week. The Value of 168 reminds us that we have a limited amount of time - and a duty to use this gift wisely and productively.
We approach sustainability using a center-led model within our Building a Better World program based on the following three pillars, with Governance as our foundation.
Our Products
We invest in products and materials that deliver value-added responsible solutions for our customers and end users. Our strategies include:
- Providing products and services that extend asset life and enable sustainable buildings
- Integrating sustainable procurement practices
- Prioritizing product stewardship
Our People
We create a work environment focused on safety, integrity and accountability, where associates are supported and invested in their work and communities. We do this by:
- Providing continuing education and development opportunities
- Offering a comprehensive healthcare and retirement plan that includes a matched 401(k) and an active defined benefit pension plan for U.S. associates
- Expanding Respect at RPM, our diversity and inclusion awareness program, to find, keep and develop the best talent
Our Processes
We focus on increasing operational efficiencies, which lowers our environmental footprint and costs. In our processes, we commit to:
- Reducing emissions and energy use
- Reducing waste and increasing recycling
- Promoting water reuse and conservation
Our Governance
Our corporate governance and ethical practices create long-term stakeholder value guided by oversight through all levels of leadership. Our governance is built on the foundation of our core values – Transparency, Trust and Respect – and our Code of Conduct and Ethics - The Values & Expectations of 168.
To help guide our strategy, RPM performed a double materiality assessment (DMA) in fiscal year 2025 (FY25). The DMA serves as a valuable tool for prioritizing sustainability impacts, risks and opportunities (IROs), as well as ensuring regulatory compliance.
To inform the DMA, we conducted internal stakeholder engagement to determine which topics within the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) are most material for the company's reporting. Further interviews and surveys were performed across the business to validate materiality determinations.
The assessment identified material IROs across sustainability and ESRS topics based on the following criteria:
- Impact materiality: the actual or potential effects of our operations on the world
- Financial materiality: the ways sustainability requirements affect our company
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
To learn more about our Sustainability Goals, visit the Our Sustainability Goals page.
