Pollution

Management of impacts, risks, and opportunities

Description of the process for identifying and assessing material impacts, risks, and opportunities related to pollution

In dialogue with its subsidiaries, AddLife has assessed the Group’s operations in relation to pollution. AddLife has not identified emissions of pollutants from its direct operations. However, there is a risk of land, air, and water pollution within the supply chain, as well as in the handling of waste from certain products sold by the Group.

AddLife’s subsidiaries within Labtech distribute products containing substances with potentially severe and long-term effects on human health and the environment. These substances, known as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC), are primarily present in reagents supplied to customers for use in diagnostics or research. They may also be found in instruments used for the same purposes. The distribution of these substances is regulated under the REACH and CLP regulations, which govern their handling and usage within the Group’s operations. AddLife considers the distribution of these substances to be a material potential negative impact.

AddLife has not yet identified any significant financial risks or opportunities related to pollution. The Group has not conducted consultations with local communities that may be affected by pollution within its value chain, as it lacks sufficient transparency and knowledge regarding the geographical areas that should be prioritized. Once a clearer understanding of high-risk areas within the supply chain has been established, AddLife will strive to initiate dialogue with affected local communities or credible representatives.

Policies related to pollution
AddLife currently has no Group-wide policy regulating pollution. In 2025, the Group intends to update its Code of Conduct for all employees and its Supplier Code of Conduct to include guidelines for limiting pollution and managing substances of concern and substances of very high concern (SVHCs).

Several of AddLife’s subsidiaries, particularly within diagnostics, have their own policies regulating the use of these substances, as they are present in reagent distribution. AddLife has limited influence over chemical substance selection, as it is the Group’s suppliers that determine the composition of the reagents and instruments distributed by AddLife. Nevertheless, the Group’s subsidiaries actively engage in dialogue with suppliers to promote the reduction of substances of concern and substances of very high concern.

Although AddLife aims to reduce the use of these substances, the Group acknowledges that this is a complex challenge due to regulatory and technical constraints within the industry. At present, the use of these substances is necessary to enable certain diagnostic activities.

To minimize risks of incidents and emergencies, AddLife has established procedures and provides safety data sheets to its customers. These data sheets contain detailed information on the safe handling and disposal of products. The Group’s customers are generally well-trained and possess the necessary expertise to understand and comply with these instructions.

In the event of an incident, it is crucial to quickly contain and mitigate its impact on people and the environment. AddLife is committed to complying with regulations and ensuring that its products are handled safely. These measures are part of the Group’s efforts to ensure that its products not only meet high quality standards but also contribute to safe and sustainable use throughout the value chain.

Measures and resources related to pollution
In recent years, the industry and the EU have undertaken extensive work to reduce the presence of substances of concern and substances of very high concern. As part of this development, certain harmful substances, such as arsenic, have been gradually phased out due to their adverse effects on both human health and the environment.

At present, no active efforts are being made within AddLife’s subsidiaries to phase out additional substances, as there are no technical alternatives that allow certain diagnostics to function without these substances. However, AddLife is continuously working to ensure responsible and safe handling of these substances within its operations. This work is part of the subsidiaries’ alignment with the In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR). See section Consumers and End Users for more information.

In 2025 and 2026, AddLife plans to conduct a more detailed analysis to define a clear ambition and a feasible action plan for future efforts.

Metrics and targets

Targets related to pollution
AddLife currently has no Group-wide targets related to pollution or to substances of concern and substances of very high concern. Some subsidiaries have previously set targets to reduce the use of these substances, but progress has been challenging due to technical constraints within the industry and the Group's limited influence over the selection of chemical substances. In 2025 and 2026, AddLife plans to establish a Group-wide target and relevant key performance indicators (KPIs) to structure efforts in this area.

Since substances of concern and substances of very high concern are regulated, all subsidiaries handling these substances actively work to ensure responsible management. This includes monitoring policies and implemented measures, often within the framework of environmental or quality management efforts at the subsidiary level. Given that the matter is regulated and subject to technical constraints, it is not considered strategically significant but is instead managed as a compliance issue, with regular follow-ups to ensure proper handling of these substances.

Substances of concern and substances of very high concern
Currently, no data is available on the quantity of substances of concern and substances of very high concern distributed within the operations in 2024. However, AddLife is working to develop a methodology that will enable calculation and monitoring from 2025 onwards.