Tricon: Driving Sustainability in Trade and Distribution

Tricon Energy is making significant strides in the sustainability space, solidifying its position as a leader in global trade and distribution.

Recognised for its commitment to ESG standards, the company consistently ranks in the top 1% of organisations globally for sustainability by EcoVadis, a trusted provider of business sustainability ratings.

Elizabeth Carlson, CSO at Tricon, highlight's the relentless nature of this work: “The journey continues. We still have gaps to fill, actions to progress, data quality to improve, processes to mature and so many systemic issues to find our way through collaboratively.”

From startup to global player

Founded in 1996 by Ignacio Torras, who continues to serve as President and CEO, Tricon Energy initially focused on distributing caustic soda. From its headquarters in Houston, Texas, the company quickly expanded its operations, establishing its first international office in Korea in 1999.

Over the past three decades, Tricon has grown into a global enterprise with 22 offices and a presence in nearly 40 countries. The company’s operations span more than 100 countries, supported by a workforce of professionals dedicated to achieving its vision.

A key milestone in Tricon’s history was the creation of Tricon Plastic in 2006, which marked its entry into the plastics market. That same year, the company surpassed US$1bn in annual sales, setting the stage for future growth. By 2008, Tricon had further diversified its portfolio with the establishment of Tricon Dry Chemicals, enhancing its focus on the plastics sector.

Tricon has also made significant contributions to society and the environment. In 2014, the company launched Tricon Cares, a charitable initiative aimed at giving back through volunteering, donations and fundraising efforts. The following year saw the creation of the Liquid Fuels and Dry Bulk Divisions, enabling Tricon to enter new markets. To optimise its freight and logistics operations, Tricon founded Lighthouse Chartering in 2016.

In 2019, the company joined the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, aligning with global efforts to combat plastic pollution. By investing resources, expertise and funding, Tricon supports the alliance’s goal of eliminating plastic waste from the environment.

Leading the charge

Tricon Energy’s sustainability achievements have been recognised with Platinum ratings from EcoVadis since 2022, placing it among the top 1% of organisations worldwide for sustainability performance. The achievement underscores the company’s commitment to integrating ESG principles across its operations.

Collaboration plays a central role in Tricon’s sustainability strategy. The company is a member of Together for Sustainability and the Vinyl Sustainability Council, working alongside other industry leaders to address shared challenges.

Beyond environmental concerns, Tricon adopts a comprehensive approach to ESG. In 2023, the company achieved full workforce participation in anti-corruption training, reflecting its focus on ethical business practices. It also launched EcoVadis supply chain assessments as part of its responsible sourcing programme.

Tricon invests heavily in employee development. In 2023, the company completed over 6,500 hours of training – an average of 11.2 hours per employee. Almost 1,500 hours of this training focused on social or environmental topics, highlighting the organisation’s dedication to fostering awareness and expertise in these critical areas.

Elizabeth Carlson: A visionary in sustainability

Elizabeth brings more than 15 years of expertise in sustainable development to her role.

With a background spanning the private and non-profit sectors, she has a deep understanding of stakeholder engagement, human rights, ESG reporting and government relations. Prior to joining Tricon, Elizabeth served as Global Head of Sustainability at McDermott and Social Responsibility and Communications Manager at Odebrecht.

She holds a BA in International Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an M.Phil in Development Studies from the University of Cambridge.

Under her leadership, Tricon continues to push the boundaries of sustainable business practices, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of industry efforts to address environmental and social challenges.

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