sustainability report 2024

for over 30 years air products has reported on sustainability-related topics. during the past year we have strengthened our previously announced environmental goals and launched new goals for renewable energy and water management. we have worked collaboratively with our customers across dozens of industries while advancing our world-scale, first-mover, clean hydrogen projects to help decarbonize industry and heavy-duty transportation.

working together to generate a cleaner future

to reach true net zero, the world needs solutions for deep decarbonization of the hardest-to-abate sectors such as steelmaking, chemical production and heavy-duty transportation. clean hydrogen is the solution. as the leading global hydrogen supplier today, air products is applying our expertise and investments in clean hydrogen and clean fuels projects ($15b) to help accelerate the energy transition and generate a cleaner future for our world.

explore our interactive graphic for some examples of how air products can help customers decarbonize and operate more sustainably.

clean hydrogen for the production of direct reduced iron (dri) for use in steelmaking

oxygen enrichment of cement kilns and precalciners

oxy-fuel combustion systems for glass production

oxy-fuel combustion systems and smart technologies for non-ferrous metal recycling

gases for solar/photovoltaic industry (n₂, ar, others) to improve yield and cell efficiency

turbine generator cooling with hydrogen

food freezing with liquid nitrogen to reduce food waste

modified atmosphere packaging (map) to increase food shelf life

membrane systems for biomethane production from agricultural and other waste

liquefying biogenic co₂ for further use

membrane systems for dual-fuel ships

clean hydrogen for fuel cell ferries

clean ammonia as marine fuel

clean hydrogen for port equipment

clean hydrogen for trains

gases enabling battery production for electric vehicles (n₂, ar, others)

hydrogen refueling station for fuel cell trucks

clean hydrogen for renewable low-carbon fuels production (e.g., renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel)

argon used in filling of windows for better thermal insulation

biomethane produced by air products membrane systems for heating

bioco₂ for treatment of cooling water for data centers

clean hydrogen for the production of direct reduced iron (dri) for use in steelmaking

oxygen enrichment of cement kilns and precalciners

oxy-fuel combustion systems for glass production

oxy-fuel combustion systems and smart technologies for non-ferrous metal recycling

gases for solar/photovoltaic industry (n₂, ar, others) to improve yield and cell efficiency

turbine generator cooling with hydrogen

food freezing with liquid nitrogen to reduce food waste

modified atmosphere packaging (map) to increase food shelf life

membrane systems for biomethane production from agricultural and other waste

liquefying biogenic co₂ for further use

membrane systems for dual-fuel ships

clean hydrogen for fuel cell ferries

clean ammonia as marine fuel

clean hydrogen for port equipment

clean hydrogen for trains

gases enabling battery production for electric vehicles (n₂, ar, others)

hydrogen refueling station for fuel cell trucks

clean hydrogen for renewable low-carbon fuels production (e.g., renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel)

argon used in filling of windows for better thermal insulation

biomethane produced by air products membrane systems for heating

bioco₂ for treatment of cooling water for data centers

our sustainability commitments

our sustainability goals reflect our aspirations to enable and accelerate the global energy transition and achieve our overarching company goal to be the safest, most diverse and most profitable industrial gas company in the world, providing excellent service to our customers. fundamentally, it is our people who are the real enablers of a cleaner future, working alongside our customers to help solve pressing energy and environmental challenges.

sustainability commitments

sustainability in action

innovative initiative to replace natural gas with hydrogen in ceramic frits production

carburos metálicos, part of the air products group, has participated in the successful launch of an initiative in spain designed to use hydrogen to reduce carbon dioxide (co₂) emissions, instead of natural gas, in the production of ceramic frits.

ceramic frits are a ceramic glass material made from powdered minerals that are melted, cooled, and ground into a fine powder. frits are used to enhance the appearance and functionality of glass.

the h₂frit project is led by the national association of manufacturers of ceramic frits, glazes, and colors (anffecc), which is collaborating with carburos metálicos, esmalglass, bp, and the institute for ceramic technology (itc-aice) on the trial designed to test the production of various esmalglass products (frits) using a hydrogen/natural gas blend, with the potential to reach 100% hydrogen fuel usage.

the pilot project is a three-year initiative funded by the ministry of industry of the generalitat in valencia, spain. it aims to explore the technical feasibility of replacing natural gas with hydrogen in the melting process of ceramic frits as a way to decarbonize the sector.

key aspects of the project include:

engineering and installation: designing and installing the necessary equipment at the esmalglass plant, including hydrogen panels supplied by platforms, skids for the natural gas/hydrogen blend and oxygen, control panels, and specific burners for hydrogen combustion.
testing and analysis: the project includes a 40-week combustion trial in a frit furnace using different hydrogen-natural gas blends. the goal is to determine the technical adjustments needed to maximize hydrogen use and minimize co₂ emissions.
technological innovation: the use of air products’ cleanfire® hrₓ™ burners, which are specially designed to handle high hydrogen concentrations, is a key technological advancement in this project.

the h₂frit project is not only a significant step towards reducing the carbon footprint of the ceramic frit industry, but also serves as a model for future sustainability initiatives in other markets and industries.

as the project progresses, it will continue to provide valuable insights and contribute to the broader goal of decarbonizing the industrial sector. the final results and findings will be published in december 2025.

we're doing more

msci awards air products an 'a' rating

msci's environmental, social and governance (esg) ratings awarded air products an ‘a’ rating based on the company's improvements in its carbon management strategy, including carbon capture efforts, its announced goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions from operations by 2050, and other sustainability initiatives. in its review, msci rated air products an esg leader in its industry in two categories: clean tech, and safety and health.

more recognitions

green finance framework

we have established our green finance framework to further align our financing activities with our sustainability strategy and commitments. the framework outlines the methodology and principles for green finance instruments that may be issued by air products to finance and/or refinance eligible projects contributing to our sustainability strategy.