In his position at Kanthal, Schaaf spearheads the company's sustainability initiatives to reduce ecological footprint and enhance economic performance.  

A journey beyond conventions

With a degree in Marine Ecology and a comprehensive understanding of Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Schaaf's expertise runs deep. For the past decade, he has worked in the field of water governance with an increasing focus on responsible manufacturing in the pharmaceutical industry. The aim was to contribute to the fight against antibiotic resistance by ensuring coherence between scientific knowledge, technical solutions, and the required policy and market instruments to enable improved practice.

His journey into the sustainability realm began with a focus on system ecology and ecosystem research. This foundational knowledge became a springboard that launched him into a trajectory that ultimately led him to the heart of sustainability at Kanthal.

Values as the guiding light

Nicolai Schaaf, Sustainability Manager at Kanthal.In the domain of sustainability, Schaaf brings an unconventional perspective. "Sustainability isn't a mere technical challenge but a matter of values and identity," he says.

In a world where global sustainability goals like the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals seem increasingly elusive, Schaaf raises a fundamental question: Are we contributing to the problem or the solution? 

His driving force lies in shifting the collective mindset from mere compliance to values and value-driven targets, in a time when many organizations grapple with the question of why sustainability matters, Schaaf's unwavering belief in the power of values sets him apart.

"Technical solutions are just a part of the equation. The more significant challenge is to create a shared language and understanding of the reality we are living in. This provides the common ground to define purpose and bring together all the required individuals and professions to achieve change", Schaaf believes.

The many facets of the sustainability manager

“Kanthal's commitment to sustainability is comprehensive, covering climate, circularity, safety, diversity, supply chain management, and compliance. What distinguishes Kanthal is its unique focus on market leadership in sustainability. The company aspires to make its products environmentally responsible and robust catalysts for sustainability within the customer's domain," Schaaf assures.

In this intricate role, Schaaf's mission is clear - empowering stakeholders to comprehend their roles and responsibilities while fostering a culture of values over compliance. His approach is all about aligning Kanthal's sustainability goals with its core values: we care, we deliver, we evolve.

A vision for sustainability at Kanthal

Schaaf's vision for sustainability at Kanthal is nothing short of ambitious. He doesn't aim to merely meet the current sustainability targets; he envisions surpassing them. The key to this ambitious vision is connecting decarbonization, circularity, and market leadership. Beyond immediate business relationships, Schaaf envisions Kanthal as an integral part of a broader ecosystem.

"We are committed to ensuring that not only the company thrives but also contributes to the thriving of our customers as part of a mutually beneficial ecosystem. Electrification of industrial heating is a key to the decarbonization of large-scale industry processes. But it cannot play out its full potential if we don’t have enough green electricity. And it will not be as sustainable as possible if we don’t improve the circularity of our business, from raw material sourcing to the end of life of our products. By applying such an ecosystem approach, Kanthal can be an enabler of sustainability beyond our immediate operations and products," Schaaf adds.

Empowering the team for sustainability

One remarkable aspect of Schaaf's leadership is that he doesn't feel like he needs to motivate his coworkers: they're already motivated. He focuses on empowering his colleagues instead of viewing sustainability as a burden. His approach involves translating their motivation into tangible targets and mandates, aligning them with the company's core values.

Schaaf's approach is a stark departure from the conventional view of sustainability as an add-on or a necessary evil. “Ultimately, we are talking about the behavior and decisions of individuals. The path to empowerment is where every team member understands their role and contribution to the larger mission and has the mandate to do so. Be it in daily operations or in large-scale investment decisions. It's not just about meeting targets; it's about embracing the values that drive those targets - Why are we doing this? Who do we want to be?” Schaaf highlights.

Crafting sustainability stories

"Effective communication about sustainability isn't one-size-fits-all. It's about tailoring the message to the audience.

“For customers who already understand electrified industrial heating, the focus is on modeling usage scenarios and showcasing Kanthal's products. Beyond that, Kanthal aims to engage early in customers' journeys, assisting them in overcoming energy supply challenges and more."

Externally, transparency and accountability are paramount, and that's the key to building trust and partnerships that focus on solving problems.

"Externally, transparency and accountability are paramount, and that's the key to building trust and partnerships that focus on solving problems. Whether it's sharing verifiable data, being open to scrutiny, or making credible claims, transparency and accountability are central to Kanthal's approach," Schaaf adds.

Staying updated on sustainability

In a rapidly evolving field, staying informed is a must. Schaaf combines on-the-job learning with open dialogues within Kanthal's Alleima Sustainability Council. He appreciates the collective intelligence from internal networks and uses it to navigate external demands, new regulations, and emerging technologies.

"Sustainability is a journey, not a destination. It requires constant learning and adaptation at the individual and organizational levels. I strive to blend on-the-ground experience with broader insights gained from networks for continuous improvement."

Areas for improvement

"The path to sustainability is not without its challenges. Key areas that require attention include electrifying operations, enhancing circularity, addressing waste streams, improving water management, and understanding the impact on ecosystems and biodiversity.

“Additionally, safety figures and gender balance are continuous must-wins, as much as it requires attention to hold supply chain partners more accountable for sustainability,” Schaaf candidly admits.

A beacon of sustainability 

Schaaf has a remarkable blend of ecological expertise, values-driven thinking, and a deep commitment to sustainability that aligns perfectly with Kanthal's mission. His vision and approach hold great promise in taking Kanthal to new heights in the world of sustainability, benefiting the company, its customers, and the planet as a whole.