Echoes of Change

Rosa Santiago joined FORVIA three years ago. A doctor by training, she found her place in Health, Safety & Environment (HSE), she ensures safety on site while fostering collaboration across all plant areas. “I really enjoy my job because I interact with people every day.” 

“My job is to take care of our colleagues and make sure we follow safety rules,” she says. What she enjoys most is the exchange of ideas across different plants in the region—a chance to learn, share and improve together.

Sustainability is a big part of her mission. In 2024, her plant achieved a 97% non-landfill waste rate—93% of which was recycled. “We’ve even managed to recycle waxed paper,” she notes, “which used to take up space and require frequent disposal. Now we only need one collection a week, we’re cutting emissions and saving place”

Rosa and the maintenance team are also working together to improve water reuse through equipment cooling systems. This led to a 20% reduction in water use in the first stage of their initiative. “It’s just the beginning—we’re still improving.”

How do they identify areas for action? “We monitor water and material recycling monthly. With tools like internal ERT (Environmental Reporting Tool) and Tennaxia (external tool that FORVIA uses for the yearly environmental reporting) we can see where the risks are and act.”

Of course, change doesn’t happen overnight. “We rely a lot on people. Raising awareness, offering regular training and keeping everyone aligned is key—especially as challenges like heat waves make water management more difficult every year.”

Rosa had some advice she wanted to share, “Start by looking at every chance to recycle or reuse. It adds up more than you think.”

Based in Jiaxing, China, Stephen Qian joined FORVIA HELLA in 2018 as a Facility Senior Engineer. In this role, he manages facility and energy operations while also leading key sustainability efforts at HELLA Jiaxing Lighting. 

His efforts have delivered tangible results in making HELLA Jiaxing Lighting more sustainable. One of the most impactful initiatives was the installation of a 4MW rooftop photovoltaic system, generating approximately 4.5 million kWh of green electricity annually. In 2023, the plant achieved a 5% carbon emission reduction, earning top recognition from the Jiaxing Economic Development Zone. In 2024, his team received the FORVIA HELLA China Sustainability Award for a water-saving initiative that targets a 9,600 m³ reduction in annual water use.

Additional projects include compressed air system optimization (8% energy savings), chiller upgrades (30% cooling energy reduction) and air compressor heat recovery—saving 150,000 m³ of natural gas per year. “These aren’t just technical upgrades,” Stephen explains. “They’re part of a mindset shift toward long-term resilience and responsible growth.”

Implementing these initiatives came with challenges. “One of the biggest hurdles was aligning cross-departmental priorities,” he recalls. To improve collaboration, he introduced regular sustainability meetings, integrated environmental goals into team KPIs and deployed digital tools (like mlean) to track progress. “By making sustainability part of everyone’s role, we built shared accountability and momentum.”

Stephen also tackled the financial barriers that often accompany green investments. He led pilot projects to gather performance data, secured government subsidies and partnered with suppliers for third-party financing—strategies that helped prove value and unlock further investment.

Looking ahead, Stephen is exploring new initiatives, including energy storage and rainwater collection systems. His advice for others? “Every site is unique. Start by identifying your biggest inefficiencies and engage your teams early. The best ideas often come from the shop floor.”

Based in Saitama, Japan, Fumie Nakahara has been part of FORVIA for over 33 years. After working in communications, she transitioned to General Affairs in 2023. Today, she manages initiatives across CO₂ and energy reduction, security, facility management and environmental activities—helping embed sustainability into daily operations.

“It is essential for each of us to take action,” Fumie says. “Even small steps, taken consistently, add up.” One major step came in late 2024, when sites including Faurecia Clarion Electronics Koriyama & Saitama and FORVIA Clean Mobility Koriyama began acquiring government-recognized non-fossil certificates for solar energy. These demonstrate a commitment to clean energy and transparency.

Through targeted actions, her team achieved impressive results in 2024. Carbon efficiency index (CII) Kg CO2 eq/K€ product sales was reduced by nearly 55% and energy intensity index (EII) Kwh/K€ product sales was reduced by over 51%. Key efforts included temperature control, equipment monitoring and optimizing compressors—all supported by close collaboration across teams. To support FORVIA’s goal of reducing Scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions by at least 80% by 2025, Koriyama site is actively replacing kerosene and gas-based systems with electric alternatives and installing LED lighting. 

Environmental awareness also extends to nature and recycling. Her team plants seasonal flowers without herbicides and collected over 15,000 PET bottle caps (31.7 kg) in 2024—recycling them into plastic pellets and helping fund vaccines for children in developing countries. They also maintain a 99.5% recycling rate by carefully sorting in-house waste, turning potential garbage into valuable resources.

Fumie sees a growing need for corporate responsibility. “We’re guided by clear strategies like the 9 pillars of energy management and 10 green fundamentals,” she explains.

Fumie’s message to others: “You don’t need to wait for a big project to make a difference. These efforts succeed when everyone participates. That’s the spirit of the Blue Effect – working together, every day, towards a more sustainable future.”

Based in Nanterre, France, Clément joined FORVIA nearly two years ago. He brings over twenty years of legal expertise from law firms and major corporations. As Head of Trade Compliance and Customs, he leads a global team across Europe, the Americas, and Asia, ensuring that FORVIA’s import and export activities comply with international trade laws.

“I have team members all over the world,” he explains. “We ensure that FORVIA’s import, and export formalities comply with regulations. Since 2014, the European Union has introduced 15 sanctions packages, each adding layers of complexity to compliance. Our role is to analyze these regulatory frameworks and provide clear guidelines to all subsidiaries globally.”

A key part of his role involves CBAM, the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. “Aligning operations with CBAM regulations was quite a challenge,” he explains. His team works closely with purchasing and sustainability teams to classify goods, track carbon content, and prepare for the carbon tax in 2026. “This requires a detailed review of products, close cooperation with our purchasing teams, and engagement with suppliers abroad.”

He sees CBAM as just the beginning. “More goods will fall under this regulation, and we’ll have to manage different frameworks across countries like the UK, Switzerland, and Japan. It’s complex, but working with many departments makes it a fascinating challenge.”
 

Based in Bavans, France, Emmanuel has been with FORVIA for nearly 25 years. A mechanical engineer by training, he studied in France and Germany before beginning his career in emissions engineering. Now FORVIA’s R&D Master Expert in powertrain and emissions, he recently took on an additional role as Group Chemical Substance Leader, focusing on PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) management—synthetic chemicals widely used for their durability.

“In fact, today, I have a double role,” he explains. “I’m still an R&D Master Expert, but I also coordinate FORVIA’s approach to PFAS across different business groups.” His mission is to align efforts, ensure a clear understanding of PFAS use, and drive a structured plan forward. FORVIA had already established a clear strategy to address PFAS before Emmanuel took on this role. “I’m not starting from zero but from a strong commitment within our engineering community.” 

PFAS, widely used synthetic chemicals, pose regulatory and environmental challenges due to their extreme resistance to degradation, accumulation in water and soil, and potential links to health issues such as cancer and hormone disruption. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has proposed broad restrictions on PFAS, impacting thousands of substances across multiple industries.  “We are not just looking at substances we use directly but also those embedded in the products we buy—like components and lubricants. Eliminating PFAS isn’t something we can do alone.”

Emmanuel recognizes the global impact of his work on PFAS. “Several regions are already thinking about restrictions. The changes we make will not be limited to Europe.” While substitutions can be complex, he remains confident. “This challenge requires collaboration, but I think we will succeed.”
 

Based in Lippstadt, Germany, Mary-Anne has been with FORVIA since its formation, initially joining HELLA in 2013. With a European management and business administration background, she helps the purchasing community navigate sustainability regulations and ensures they translate into real change.

“We need to provide enablers to our organization, assisting teams on this sustainability journey,” she explains. Her team breaks down complex regulations—whether related to CO₂, human rights, or material disclosures—into clear, practical steps. “We aim to make it as crisp and clear as possible, so everyone has a strong starting point.”

Although Mary-Anne knows sustainability-driven regulations will help businesses work toward lowering their carbon emissions, she believes lasting progress requires sustainability to be fully embedded in business operations rather than treated as a reporting obligation. “We should embrace sustainability as an essential part of our daily operations, rather than viewing it as just another corporate task.” She plays a vital role in shaping this approach at FORVIA, helping the company meet its ambitious goal of reducing Scope 3 emissions by 45% by 2030. Since supply chains contribute significantly to Scope 3 emissions, Mary-Anne emphasizes the need for deeper collaboration with suppliers and our development teams. In doing so, she supports suppliers in advancing their own sustainability efforts—transforming sustainability goals into measurable progress and driving The Blue Effect forward.

Looking ahead, she envisions sustainability not just as a compliance requirement but as a core business differentiator.  She foresees sustainability becoming a defining factor for business success. “Regulations will keep evolving, but companies that proactively embed sustainability into their decision-making will lead the way. It will make us not only an attractive supplier but also an attractive employer.”” she notes.
 

Lorrène Bayon has been driving sustainability at MATERI'ACT for over a year and a half as Sustainable Materials Sourcing Manager. Her role focuses on identifying and securing plastic recycled raw materials and biomass, to meet strict automotive industry standards.

A key part of Lorrène’s work is minimizing reliance on virgin materials by sourcing recycled polymers, especially polypropylene. “We avoid virgin materials, focusing instead on recycled sources to reduce resource consumption and environmental footprint,” she explains. Collaborating with an eco-system of suppliers located as close as possible to our operations helps reduce transportation emissions and strengthens sustainable practices across the value chain.

Meeting high technical requirements with recycled materials remains challenging. “It’s already difficult sometimes to meet these standards with virgin materials. Achieving them with recycled ones is even more challenging,” she shares. Despite this, Lorrène and her colleagues have begun industrializing materials to meet these specifications, advancing FORVIA’s sustainability goals.

With a background in recycling and material science, the Blue Effect has deepened her commitment to sustainability. “I see my car with new eyes now” she notes, recognizing the potential for end-of-life vehicles in a closed-loop system. She finds daily motivation in the idea that every action matters. “It’s about every small contribution working together to create real change,” she emphasizes.

As General Manager of MATERI'ACT North America, James Mazurek focuses on bringing sustainable materials into mainstream use across both automotive and non-automotive markets. Based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, he leads efforts to create and scale low-emission, high-performing materials.

One of James’s key projects is the MATERI’ACT Dallas joint venture with PCR Recycling established in February 2024 in Dallas, which ensures a steady supply of post-consumer plastics for production. “Feedstock security is critical as demand for sustainable materials grows,” he explains, highlighting the importance of reliable sourcing to meet changing market and regulatory demands. 

For James and his team, their mission extends beyond securing recycled materials to creating products that meet rigorous technical standards. Despite these challenges, Team MATERI'ACT US has started delivering, with James pointing to the work done with Stellantis to replace traditional materials with a hemp bio-composite—an example of how sustainable solutions can compete without compromising performance.

This work has also broadened James’s perspective on sustainability, further aligning with the Blue Effect . “It’s made me more aware of how different regions adapt at different paces,” he reflects, motivating him to close gaps and cultivate meaningful progress through collaboration, education, and innovation.

Clement de Gabory joined MATERI'ACT in November 2022.  As Compounds Product Line and Partnerships Manager, he builds strategic alliances that bring sustainable materials into the automotive industry.

His efforts involve forging partnerships and aligning strategies, building the right product portfolio for reducing emissions, boosting recyclability, and optimizing the value chain for minimal environmental impact. “We focus on reducing emissions and securing the value chain with local sourcing and efficient processing. Sustainability is in every decision we make,” he shares.

One of his proudest accomplishments has been developing the partnership with Veolia, which resulted in MATERI'ACT’s top-selling material, IniCycled-P. Made from post-consumer recycled waste, this material has been successfully homologated at OEMs and integrated into car interiors, demonstrating that sustainability and high performance can coexist. “Recycled materials can match virgin ones in quality. We are making that a reality,” Clement shares. By bringing IniCycled-P to market, he and his team exemplify how innovative collaborations can drive meaningful change.

For Clement, the Blue Effect extends beyond the workplace, shaping how he lives. “Knowing that what we do makes a tangible difference motivates me every day,” he says, reflecting on how his personal and professional commitment to sustainability is deeply intertwined.