Air Emissions

Due to an aggressive air toxics reduction program initiated in 1988 and reinvigorated in 1996, Baxter reduced toxic air emissions from its operations by more than 98% from 1988 through 2005. The company continues to monitor its air emissions and supports facility-led initiatives in this area. However, due to this progress, Baxter focuses its environmental programs and goals on other issues.

Baxter's toxic air emissions increased to approximately 25.5 metric tons in 2010, a 6% rise in absolute terms from 2009 and a 4% increase indexed to revenue. This was due primarily to greater plastic extrusion activity at two locations. Baxter will continue to evaluate and install additional emission control technologies where necessary and feasible to further reduce air emissions associated with certain manufacturing activities.

Baxter's estimated combined nitrogen oxide (NOx) and sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions related to onsite fuel usage decreased by 14% in absolute terms and 34% indexed to revenue from 2005 to 2010. Baxter has reduced NOx and SOx emissions through energy conservation companywide and a transition from heavy fuel oils to lighter diesel fuels and natural gas at some locations. For example, the company’s Castlebar, Ireland, facility began operation of a natural gas-powered co-generation system in early 2010. As a result, Baxter’s heavy fuel usage decreased by nearly 20% compared to 2009 and associated SOx emissions decreased by approximately 14%.

About 48% of Baxter’s NOx emissions occur within North America. This is due to relatively high use of natural gas at most of the company’s North American facilities, along with the use of biomass for steam production at one of its largest manufacturing facilities.

Nearly 90% of Baxter’s SOx emissions are from facilities outside of North America, due to higher use of furnace fuel oils at these locations.