Sustainability for a Better Tomorrow
Sustainability Report 2020

Message from the CEO	
2
Message from the Governance and Corporate 
Responsibility Committee	
3
2030 Sustainability Goals 	
4
Avient Joins U.N. Global Compact	
5
Engaging with Our Stakeholders	
6
ABOUT US
Historic Transformation, Inspired Future	
7
Better Together: 
PolyOne and Clariant Masterbatch	
8
Who We Are	
9
What We Do: Material Science	
10
Revenue by Geography and End Market	
11
Where We Are: Global Locations	
12
Communities Counting on Avient	
13
Message from Avient’s VP of Sustainability	
14
PEOPLE
Management Approach: EH&S	
16
	
Safety First / COVID-19	
17
	
Occupational Safety & Health	
18
	
Continuous Improvement	
18
	
Performance: Metrics and Monitoring	
19
	
Security	
20
Management Approach: 
Training and Development	
21
	
Manager Training & Front-Line Engagement	 22
	
Avient Competencies	
22
Diversity & Inclusion: 
Leading Change from the Top	
23
Management Approach: Diversity & Inclusion 	
24
	
Workforce Demographics	
29
	
Human Rights	
30
	
Associate Benefits / Awards and 
	
Recognition Programs	
31
	
Health and Wellness	
32
	
Career Training and Performance Feedback 	 33
	
Virtual Learning	
33
	
Operational and Commercial 
	
Excellence Training	
34
	
Leadership Development Programs	
35
	
Talent Acquisition and Campus Recruiting	
36
	
A Great Place to Work	
37
PRODUCTS
How Our Products Enable Sustainability 	
39
Innovation: The Lifeblood of a
Specialty Organization	
40
No Surprises PledgeSM	
41
Our Solutions…In Action: Case Studies	
50
Management Approach: Product Stewardship	
57
	
Global Chemical Management	
58
	
Product Excellence	
59
Management Approach: Supplier Collaboration	 60
	
Supplier Evaluation	
60
	
Strategic Partnerships and Alliances	
61
PLANET
Protecting Our Planet	
63
Climate Change	
64
Eliminating Plastic Waste	
67
Clean-Up and Remediation  	
68
World Clean Up Day	
69
Community Service	
71
Community Engagement	
72
PERFORMANCE
Performance Overview	
74
Sustainable Solutions Performance	
75
The Highest Ethical Standards	
76
Ethics Hotline and Reporting 	
77
Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) 	
78
Board of Directors Governance 	
79
Board of Directors	
80
Policies & Guidelines	
81
METRICS AND INDEX
People and Planet Data and Metrics	
82
GRI /SASB / TCFD Content Index 	
86
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures	 99
Contents
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Sustainability Report  |  2020	
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Sustainability Report  |  2020	
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We have published our most recent Sustainability Report at a time when the world has made encouraging progress 
on its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. While there is still much work to do, and certain prevention protocols 
will remain for some time, our organization has been reflecting on the last 18 months.
We do so with a sense of pride for how we prioritized the health and safety of our associates, and for our 
contributions as an essential supplier to many of the world’s crucial products and services. We also find value in the 
many learnings and opportunities that have surfaced, as the experience of the pandemic has shaped behaviors, 
priorities and lifestyles for generations to come.
Among them is that the response and recovery effort confirmed something we at Avient have always known—that the 
role our material science plays in sustainability for the world is more important than ever. Avient answered the call to 
deliver much needed healthcare supplies, including facemasks, ventilators, test kits, and other PPE. We were there for 
the food and consumer product supply chain, allowing for long shelf life of perishable goods and for safe handling of 
cleaning and sanitization supplies. For IT infrastructure that enabled the shift to remote work and for high performance 
applications as people of the world adapted lifestyles to more outdoor activities…we were there.
 
As the world now seeks the next generation of sustainable solutions…we are also there. From increasing post 
consumer recycled (PCR) and bio-polymer content, to improving the overall recyclability of plastics, our technology 
teams are proudly collaborating with customers to bring new innovations to market.
At the same time, we have continued to invest in the environmental, social and governance priorities that are 
incumbent upon companies today, including actions that address climate change. We have updated performance 
progress toward our 2030 Sustainability Goals as well as expanded commitments, such as utilizing 100% renewable 
energy and becoming operationally carbon neutral by 2050. Herein you’ll also find increased reporting and 
transparency in each of four sustainability cornerstones: People, Products, Planet and Performance.
The purpose of our Sustainability Report is not solely ESG compliance and reporting. We publish this report to offer 
a comprehensive look at Avient—one that highlights examples of our commitment to safety, diversity and inclusion, 
equality and human rights. It highlights how our products are making a positive difference in the lives of others. You’ll also 
read how we view our role as a responsible corporate citizen to the world and as a great place to work for our associates.
I would like to thank you for taking time to read our 2020 Sustainability Report and better understand the incredible 
work our team is doing. As always, we welcome your feedback, ideas and questions as we take a collaborative 
approach to our ultimate and ongoing vision of being a world-class sustainable organization.
Robert M. Patterson
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Message from the CEO
Creating A World-Class, Sustainable Organization
Meeting the needs of 
the present without 
compromising the ability 
of future generations to 
do the same.
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Sustainability Report  |  2020	
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Dear Avient Stakeholder,
We appreciate that you have chosen to read Avient’s most recent Sustainability Report.
 
Avient has clear responsibilities related to environmental, social and governance matters. We provide oversight and 
guidance with regard to how the Board and management evaluate and integrate these responsibilities into Avient's 
business conduct. This includes equal opportunity and respect for all people, regardless of religious beliefs, age, race, 
gender or sexual orientation, as fully explained in Avient’s Code of Conduct and its Position on Human Rights. This also 
includes being a passionate steward of our natural resources for the long-term health and vitality of our planet.
 
As you read this report, you will note that Avient has continued to advance its policies and actions in support of 
ESG leadership.
 
For example, we have recently updated our Position on Human Rights to expand our commitment to advancing 
human rights principles. The company’s 10-K now has increased transparency and disclosures on human capital 
matters as well. And, we have updated our Corporate Governance Guidelines and our Committee charter to further 
our commitment to maintain diversity at the highest levels of our company—which now requires that qualified 
female and racially/ethnically diverse persons be included in the initial pool of those being considered for future 
Board positions and CEO succession planning. 
 
There are many aspects to sustainability, and they are at the core of Avient’s strategy. This includes our dedicated 
investments in R&D to innovate the future material science needs of our customers. Sustainable product 
development and other commitments are outlined in Avient’s 2030 Sustainability Goals—all of which were 
instituted to ultimately deliver value to the company’s many stakeholders.
 
We thank you for your ongoing interest in this growing company and the positive impact that Avient can have 
through the responsible and safe execution of our vision.
Sincerely,
Members of the Governance and Corporate Responsibility Committee
Avient Board of Directors
Message from the Governance and Corporate 
Responsibility Committee
Avient Board of Directors
Sandra Beach Lin
Richard Fearon
Gregory Goff
Kerry Preete
Dr. Patricia Verduin
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By 2030, Avient will enable 100% of our products manufactured for 
packaging applications to be recyclable or reusable to advance the 
circular economy. 
Update:
•	 Approximately 90% of Avient’s products met this criteria in 2020. 
•	 It is estimated that 9% of the world’s plastic is recycled by end users. 
By 2030, Avient will deliver cumulative annual revenue growth from 
our Sustainable Solutions portfolio of 8–12% with 2020 as a baseline.
Update:
•	 This is a new goal which aligns with our customers’ sustainability objectives as 
well as delivers long term growth for all of Avient stakeholders. Since 2016, we 
have grown 8% organically (excluding acquisitions).
By 2030, Avient will obtain directly or contract for 60% of its 
electricity demand from renewable sources and achieve 100% 
renewable energy by 2050.
Update:
•	 31% of Avient’s electricity demand globally was from renewable sources in 2020, 
up from 0.69% in 2019.
•	 We also expanded our goals to achieve 60% renewable energy by 2030, 100% 
by 2050, and began the process to apply for membership into the RE100 
initiative and requirements.
By 2030, Avient will reduce Scope 1 & 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) 
emissions by 60% with 2019 as a baseline and achieve operational 
carbon neutrality by 2050.
Update:
•	 We are proud to have reached our original target of 35% in 2020 by reducing our 
Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions by 37%.
•	 Our next level commitment for 2030 has been established, whereby we will 
achieve a reduction of 60% and operational carbon neutrality by 2050.
By 2030, Avient will reduce waste to landfill by 35% from the 
2019 baseline.
Update:
•	 In 2020 we reduced our waste to landfill by 17%, reaching half of our 2030 target in 
our first year. 
By 2030, to ensure alignment with Avient’s expectations on 
environmental, social and governance requirements, Avient 
will assess its top suppliers representing 90% of our total raw 
material costs. 
Update: 
•	 39% of our top suppliers have been assessed through the end of 2020.
As a founding member of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, Avient 
will collaborate to develop and implement solutions to end plastic 
waste with approximately 50 members across the value chain. 
The Alliance will invest $1.5 billion over five years in innovation, 
infrastructure, education and clean-up.
Update: 
•	 The Alliance to End Plastic Waste is currently executing 27 projects globally that 
are expected to divert at least 375kt of plastics waste per year.
2030 Sustainability Goals 
Last year Avient was proud to announce our 2030 Sustainability Goals and share our 
commitment to drive sustainability for all of our stakeholders. We assembled internal 
Sustainability teams to drive initiatives and workstreams in order to meet these 
targets. We are committed to each of these objectives and will aggressively pursue 
their attainment through internal rigor, investment and innovation. Learn more 
about our approaches to accomplishing these commitments throughout this report.
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Sustainability Report  |  2020	
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3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all, at all ages
Avient is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for employees. We also provide our customers with 
innovative healthcare technologies that prevent and reduce the spread of germs and illness, including COVID-19. In 
addition, we provide eco-conscious and lightweighting solutions that serve as alternatives to traditional materials 
and decrease carbon footprints, improve air and water quality and reduce exposure to potentially hazardous 
substances. Finally, Avient is a founding member of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste and will continue collaborating 
to develop and implement solutions to promote infrastructure, education, innovation, and clean-up efforts.
7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, modern energy for all
We initially set a goal to obtain directly or contract for 40% of our electricity demand from renewable sources by 
2030. Last year, we made substantial progress by reaching 31% from renewable sources, and we have updated 
our goal this year to reach 60% of our electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030. Along with pursuing 
renewable energy use internally, we provide solutions that enable energy reduction and renewable energy use 
for customers. Avient will continue to pursue both internal projects and external partnerships (i.e. Virtual Power 
Purchase Agreements) to increase our renewable energy resources.  
9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive & sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
As a company, we have identified eight ways in which we help our customers achieve their sustainability goals: 
lightweighting, reduced energy use, volatile organic compound reduction, enabling recycle solutions, bio-polymers, 
eco-conscious, sustainable infrastructure, and human health & safety. By focusing on these eight ways, we will 
continue providing sustainable innovations in each of our end markets.
12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
At Avient, we are focused on continuous process improvement and optimizing resource utilization. We are 
committed to the ACC Responsible Care Initiative and its guiding principles. We set a goal to reduce our waste 
to landfill by 35% by 2030, and are dedicated to ensuring 100% of our products manufactured for packaging 
applications will be recyclable or reusable. We are committed to assessing our top suppliers to ensure alignment 
with our environmental, social, and governance requirements. For our customers, we provide solutions that enable 
renewable energy application use, reduce energy consumption, and provide lightweighting advantages.
13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
At Avient, we recognize the negative impacts of climate change, and we are working to reduce our company 
footprint. We have set a goal to reduce our Scope 1 & 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 60% with 2019 as a baseline 
and achieve operational carbon neutrality by 2050. In addition to this, many of our innovation focus areas support 
the fight against climate change: lightweighting, eco-conscious solutions, recycle solutions, volatile organic 
compound reduction, bio-polymer solutions, and reduced energy use.
Avient Joins U.N. 
Global Compact
Aligns on U.N. Sustainable 
Development Goals
 
In 2021, Avient was proud to join the United 
Nations Global Compact, a voluntary 
leadership platform for the development, 
implementation and disclosure of 
responsible business practices. It is the 
largest corporate sustainability initiative 
in the world. Companies that participate 
align their operations and strategies with 
ten universally accepted principles in the 
areas of human rights, labor, environment 
and anti-corruption, and they take action 
in support of matters embodied in the 
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
 
The SDGs address global environmental, 
social and economic issues and blueprint the 
path to a more sustainable future. The SDGs 
include specific progress targets for 2030, 
and encourage strong commitment by all 
stakeholders to implement the global goals. 
Society will increasingly look to companies 
like Avient to develop solutions that address 
these sustainability challenges.
 
In 2020, even prior to joining the U.N. Global 
Compact, we began to identify and map 
the SDGs that are most material to Avient 
and align with our sustainability goals and 
business model. We have identified five 
SDGs (as shown on right) where we believe 
Avient’s innovation capabilities can make the 
greatest impact.
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Sustainability Report  |  2020	
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Engaging with Our Stakeholders
We respond to customer and shareholder inquiries directly, including requests for information regarding key sustainability topics related to health and safety, environment and social 
policies, programs and performance. Our Sustainability Report is intended to provide updates to our many stakeholder groups on the performance and outcomes in these areas 
annually. The additional channels for engagement described in the table below vary in type and frequency, and are focused on the topics most relevant to each group. 
 
Our internal team of business and functional leaders and their teams at all levels of the organization assess and identify key topics for our stakeholders on an ongoing basis to ensure 
our channels of engagement support ongoing collaboration.
Stakeholder
Engagement
Topics
Customers
Sales and technical meetings, plant visits, trade publications, 
social media, surveys and feedback
Sustainability, business performance, material science innovation, customer 
service and satisfaction, technical problem solving, product safety and 
regulatory information
Employees
Quarterly Global Associate Meetings, employee engagement 
surveys, ongoing intranet communication, team and department 
meetings and town hall presentations, Employee Resource Groups
Safety, sustainability, Diversity & Inclusion, business and individual performance, 
alignment between individual goals and company strategy, engagement survey 
action planning, policy and organizational information, career development and 
training, benefits and compensation
Potential Employees
College campus recruitment, social media, Avient Careers 
webpage, job fairs, employee referrals, job interviews
Sustainability, Core Values, Diversity & Inclusion, business performance, 
community involvement, career development, benefits and compensation
Communities*
Employee community service, site management touchpoints with 
community leaders, Avient website, social media, Chamber of 
Commerce and other memberships
Sustainability, philanthropic and volunteer opportunities, emergency 
preparedness, safety and environmental protection, employment opportunities
Shareholders
Quarterly earnings calls, conference calls, shareholder meetings, 
Avient Investor Relations webpage, written correspondence to the 
Board of Directors
Sustainability, financial performance, business strategy and execution
Suppliers
Contract negotiations, business reviews, individual meetings, 
Annual Supplier Summit
Growth and sustainability opportunities, quality, cost, innovation
Industry Associations
Associations such as American Chemistry Council, collaborative 
initiatives such as the Alliance to End Plastic Waste
Sustainability 
Government and Other 
Regulatory  Agencies
Political Action Committee, regular communications and outreach
Sustainability, business performance, regulations
*Based on ongoing assessment of our footprint, Avient does not operate on indigenous lands. In the event that Avient operations should operate on indigenous lands in the future, we would leverage our existing community 
stakeholder engagement programs as outlined above to consult with indigenous peoples.
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Historic Transformation, 
Inspired Future
Avient Corporation was originally established as PolyOne Corporation in 2000 through 
the consolidation of two companies in the materials industry. The early years were 
challenging, as the company struggled to find or create its identity as a combined 
enterprise. That changed in 2006 when we embarked on a specialty transformation 
driven by our four-pillar strategy of Specialization, Globalization, Commercial 
Excellence and Operational Excellence. 
As the company began to evolve into specialty areas, we focused on putting our 
customers and their needs first, then looking inward to make a difference. Coincident 
with the transformational acquisition of Clariant Masterbatch in 2020, we branded the 
collective enterprise as Avient—a new name, for a new kind of materials company.
Today, we are a leading provider of specialized and sustainable material solutions 
that transform customer challenges into opportunities, bringing new products to life 
for a better world. Our offerings include specialty engineered materials, advanced 
composites, color and additive systems and polymer distribution. 
Headquartered in Avon Lake, Ohio, Avient currently employs approximately 8,400 
people at manufacturing sites, distribution facilities and technical labs located in 
North America, South America, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa. 
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On July 1, 2020 we completed the acquisition of Clariant Masterbatch, the largest 
acquisition in the 20-year history of our company.
We did so at a time when the world craves a more sustainable planet, unprecedented 
innovation and economic growth. It’s also a time where people seek strong 
relationships, diverse perspectives and an opportunity to accept the most pressing 
challenges of today. 
It’s in this spirit that we joined PolyOne and Clariant Masterbatch, two complementary 
businesses, and formed a new one that we’ve named Avient. 
As one, we are better positioned than ever before to lead and to make a 
positive difference. 
We are better together through:
•	 Keeping Safety First — PolyOne and Clariant are both ACC Responsible Care® 
companies, and nothing is more important than the health, safety and well-being 
of our people. 
•	 Being a Great Place to Work — We listen to feedback from our associates then 
take action in building our high-performance culture and being a global employer 
of choice. Following the results from our post-acquisition engagement survey, we 
were again certified as a Great Place to Work®.
•	 Supporting Diversity and Inclusion — All associates are valued and encouraged 
to bring their true selves to work every day, and ensuring equal access and 
opportunity will contribute to our organization’s success.
•	 Leading in Sustainability — PolyOne and Clariant are both founding members of 
the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, and we are committed to meeting the needs of 
the present without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same. 
•	 Investing in Innovation — Specialty companies invest to grow, so we ensure our 
resources are concentrated on material science for high-growth end markets, 
poised for value creation in the long term. 
•	 Operating Globally, Serving Locally — As a truly global company, we have 
operations and technical expertise around the world to efficiently serve our 
customers…wherever they may need us. 
•	 Leveraging Service as Our Timeless Differentiator — We serve our customers 
with excellence to build trusting, lasting and collaborative relationships. 
•	 Thriving as a Specialty Growth Company — Performance is inextricably linked 
to the investments we make in People, Products and Planet. Solidifying Avient as 
a specialty growth company ensures ongoing longevity and value creation for our 
associates, customers, communities and shareholders. 
These endeavors are made possible by the joining of our businesses. 

Better Together: PolyOne and Clariant Masterbatch
We are better together. 
We are Avient.
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Our Vision
At Avient, we create specialized and sustainable material solutions that transform 
customer challenges into opportunities, bringing new products to life for a better world.
Our Strategy
Specialization
Differentiates us through unique value-creating offerings to our customers.
Globalization
Positions us to serve our customers consistently, everywhere in the world.
Operational Excellence
Empowers us to respond to the voice of the customer with relentless continuous 
improvement.
Commercial Excellence
Governs our activities in the marketplace to deliver extraordinary value to our customers.
Our Culture
Core Values
Collaboration. Innovation. Excellence. 
These core values, which begin with our individual decisions and actions, focus our 
attention on putting the customer first by creating genuine value through collaboration, 
innovation and an unwavering commitment to excellence. We will uphold these values 
with the utmost integrity in all that we do.
Personal Values
Integrity. Honesty. Respect. 
These personal values begin with each of us—the judgments and decisions we make as 
individuals affect the way Avient is viewed in the marketplace and in the communities 
where we work.
Who We Are
Avient Corporation (NYSE: AVNT), with revenues of approximately $4.6 billion provides specialized and sustainable material solutions 
that transform customer challenges into opportunities, bringing new products to life for a better world. As of December 31, 2020, Avient 
employed approximately 8,400 associates and is certified ACC Responsible Care®, a founding member of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste 
and certified Great Place to Work®. For more information, visit www.avient.com.
Our Sustainability 
Guiding Principle and 
Four Cornerstones
To enable our customers’ 
innovation and sustainability 
goals through world-class 
products and services.
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What We Do: Material Science
Avient’s vision is to create specialized and sustainable material solutions that 
transform customer challenges into opportunities, bringing new products to life 
for a better world. To fulfill our vision, we leverage our unique position in the value 
chain to offer leading solutions and services around the world.
Starting with raw materials, we source only the best polymers, additives, 
modifiers, fillers, reinforcers, colorants and pigments. We offer specialty 
expertise and innovation to help our customers get exactly what they need. 
Our formulation expertise supports material science decisions, while our 
processing expertise guides customers to use the materials properly. Supply 
chain management guarantees customers receive deliveries on time, and our 
design recommendations help create the end use applications. Moreover, our 
experienced scientists are focused on providing unique innovations that help our 
customers reach their sustainability goals.
We have identified eight ways that we enable our customers to solve complex 
sustainability challenges and have organized our portfolio accordingly, from 
enabling the use of more recycled content, formulating with bio-polymers, 
sustainable infrastructure, human health & safety, lightweighting, reducing 
volatile organic compounds, reducing energy usage and offering eco-conscious 
solutions. Avient is committed to meeting the needs of the present without 
compromising future generations’ ability to do the same. Together, it is our job to 
help protect the earth’s resources.
We sell our solutions to Brand Owners/OEMs, processors and assemblers to 
enable their sustainability goals in applications like automotive, building and 
construction, consumer goods, electronic and electrical, healthcare, packaging, 
textiles, transportation, and wire and cable. 
CUSTOM 
FORMULATION
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Revenue by Geography and 
End Market
The importance of sustainability is not limited by geography or end market. 
More innovative product designs, through continual improvement and global 
customer pull, provide Avient a unique opportunity to help.
This has broadened even further, as our reach and presence around the world 
expanded with our acquisition of Clariant Masterbatch in 2020.
Our global footprint offers both state-of-the-art facilities and talented commercial 
associates that enable quick collaboration with our customers—where they 
need us, when they need us. Whether it’s a large multi-national OEM, or a smaller 
product manufacturer launching a localized product, Avient is there to serve.
From healthcare to transportation to packaging, and everything in between, we 
help our customers meet their product design and sustainability goals.
Consumer
22%
Packaging
22%
Healthcare
14%
Industrial 
15%
Transportation
11%
Telecommunications
4%
Building & 
Construction 
9%
Energy
3%
(Pro Forma for Clariant Masterbatch Acquisition)
United States & 
Canada
50%
Europe
26%
Asia
16%
Latin America
8%
2020 
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Where We Are: Global Locations
Headquartered in Avon Lake, Ohio, we have operations around the world. With the recent acquisition of Clariant Masterbatch, we further globalized with additional facilities in both 
new and existing geographies to serve our customers even better.
We believe that the quality, production capacity and locations of our more than 100 facilities helps to maintain our competitive position and accelerate speed to market. Our breadth 
of operations also minimizes environmental and transportation impacts through local and regional production of our materials and ultimate delivery to customers.
Color, Additives and Inks (CAI)
Distribution
Specialty Engineered 
Materials
1. Glendale, Arizona
23. Vonore, Tennessee
46. Diez, Germany
67. Lima, Peru
1. Rancho Cucamonga, California
1. Birmingham, Alabama
2. & 3. Phoenix, Arizona (1)
24. Winchester, Virginia
47. Lahnstein, Germany
68. Konstantynow, Poland
2. Chicago, Illinois
2. Englewood, Colorado
4. Bethel, Connecticut
25. Lomas de Zamora, Argentina
48. Guatemala City, Guatemala
69. Kutno, Poland
3. Eagan, Minnesota
3. Montrose, Colorado
5. Dalton, Georgia
26. Assesse, Belgium
49. Gyor, Hungary
70. Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
4. Edison, New Jersey
4. North Haven, Connecticut
6. Kennesaw, Georgia
27. Louvain-La-Nueve, Belgium
50. Kalol, India
71. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
5. Statesville, North Carolina
5. McHenry, Illinois
7. Elk Grove Village, Illinois
28. Itupeva, Brazil
51. Pune, India
72. Yanbu, Saudi Arabia
6. Elyria, Ohio
6. Winona, Minnesota
8. West Chicago, Illinois
29. Suzano, Brazil
52. Rania, India
73. Randburg, South Africa
7. La Porte, Texas
7. Hickory, North Carolina
9. La Porte, Indiana
30. Toronto, Canada
53. Vashere, India
74. Alicante, Spain
8. Brampton, Ontario, Canada
8. Avon Lake, Ohio
10. Lewiston, Maine
31. Maipu, Chile
54. Tangerang, Indonesia
75. Barcelona, Spain
9. Hatfield, Pennsylvania
11. Holden, Massachusetts
32. Chuzhou, China
55. Naas, Ireland
76. Pamplona, Spain
10. Changzhou, China
12. Albion, Michigan
33. Guangzhou, China
56. Lomagna, Italy
77. Sant Andreu, Spain
11. Shenzhen, China
13. Minneapolis, Minnesota
34. Pudong, China
57. Merate, Italy
78. Malmoe, Sweden
12. Suzhou, China
14. St. Louis, Missouri
35., 36. & 37. Shanghai, China (2)
58. Milan, Italy
79. Taoyuan, Taiwan
13. Gaggenau, Germany
15. Lockport, New York
38. Suzhou, China
59. Pogliano, Italy
80. Bangkok, Thailand
14. Melle, Germany
16. Mooresville, North Carolina
39. Tianjin, China
60. Butterworth, Malaysia
81. Phan Thong, Thailand
15. Leeuwarden, Netherlands
17. Berea, Ohio
40. Cota, Colombia
61. Santa Clara, Mexico
82. Gazientep, Turkey
16. Barbastro, Spain
18. Massillon, Ohio
41. Aland, Finland
62. Toluca, Mexico
83. Gebze, Turkey
17. Istanbul, Turkey
19. North Baltimore, Ohio
42. Cergy, France
63. Eindhoven, Netherlands
84. Knowsley, United Kingdom
18. Leek, United Kingdom
20. Norwalk, Ohio
43. Saint-Jeoire, France
64. Auckland, New Zealand
85. Thuan An, Vietnam
Shanghai, China (3)
21. Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania
44. Tossiat, France
65. Karachi, Pakistan
Pune, India (4)
22. Mountain Top, Pennsylvania
45. Ahrensburg, Germany
66. Lahore, Pakistan
Pamplona, Spain (4)
(1) There are two manufacturing plants located in Phoenix, Arizona.
(2) There are three manufacturing plants located in Shanghai, China. 
(3) Facility is not included in manufacturing plants total as it is a design center/lab. 
(4) Facility is not included in manufacturing plants total as it is also included as part of another segment.
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Sustainability Report  |  2020	
12

Communities 
Counting on Avient
Avient supported customer operations in 
over 140 countries around the world in 2020, 
as we supply our specialty materials and 
formulated polymers that bring customers’ 
products to life.
Our broad, worldwide reach is a tremendous 
testament to the execution of the 
Globalization pillar of our proven strategy. 
Customers count on us for on-time, high-
quality products and services, and we 
proudly accept the challenge to deliver. 
At the same time, our global presence 
represents unique responsibilities and 
rigor—where we must understand, comply 
and contribute to local communities, while 
always conforming to our internal rigor of 
standards, policies and values.
North / Central 
America
South 
America
Europe
Middle East/
Asia
Africa
Australia/ 
Oceania
Canada
Argentina
Aland Islands
Georgia
Norway
Afghanistan
Kyrgyzstan
South Korea
Algeria
Mauritius
Australia
Costa Rica
Belize
Armenia
Germany
Poland
Azerbaijan
Kuwait
Sri Lanka
Angola
Morocco
Fiji
Dominican Republic
Bolivia
Austria
Greece
Portugal
Bahrain
Lebanon
Tajikistan
Benin
Nigeria
French Polynesia
El Salvador
Brazil
Belarus
Hungary
Romania
Bangladesh
Malaysia
Thailand
Cameroon
Senegal
Martinique
Guatemala
Chile
Belgium
Iceland
San Marino
Bhutan
Maldives
Turkey
Egypt
South Africa
New Caledonia
Haiti
Colombia
Bosnia Herzegovina
Ireland
Serbia
Cambodia
Myanmar
United Arab Emir.
Ethiopia
Tanzania
New Zealand
Honduras
Ecuador
Bulgaria
Italy
Slovakia
Greater China
Nepal
Uzbekistan
Gabon
Tunisia
Jamaica
Paraguay
Croatia
Kosovo
Slovenia
India
Oman
Vietnam
Ghana
Uganda
Mexico
Peru
Cyprus
Latvia
Spain
Indonesia
Pakistan
Yemen
Guinea
Zambia
Panama
Suriname
Czech Republic
Lithuania
Sweden
Iraq
Philippines
Ivory Coast
Zimbabwe
Puerto Rico
Uruguay
Denmark
Luxembourg
Switzerland
Israel
Qatar
Kenya
Trinidad & Tobago
Venezuela
Estonia
Malta
Ukraine
Japan
Russia
Libya
United States
Finland
Netherlands
United Kingdom
Jordan
Saudi Arabia
Madagascar
France
North Macedonia
Kazakhstan
Singapore
Mali
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Sustainability Report  |  2020	
13

Sustainability remains integral to achieving Avient’s vision, 
mission, responsibility and performance. Now in my third 
year as head of our sustainability efforts, I have never been 
more pleased—and proud—of our progress. As you read 
through this year’s Sustainability Report, you will see that 
we are making an impact in all four of our sustainability 
cornerstones: People, Products, Planet and Performance.
Last year, Avient announced our 2030 Sustainability Goals, 
which established clear expectations for our company 
related to climate change, product innovation, supplier engagement and overall 
corporate responsibility. You will see that we are making progress in our metrics as 
well as the many initiatives we are undertaking to meet these commitments. 
At Avient we believe that culture is everything, and we invest in our associates 
accordingly. Safety remains our top priority, and we once again achieved world class 
safety performance at a 0.50 injury rate in 2020, beating the industry standard by 7x. 
Our focus and commitment to Diversity & Inclusion represents Avient's respect for 
all associates. As such, we were recognized in 2020 and again received Great Place 
To Work® certification, as well as another perfect 100/100 score on the Human Rights 
Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index. 
Climate change continues to be one of the defining issues of our time, and at Avient, 
we are dedicated to do our part. Our 2030 Sustainability Goals include targets to 
reduce greenhouse gasses and increase our use of renewable energy, and we made 
tremendous progress in each—reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by 37% since 
2019, and increasing our renewable energy usage up to 31% of our energy needs. As 
a result, we have updated our targets to 60% for both greenhouse gas reduction as 
well as percentage of energy coming from renewable sources. These efforts are also 
aligned with our commitments as an ACC Responsible Care® company. 
Innovation is our lifeblood at Avient, and we are focusing our R&D investments on 
platforms that address key sustainability megatrends. Our ability to enable our 
customers’ sustainability goals through material science and design expertise is a 
key differentiator for our company. We have defined our sustainability portfolio in the 
eight ways we help our customers meet their sustainability goals, from advancing a 
circular economy through enabling recycle solutions, to lightweighting, to enabling 
sustainable infrastructure, or bio-polymer solutions to name a few. In 2020, alone we 
launched 10 new sustainable product families, and we have more than doubled our 
revenues of our sustainability portfolio over the last five years. 
Our investment in the Clariant Masterbatch business in 2020 further solidified our 
leading position in solutions that enable a circular economy. Our combined portfolio 
of additives and formulated solutions for this space enable our customers’ goals to 
increase the recyclability of their products, increase the recycled content, or utilize 
renewable resources.
Additionally, as one of the founding members of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, 
Avient is actively participating with over 50 members to drive innovative solutions to 
the plastics waste problem. 
We publish this report for many stakeholders, sometimes with unique, specific 
interests. No matter your particular passion or area of focus, I hope that you can still 
appreciate the breadth of Avient’s comprehensive efforts in sustainability. We sure do, 
and that is what is fueling us to do even more in the future!
Walter Ripple
Vice President of Sustainability
Message from Avient’s VP of Sustainability
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P E O P L E
Avient associates in our Knowsley, 
UK facility organized a beautification 
clean up event at Ainsdale Beach near 
Liverpool in September 2019.
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Sustainability Report  |  2020	
15

Management Approach: EH&S
The top priority at Avient is safety.
At the highest level, Avient’s Board of Directors has a long-standing Environmental, Health & Safety (EH&S) 
Committee that oversees and monitors environmental, health, safety, security and product stewardship policies, 
standards and practices to ensure regulatory compliance and operational excellence globally. 
Avient’s EH&S Management System (EH&S MS) is managed by its Corporate Environmental, Health, Safety and 
Product Stewardship Department, and degreed technical experts employed in all regions and businesses. Avient’s 
Vice President of EH&S and SVP of Global Operations and Process Improvement are responsible for reporting to the 
EH&S Committee of the Board of Directors.
The foundation of our Management Approach to EH&S is rooted in ACC Responsible Care®. We established a 
comprehensive EH&S MS to systemically identify and address any risks. Avient’s EH&S MS is externally certified 
and based on the American Chemistry Council’s Responsible Care Management System (RCMS) Standard, which 
incorporates the principle of continuous improvement. It applies to all Avient sites and our contractors globally. 
Avient’s EH&S MS is comprised of global standards for safety, health, security, product safety, and environmental 
protection, covering the transportation of materials, activities at our sites and warehouses, and distribution of 
our products, as well as our customers’ use of our products. It covers both regulatory requirements and voluntary 
actions. The policies and codes that are included in the EH&S MS are: 
•	 Responsible Care Policy, which outlines our overarching commitment to the Responsible Care Guiding Principles;
•	 Safety & Health Policy, which focuses on providing a safe and healthy workplace for our associates through 
building an actively caring culture; 
•	 Security Policy, which focuses on protecting the security of our people and all information related to 
our operations; 
•	 Avient Code of Conduct, which focuses on putting forth guidelines for ethical behavior; 
•	 Environmental Policy, which focuses ensuring enduring operations, that contribute positively to our 
associates’ well-being and the well-being of the communities in which we operate;
•	 Product Stewardship Policy, which covers the sustainable and ethical management of our products to protect 
our associates, customers and communities in which we operate.
Our EH&S MS includes both physical security at sites, as well as cybersecurity, the latter of which is managed 
by the Information Technology department at Avient. Through this system, we identify and assess the risk of all 
technology related activities, and the potential effects these risks may have on all of our stakeholders. We report 
any material risks identified by the system, as well as plans to address them, to the Board of Directors EH&S 
Committee on an annual basis.
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Sustainability Report  |  2020	
16

Safety First
Avient is focused on our goal of zero recordable 
injuries and our ongoing desire to integrate safety into 
all aspects of our operations. Progress toward this 
goal is measured at the Business Unit and regional 
levels, and progress toward zero recordable injuries 
is communicated globally and linked to a number of 
recognition mechanisms. 
A zero recordable injury goal reflects Avient’s focus on 
the People aspect of our 4P sustainability cornerstones. 
In 2020, we maintained world class safety performance 
and had our safest year ever with a recordable incident 
rate of 0.50, which is more than 7 times better than 
the U.S. Rubber and Plastics Manufacturers industry 
average. Until that number is zero, we have more work 
to do. Additional detail, systems, and performance 
metrics are provided in the Occupational Health & 
Safety section of this report. 
0.0
0.3
0.6
0.9
1.2
1.5
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Injuries per 100 Workers
0.50
COVID-19 
Protecting Our People as an Essential Business
As a global organization, Avient recognized the early risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. 
And we took action. Our early and consistent approach focused on protecting the health and safety of 
our associates, families, customers and communities. 
We consistently monitored and adhered to local government requirements and conditions 
everywhere we operate. We mobilized regional COVID Task Forces and collaboratively developed 
procedures then took action accordingly. To ensure our work environment is as safe as possible, 
this included:
•	 Strict adherence to all local government requirements as well as incorporating WHO and 
CDC guidelines
•	 Required remote work for associates able to do so
•	 Social distancing, increased and regular sanitization, pre-shift wellness assessments and on-site 
temperature checks
•	 Incident reporting and contact tracing procedures, including self-quarantine if suspected exposure
•	 Support services for the physical and mental health of our associates and their families
•	 Continuous communications, education, awareness, updates and encouragement to 
our associates
At the same time that we prioritize health and safety, it is essential that Avient continue to produce our 
materials and serve customers. 
Our materials are a key component in the supply chain that allows for food, beverage and medical 
supplies to continue to be produced, packaged, shipped and used. This includes masks, protective 
garments, medical tubing and packaging for personal care products. In addition, our materials allow 
for infrastructure, telecommunications and technology to function.
As the pandemic continues, or should other global challenges arise, we will remain vigilant and 
committed to this very approach:  Prioritize the health and safety of our associates first, while 
continuing to operate and serve the essential and emerging needs around the world. 
.50
Injury Incidence Rate
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Sustainability Report  |  2020	
17
Sustainability Report  |  2020	
17

Continuous Improvement
Prior to, and including 2020, we have set ambitious internal goals for safety, 
health, and environmental protection, and we regularly conduct audits to 
monitor our performance and progress toward these goals. We also track 
physical security incidents and manage those through the EH&S MS. The 
management system audits are conducted by leaders from corporate 
and the various operations, in conjunction with third-party experts where 
necessary, and consist of site visits to validate compliance to internal 
standards and regulatory requirements. The audits identify areas where 
corrective and preventive measures are necessary to further reduce risks. 
Companies acquired by Avient go through a rigorous EH&S integration 
process to bring new sites in line with our high standards and policies. Part 
of this process is to help sites develop their own EH&S Maturity Road Map 
which guides them through the implementation of our standards through a 
risk based approach.
After all health, safety, security or environmental incidents, Avient conducts 
an investigation to identify root causes, implement corrective actions 
and validate measures to prevent reoccurrence are enduring. Specific 
investigation methodologies are provided and described in Avient’s 
Incidents, Accidents & Safety Reporting module of our EtQ information 
management system. This process ensures that all incidents are fully 
documented, communicated and properly managed by EH&S and business 
unit leadership in a timely manner. 
EH&S “Maturity Roadmap” Standard
Recognizing that all facilities are not at the same place on their journey 
to EH&S excellence, Avient uses an EH&S Maturity Road Map. With this 
standard, facilities are guided through a process of determining if each 
element of their management system is beginning, developing, performing, 
highly performing or excelling. Regardless of performance level, a risk-
prioritized approach to continuous improvements is outlined. Facility 
maturity is assessed during each internal audit with actions designed to 
facilitate increased management system maturity. This tool allowed Avient 
to minimize facility level risk and facilitate continuous improvements in 
2020, despite challenges presented by COVID-19 related travel restrictions.
Occupational Safety & Health
Occupational safety, health and well-being are paramount at Avient because we 
understand the value of good performance in these areas to our people, their families, 
collective morale, operational costs and reputation. As such, we ensure that our 
operations meet both legal and best-in-class standards. 
Our “safety first” culture was built not through words, but through dedication, 
continuous improvement, and action. Throughout Avient’s history, systems have been 
in place that underscore our commitment to the occupational health, safety, and well-
being of our associates. 
Avient believes that only with the active participation of all associates, at all levels of 
the organization, can risk truly be reduced to acceptable levels. For this reason, we 
have built an actively caring and attentive culture, where input on safety and health 
topics is encouraged and expected as a condition of employment. 
Each associate has the freedom and expectation to communicate hazards and remove 
their self from unsafe situations, without the fear of reprisal. Safety committees 
represent all associates employed in production. Where there is a need for new 
internal standards or updates to existing ones, working groups comprised of regional 
and corporate EH&S experts are established. We then develop and communicate the 
draft to internal stakeholders, soliciting feedback, and considering revisions before 
the standard is finalized and approved. All standards are then published in the EH&S 
section of The Loop, Avient’s intranet site available to all associates.
Under our EH&S MS, Avient has rolled out multifaceted trainings and tools to achieve 
our ultimate goal of zero recordable injuries in the workplace. Examples include 
Residual Risk Reduction (R3), which incorporates behavioral safety, improvements to 
safety leadership, various safety suggestion mechanisms, internal and external audit 
systems, and Global Safety Days. The importance of associate participation in safety 
management systems is a common thread throughout our training systems at Avient.
Our R3 initiative helps 
associates identify and weigh 
risk to lead them to a safer 
decision or action.
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Sustainability Report  |  2020	
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Sustainability Report  |  2020	
18

Performance: Metrics 
and Monitoring
To quantify risk and reduce it over time, Avient 
monitors several key performance indicators on a 
regular basis: Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) 
and Lost Time Injury/Illness Rate (LTIR). 
These rates are compiled globally and reported on 
a monthly basis to all leadership personnel in the 
company. As Avient is focused on its ultimate goal 
of zero recordable injuries and our ongoing desire to 
integrate safety into all aspects of our operations, 
we track annual reduction goals measured at the 
business unit and regional levels. Progress toward 
zero recordable injuries is communicated globally 
and celebrated.
  
Leading indicators are also tracked to ensure efforts to 
identify and eliminate risk proactively continue. These 
leading indicators include the continuous monitoring 
of progress on corrective and preventive actions, the 
number of risk assessments performed, details on the 
amount of risk eliminated or mitigated, the number of 
internal audits conducted and participation rates of 
Global Safety Day activities.
Keeping Safety Top of Mind: On Avient’s intranet (The Loop), the 
top right corner of the homepage is permanently dedicated to real-
time safety metrics globally. It’s our ever-present reminder to put 
safety first and to strive for zero injuries.
2020 Safety Milestones
The Loop Safety Metrics
SAFETY
FIRST
50%
71%
17%
46%
11%
Reduction in Lost 
Time Incident Rate
Decrease in 
Fractures
Fewer Cardinal Safety 
Rule Violations
17%
Decrease in 
OSHA Recordable 
Incident Rate
Decrease in Slips, 
Trips and Falls
Decrease in Injury 
Severity
>1M RISK 
REDUCTION POINTS
69% OF SITES WORKED 
INJURY-FREE
77 CONSECUTIVE DAYS 
WITHOUT AN INJURY
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Sustainability Report  |  2020	
19

Security
Keeping Avient’s operations, infrastructure, and intellectual property protected is a vital 
task, as a breach in physical security at sites or cybersecurity online could lead to risk to 
stakeholders and the sustainability of our enterprise. 
Avient’s robust security measures are designed to protect our personnel and facilities 
from operational threats and keep our business safe from cybersecurity attacks. Our 
security programs are risk-based, flexible and responsive to the environments in which 
we operate. The security management system module in the EH&S MS is based upon 
the Responsible Care® Security Code that continuously seeks to improve our processes 
and systems related to security performance and implement management practices 
consistent with the Security Code. 
The Avient Security and Privacy Council (ASPC) oversees the security-related 
governance, risk mitigation and regulatory compliance requirements of our company 
globally. The ASPC has two subcommittees focused on physical security and 
cybersecurity, with the latter having a global privacy program to help ensure our 
organization maintains compliance with ever-changing privacy laws, including General 
Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), as well as specific laws in all countries and regions 
in which Avient operates. We are also a member of the U.S. Customs Trade Partnership 
Against Terrorism (CTPAT), the supply chain security program under U.S. Customs and 
Border Protection, and a member of the Canadian Border Services Agency Partners in 
Protection (PIP) program. Avient’s Global Trade and EH&S departments share responsibility 
for supply chain security.
Regarding physical security, facilities undergo periodic analyses to address potential 
threats. Each assessment considers geographic location, relationships with 
communities and applicable laws. In higher-risk locations, we maintain detailed security 
preparedness plans. Our security personnel continuously improve our risk management 
methodologies, threat-assessment capabilities and technical security management 
processes through drills, training programs and industry forums. 
As cybersecurity risks continue to evolve, we must protect against threats against our data, 
facilities and operations. Awareness remains one of our best defenses, and cybersecurity 
education is a priority for our associates and business partners. In 2020, 100% of our 
required associates completed web-based cybersecurity training to help them identify 
and respond to potential cybersecurity risks and reinforce safe behaviors. The company 
maintains cyber security insurance, and a third-party auditor performs a quarterly 
assessment of our processes, policies and performance as it relates to IT security.
100%
OF REQUIRED 
ASSOCIATES
COMPLETED WEB-BASED 
CYBERSECURITY TRAINING IN 2020
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Training and development of our workforce is crucial for Avient, as it influences our 
great place to work culture while enabling our teams to accomplish business goals. 
Training and development opportunities are provided to all associates globally, full 
and part-time. We manage training and development through global programs and 
technology, with a purpose to ensure a consistent and high-quality experience for 
associates­—all to unleash their full potential at work.
Global technology enables the management approach, and it is critical to our 
strategy for career advancement. The Avient Learning Management system allows 
associates to register for instructor-led and virtual learning experiences, which are 
tracked in their personal learning history. Performance management data is stored 
and retained through the HR systems. Access to this information supports talent 
development and internal career progression.
Avient also offers nomination-based leadership development programs, such as 
NextGen and Elevate (formerly PolyMasters), as well as an open-enrollment program 
for leaders of people globally. The ENGAGE initiative was designed to broaden our 
culture of learning in our manufacturing footprint, bringing classroom experiences 
focused on our products and customers to our productions teams at our locations 
globally. Further, our associates accessed training and professional development 
courses through Avient Academy, and in 2020, our associates completed over 30,000 
hours of training through a variety of delivery methods. Leaders at Avient play a 
key role in our approach to training and development. Executive leaders serve as 
facilitators in our leadership programs, and NextGen graduates lead the ENGAGE 
training sessions.
HR partners in all of our countries of operation serve as resources to deploy the global 
resources to local associates. Global HR systems and technology improve our HR 
impact and efficiency, and ultimately support our associates with their development. 
Surveys are conducted after all instructor-led programs to assess effectiveness 
and job relevance of programming. We also conduct 360 assessments to help 
individuals assess their individual development and progression based on feedback 
from key stakeholders.
Management Approach: Training and Development
In 2020 as we shifted to more remote 
work training also shifted to virtual 
experiences when possible.
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21

Manager Training and 
Front-Line Engagement
 
Managers of people and front-line workers in our 
operations received tailored communications and 
training for the unique requirements of their role in 
our success. In addition to the technical training and 
companywide modules these associates receive, 
we recently began offering two new programs: Core 
Leadership and ENGAGE. These offerings build skills, 
increase knowledge on Avient’s sustainability, and 
inspire engagement in their particular roles. 
In 2019, we launched our latest initiative, Core 
Leadership, to help managers of people develop 
their foundational leadership skills. This program is 
conducted in each region, with cohorts of 20–25 newly 
hired or promoted managers. During the one-week 
program, managers learn and practice key skills such 
as coaching, interviewing and situational leadership. In 
2020, over 115 people leaders completed this program, 
equipping them with new tools to manage high 
performing teams.
Avient Competencies
In 2020, we launched the Avient Competencies. Our competencies were developed based on 
feedback from our associates in all regions, businesses, functions and at all levels of the organization. 
Themes from our associates’ feedback were mapped to a library of competencies that, based on 
research, are predictive of success across all industries.
Our competencies define what it takes to be successful at Avient. They represent the expectations we 
have for ourselves, our teams, and our leaders. Most importantly, our competencies create a common 
language for how we coach and develop our associates, in support of the organization’s goals and 
individual career aspirations.
The Avient Competencies have been incorporated into all of our talent management processes, 
including goal-setting and our annual performance review process. They describe the behaviors most 
important to accomplishing our organizational priorities and personal development.
CORE  
COMPETENCIES
LEADERSHIP  
COMPETENCIES
Customer 
Focus
Action 
Oriented
Instills Trust
Demonstrates 
Self- Awareness
Collaborates
Communicates 
Effectively
Being
Resilient
Situational 
Adaptability
Leader of Others
Leader of Self
Leader of the Business
Ensures  
Accountability
Develops Talent
Values Differences
Drives Engagement
Organizational  
Savvy
Courage
Global Perspective
Cultivates Innovation
Strategic Mindset
Drives Vision &  
Purpose
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Sustainability Report  |  2020	
22
Sustainability Report  |  2020	
22

CEO DIRECT REPORTS
Diversity & Inclusion: 
Leading Change from the Top
In order to enact meaningful, impactful change in any organization, it must start at the 
top. This is especially true when increasing diversity and inclusion.
 
With guidance and support from the Avient Board of Directors, we have been directing 
actions and programs to change how our organization views, values and creates 
diversity in the workforce.
 
“The importance of building diverse and inclusive organizations has never been more 
important—in business and in our world,” said Bob Patterson, Chairman, President 
and CEO, Avient. 
 
Diverse and inclusive organizations attract and retain better talent, are more 
innovative, and are also among the best performing.
 
“As the CEO, change of this importance must begin with me—my direction, decisions 
and actions,” he explained. “D&I at Avient is a shared value and position, but it’s 
crucial for me to lead by example.”
 
“Sixty-four percent of my executive leadership team and 42 percent of our Board of 
Directors are female or racially diverse. I draw upon this diversity to make the most 
informed and best decisions for our company,” he said. “Yet we have more work to 
do throughout the company, and our investments in D&I initiatives and Employee 
Resource Groups will play an increasingly influential role going forward.”
64% 
FEMALE OR 
MINORITY
42% 
FEMALE OR 
MINORITY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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At Avient, we recognize the immense benefits that a diverse team brings to our organization, including delivering 
better business outcomes. Diversity & Inclusion at Avient refers to gender of our global talent pool and U.S. 
minority status.
With oversight from the Avient Board of Directors, the executive leadership team manages our Diversity & Inclusion 
program. This ensures that we have leadership accountability to advancing our D&I strategy. In addition to 
bi-annual reviews with the leadership team, Avient has implemented recruiting slate diversity guidelines to expand 
our diverse talent pipeline, with at least one-third of candidates being of a diverse background.
Our commitment to gender diversity begins at the highest levels of our organization, as evidenced by our 
“Winning” distinction through the 2020 Women on Boards organization for having 25% female board members, 
exceeding their goal of 20%. And 42% of our Board and 64% of our CEO's direct reports are female or racially 
diverse. Additionally, PRIDE at Avient continues to identify best practices to improve experiences of LGBTQ 
employees in our workplace, which supported our journey that earned Avient the distinction of a Best Place to Work 
on the Corporate Equality Index.
Initiatives including Avient Mentoring, campus partnerships, and our LEAD by Women employee resource group are 
vital for progress in our D&I journey. In support of this, we stress equality of opportunity for all qualified individuals 
in accordance with applicable laws, as outlined in our Equal Employment Opportunity Policy and Code of Conduct. 
Decisions on hiring, promotion, development, compensation or advancement are based solely on a person’s 
qualifications, abilities, experience and performance, except where local law requires us to take actions to increase 
employment opportunities for a specific group. The Avient Ethics Hotline serves as a mechanism for associates to 
anonymously report any concerns regarding such decisions.
The Hand
In 2017, we adopted The Hand as our global symbol for Diversity & Inclusion at Avient. The symbolism is extensive 
and meaningful, which is why we chose it. As you read the supporting narrative we created, it provides both a call 
to action for the present, as well as a commitment to ongoing improvements.
The Hand: A Symbol of Diversity & 
Inclusion at Avient
The Hand represents 
Avient’s symbol for 
Diversity & Inclusion 
as a means to build an 
accepting and open 
culture where everyone is 
welcomed, safe, included 
and respected as part of 
our global organization.
The Hand represents peace, commitment and 
friendship as handshakes are widely used to 
celebrate an agreement or an invitation for others 
to join in.
The Hand represents communication and 
support, through offering it to those in need and as 
a language for those who may not speak verbally.
The Hand represents individuality. No two 
fingerprints are the same, and no two people are 
the same. At Avient, we commit to respecting—and 
embracing—the wonderful aspects and benefits of 
uniqueness.
The Hand represents an indication to stop, 
because we are all accountable to speak up and 
eliminate bias or discrimination of any type in 
the workplace.
The Hand represents work, for we acknowledge 
that at Avient, there is no finished state of diversity 
and inclusion. Rather, it requires our continual 
attention, effort and refinement along our ongoing 
cultural journey.
Management Approach: Diversity & Inclusion 
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PRIDE at Avient
 
In 2018, we were excited to launch PRIDE at Avient. This Employee Resource Group 
works to create a safe and accepting environment that enables LGBTQ associates to 
perform to their fullest potential and contribute to the success of our company.
 
Through a combination of seminar participation and peer company benchmarking, 
our team quickly began offering educational programming and awareness—for both 
LGBTQ associates and supporters. As outside guest speakers and our own Avient 
associates have begun to share their stories and experiences, it’s helped to build 
empathy and collaboration among our workforce, teaching us to value differences in 
each other, while dispelling misconceptions.
 
We are proud to yet again earn a perfect score of 100/100 on the Corporate Equality 
Index. The Corporate Equality Index (CEI) is the United States’ premier report on 
corporate policies and practices relating to LGBTQ workplace equality, administered 
by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation. This score earns us the distinction 
as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality.
 
In 2020, PRIDE offered virtual content to continue to support workplace equality. 
Through videos to celebrate events like National Coming Out Day, PRIDE earned over 
1,000 views on their programming. In addition, PRIDE continued their mental health 
training series, which included training classes on topics such as mindfulness and 
suicide prevention. These courses were offered virtually, as mental health became an 
even more relevant topic during the challenges of the pandemic.
“I am proud to work at Avient, which supports employee 
groups like PRIDE. It can be nerve-racking not knowing if 
you can truly be yourself at work. Due to great initiatives 
and support that PRIDE has, it only reinforces Avient’s 
commitment to diversity and inclusion. I have the ability 
to just be myself while also helping to contribute to the 
success of our company and stakeholders.” 
—Christopher Largent – Inside Sales Representative.
Vision
To become “the company of choice for all”
Mission
Create a safe and accepting environment that enables 
LGBTQ associates to perform to their fullest potential and 
contribute to the success of Avient
Strategic 
Priorities
•	 Connect LGBTQ associates and supporters to advance 
Avient’s diversity and inclusion vision 
•	 Build awareness and support for inclusion regarding 
orientation
•	 Promote Avient externally as an inclusive company
Key Tactics
•	 Internal programming, networking & education
•	 Participation and networking in external LGBTQ 
organizations and events
•	 Engage in Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality 
Index process
800+
PARTICIPANTS
SINCE 2018 LAUNCH
100%
CORPORATE EQUALITY INDEX SCORE
SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR
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HYPE
 
We also launched HYPE (Harnessing Young Professional Energy) in 2018, which is 
building a collaborative network of Avient’s young professionals, eager to innovate 
and impact our customers with the support of cross-generational expertise.
 
Beginning a career in any field is exciting, but it can also be daunting and 
overwhelming. Not only are young professionals learning their jobs, technical skills 
and organizational savvy, many are also experiencing how to navigate personal 
finances, independent lifestyles and general life skills—all at the same time.
 
HYPE was formed to help our associates with this transition. Networking events bring 
together Avient’s Young Professionals in forums to build their networks among peers, 
so they learn, support and grow together during this time. Special “life skills” training 
sessions help HYPE participants in areas such as benefits enrollment and filing a 
personal tax return. In 2020, HYPE continued it's HYPE High 5 social community to 
share thought leadership and resources with young professionals in the organization. 
They covered topics such as student loans, transitioning to the workplace, and 
published interviews with senior leaders offering valuable career advice. They also 
hosted live webinars covering content such as sustainability, as a way to connect with 
their community and gain deeper insights about our organization.
“We connected with the HYPE audience to discuss 
key sustainability concepts and why they matter. 
We reviewed the environmental impacts of plastic 
compared to alternative materials, the 8 ways that 
Avient enables customers to reach their sustainability 
goals, and how every individual can contribute to 
creating a circular economy.”—Abby Conley, Marketing Associate
“Co-leading a virtual webinar for HYPE was a great way 
to engage associates in Sustainability while practicing 
my personal presenting skills. We facilitated an honest 
discussion about the benefits and challenges to plastic, 
and then introduced Avient’s strategy for creating a 
more sustainable world. ” —Michaela Cunningham, Marketing 
Communications Specialist, Sustainability
Vision
To become “the company of choice for all”
Mission
Create a community of young professionals across Avient, 
fueled by fellowship and professional development 
(to improve retention)
Strategic 
Priorities
Community
•	 Foster a feeling of 
togetherness and 
support among 
YPs through social 
opportunities
Opportunity
•	 Inspire and enable 
YPs to a clear career 
path at Avient 
through professional 
development 
opportunities
Key Tactics
•	 Career path mapping
•	 Job/function overviews
•	 Networking, mentoring, shadowing
•	 Programming—New Professional 101
EDUCATING 
YOUNG 
PROFESSIONALS 
ON AVIENT 
BENEFITS AND 
LIFE SKILLS 
USING DIGITAL 
PLATFORMS TO 
BUILD AND GROW 
THE NETWORK 
OF YOUNG 
PROFESSIONALS 
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LEAD by Women
 
Avient’s LEAD by Women Employee Resource Group promotes diversity and inclusion 
by increasing access to the tools and resources necessary to build leadership skills 
and accelerate careers. While led by women, the initiative is all-inclusive—everyone 
is encouraged to participate, learn, improve skills sets, and advance our mission. The 
group leads numerous leadership development training sessions, covering topics 
such as unconscious bias, building trust and impactful communication.
 
Since 2018, more than 5,800 associates have participated in at least one of the 85+ 
global LEAD by Women events. Each global region has its own, rotating leadership 
structure that tailors programming and information to localized needs. This 
decentralized approach ensures sensitivity to local customs and norms, while still 
advancing Avient’s overarching objectives. 
In 2020, LEAD by Women offered programming virtually to our most geographically 
dispersed audience yet. We headed in-depth working sessions focused on leveraging 
core values and a candid discussion on race and racism in the United States.
“Our people continue to be a core pillar of Avient’s 
sustainability strategy. LEAD by Women has been 
a key contributor to the development of our talent 
by leading conversations that help push the bar on 
our D&I journey. It’s energizing to see how eager our 
associates are for the content and conversations on 
how to be more inclusive. As a leader, it’s inspiring 
how Avient continues to prioritize professional 
development for all associates.”—Rachel Vickers, Global 
Strategic Sourcing Leader and LEAD by Women Programming Leader
5800+
PARTICIPANTS
SINCE 2017
85+
GLOBAL EVENTS 
HELD SINCE 2017
Vision
To become “the company of choice for all”
Mission
To advance diversity in professional and personal 
development at Avient
Strategic 
Priorities
Developing People 
Professional & Personal 
Development
Building the Networks
Networking & 
Collaboration
Key Tactics
Global Speakers
Development Programs
Local Chapter Programs
On-boarding / mentoring
FOCUS ON 
SELF-AWARENESS, 
TRUST, 
COMMUNICATIONS &
UNCONSCIOUS BIAS
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EMBRACE
 
In 2021 we are launching EMBRACE, our most recent Employee Resource Group 
focused on diversity & inclusion at Avient. As a truly global company, understanding 
and valuing the many cultures and backgrounds of our associates is both exciting 
and inspiring. It also provides an excellent opportunity to utilize our global breadth to 
foster racial diversity within our company, particularly in the United States. 
  
EMBRACE aims to enhance racially diverse talent at Avient. Increasing racial 
representation will further us along on our journey by allowing for more creativity, 
inclusivity, unique perspectives, and ultimately, better performance.
We look forward to growing this important group, leveraging the many benefits of 
diverse talent throughout our global organization! 
“We look forward to expanding our racial 
representation by recruiting more diverse talent 
at Avient and ensuring our associates of different 
heritage feel understood, accepted and valued. We 
can’t wait to see what EMBRACE further contributes 
to our great culture!” —Geraldine Ng, Senior Manager, 
Ethics & Compliance
Vision
To become “the company of choice for all”
Mission
To expand Avient’s capabilities to attract, develop and 
retain racially diverse talent
Strategic 
Priorities
Support recruiting and 
onboarding of diverse 
talent into Avient
Engage with our diverse 
talent to build on Avient’s 
culture of inclusion
Key Tactics
Internal programming, 
networking and education
Participation and 
networking in external 
professional organizations 
and events
UNDERSTANDING 
AND APPRECIATING 
RACIAL AND CULTURAL 
DIVERSITY, SO THAT 
DIFFERENCES ARE 
VALUED AND WE WORK 
BETTER TOGETHER
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Workforce Demographics
Diversity
Leadership Diversity—Female + U.S. Minority
CEO Direct Reports	
64%
Diversity by Level—Female + U.S. Minority (U.S. Associates Only)
Directors, General Managers, VP/SVP 	
25%
Management	
40%
Professionals	
50%
Production Associates	
45%
All Avient Associates	
46%
Race & Ethnicity (U.S. Associates Only)
American Indian or Alaskan Native	
0%
Asian	
3%
Black or African American	
10%
Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander	 0% 
Total = 99% due to rounding for categories <1%
Gender Diversity by Level—Female
Directors, General Managers, VP/SVP	 15%
Management	
27%
Professionals	
38%
Production Associates	
4%
All Avient Associates	
22%
Global Associates by Age	
Under 30	
11%
30–50	
57%
Over 50	
32%
Turnover 
Total Global Turnover = 8.1%
Salaried
Salaried
Hourly
Hourly
Total
Total
U.S. & Canada
7.1%
17.6%
12.0%
Europe/Middle East/Africa
4.1%
5.5%
4.7%
Asia
4.8%
10.8%
7.6%
Latin America
7.0%
12.8%
9.3%
Global
5.3%
11.5%
8.1%
Salaried
Hourly
Total
Under 30
7.2%
25.4%
16.0%
30–50
4.7%
11.4%
7.6%
Over 50
5.9%
6.8%
6.3%
	
	
	
Salaried
Hourly
Total
Female
5.1%
20.6%
6.8%
Male
5.4%
11.0%
8.5%
 	
New Hires
New Hires as a % of Total Employee Population = 10%
Female + 
Minority
Under 30
New Hires
30–50
New Hires
Over 50
New Hires
Direct (Hourly)
35%
33%
55%
12%
Indirect (Salaried)
44%
35%
50%
15%
Total
39%
34%
53%
13%
Employee Representation
Avient respects our associates' right to join or not join any lawful organization and 
comply with all applicable laws pertaining to freedom of association and collective 
bargaining. As of December 31, 2020, approximately 1% of our employees were 
represented by labor unions under collective bargaining agreements. 
Two or More Races	
1%
Hispanic or Latino	
13%
White	
72%
Not Disclosed	
0%
Board of Directors 
Gender  
Female	
25%
Male	
75% 
Age	
30–50 	
17%
Over 50 	
83% 
Race & Ethnicity
U.S. Minority	
17%
White	
83% 
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Human Rights
Avient is dedicated to conducting business ethically and with integrity, and our Position on Human Rights is part 
of our commitment to socially responsible business practices. 
We have internal assessment processes in place, under the oversight of our executive leaders, to identify potential 
human rights risks. For example, through these processes, we have identified potential human rights risks, 
including: protecting the health and safety of our associates and contractors, addressing modern slavery in the 
supply chain and preventing, minimizing and eliminating waste contamination in the environment. 
Ongoing potential risk identification and mitigation in occupational health and safety is critical to our “safety first” 
culture. Focus on continuous improvement in this area is described in Occupational Health and Safety. 
Due diligence processes for slavery and human trafficking are in place where required to identify and mitigate 
possible risk, such as in our  Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement. 
Regular audits are conducted to inspect our external waste disposal companies to ensure proper disposal and to 
avoid water and other environmental contamination, as described in Waste: Preventing, Minimizing, Eliminating. 
Additional information can be found in our Position Statement on Human Rights.
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Awards & Recognition Programs
We celebrate, reward and share our associates’ great work through our recognition 
programs, some of which are listed below and available globally:
You Made a Difference Awards 
Recognizes associates who go above and beyond their job responsibilities on a 
project or task.
Spotlight Awards
Recognizes associates for their typical duties on a project or task that has a 
significant impact on the organization.
Chairman’s Awards 
Associate
Our Chairman’s Achievement Award recognizes 
excellence in the execution of Avient’s four-
pillar strategy. It’s the highest honor a non-sales 
associate can receive at our company.
Sales 
Our Chairman’s Club Award recognizes our 
top 25 sellers and one sales manager for their 
outstanding performance and living our values of 
Collaboration, Innovation and Excellence.
Leadership
Our Chairman’s Leadership Award recognizes our 
top performing General Manager for performance, 
culture and inspirational leadership.
Associate Benefits
What it takes to be a sustainable company has many parallels with being a great 
place to work. Our ongoing associate feedback is highly valued, discussed, and most 
importantly, acted upon to make improvements. This includes our culture and unique 
benefits we offer.
Community Service
Avient offers a global benefit of Community Service hours, where each associate is 
encouraged to take 16 hours of paid time off each year to participate in activities to 
help create more sustainable communities. Activities can be done as a group of fellow 
Avient associates or individually. These hours are used during a normally schedule 
work day. Since 2018, Avient associates have performed more than 10,000 hours of 
community service through this program. During the unique 
circumstances in 2020, our associates found creative ways 
to continue to give back to communities. Our associates led 
virtual community service events, including food drives and 
animal shelter donation drives, participated in blood drives 
and dropping off meals to local healthcare workers.
16HRS
Annual paid time 
off to volunteer
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Health and Wellness
Health and wellness is a commitment we make to every Avient associate. We do this 
through our safety focus, benefits, and wellness programs that support financial, 
physical and mental wellness. 
Some are tailored to local standards and needs like summer flexible work 
schedules. Others canvas our global organization, like our inaugural Global 5K Fun 
Run and Walk held in 2019, where more than 3,500 associates participated in one of 
57 events at an Avient location focused on promoting healthy lifestyles. In 2020, we 
hosted a virtual version.
Compensation and Benefits
Base pay and performance-driven incentive opportunities are some of the many 
benefits provided to all employees, as we strive to remain competitive in the global 
marketplace and provide foundational rewards to attract and retain top talent. 
Example benefit opportunities in the United States include:
•	 Paid vacation & holidays
•	 Comprehensive dental & vision plans
•	 Medical & prescription drug plans
•	 Health Savings Account (HSA)
•	 401(k) savings plan & attractive company match
•	 Company-paid short-term & long-term disability
•	 Company-paid basic life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance
•	 Employee Assistance Program
•	 Accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity voluntary benefits
In general, part-time employees in the United States who work 20 hours of more are 
included in paid time-off programs. Associates generally must be classified as full-
time employees to be eligible for health and welfare benefits. This means they are 
regularly scheduled to work a minimum of 30 hours a week for Avient.
Parental Leave
In order to assist and support new parents with balancing work and family matters, 
Avient provides paid parental leave to eligible employees for activities related to the 
care and well-being of their newborn or adopted child. Globally, Avient complies with 
all statutory regulations for parental leave. In the U.S., Avient provides up to six weeks 
(30 working days) of 100% Paid Parental Leave (regular rate of base pay) to eligible 
employees following the birth or adoption of a child. Eligible parents that regularly 
work 30 or more hours per week are eligible for Paid Parental Leave benefits. For 
parents who qualify for short-term disability wage replacement (STD) benefits, Paid 
Parental Leave benefits can be taken after the STD benefits have been exhausted. 
In 2020, eligible female associates in the U.S. took an average of 27 days of Paid 
Parental Leave after their STD benefits were exhausted. Eligible male associates took 
an average of 17 days of Paid Parental Leave.
Virgin Pulse 
Further supporting the wellness of our associates, we offer Virgin Pulse, an interactive, 
multi-faceted online platform that connects and inspires associates to make healthy, 
informed decisions. Through networks and company-sponsored challenges, Virgin 
Pulse participants are tracking their activities like eating healthy, exercising and 
taking health measurements—while at the same time earning rewards that can lower 
their premium costs, earn prizes, and improve decision making on overall health and 
financial wellness. Virgin Pulse is available to Avient associates globally. In 2020, we 
held our first global virtual marathon, where teams of Avient 
associates tracked their steps as part of this 10-day wellness 
challenge. Participants each walked an average of 46.5 miles!
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Career Training and 
Performance Feedback 
At Avient, we value each associate and work to create a culture that provides 
everyone the feedback, tools and opportunities to reach their career aspirations. 
100% of Avient associates receive regular performance feedback. Associates have 
the opportunity at least twice per year through the performance appraisal process to 
request a career development discussion with their manager.
Associates have access to training and professional development courses through 
Avient Academy. Avient Academy originated in 2003 to provide continual learning and 
professional development opportunities to associates around the globe. Through 
Avient Academy, associates can participate in classroom, online, and webinar based 
training sessions. In 2020, Avient associates completed over 30,000 hours of training 
through these various delivery methods.
We continued to deploy eLearning content globally through the LinkedIn Learning 
platform. Learners in 36 countries completed nearly 20,000 learning experiences 
using through the on-demand library of courses. Avient was featured as a LinkedIn 
Learning customer success story, after leading a focused three-week learning 
campaign that reached best-in-class participation—with over 2,800 users using their 
licenses. Additionally, we executed upon our five-year ethics training program, which 
encompasses topics such as Avient’s Code of Conduct, Harassment & Discrimination, 
Anti-bribery & Corruption, Anti-trust, Insider Trading and Information Security. In 
addition, we provide trainings to specific functions and geographies based upon our 
assessment of risk. Associates also receive additional, tailored training based on their 
role, such as Lean Six Sigma, customer centric selling or information systems.
Outplacement Programs
Avient offers high-quality outplacement services to associates who have been 
impacted by workforce reductions. Resources such as career and resume consultants 
are offered to support departing associates. In 2020, 65% of individuals in the U.S. 
who were referred to outplacement services opted to utilize them. On average, these 
individuals landed in new jobs in 9 weeks, which is well below the U.S. Bureau of 
Labor Statistics average of 18 weeks.
Virtual Learning
In 2020, our ability to bring associates together for face-to-face 
learning experiences was limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 
order to continue to prioritize the development of our people, we 
adapted almost all of our learning experiences to a virtual format. 
The 2020 NextGen class leveraged technology to conduct large 
and small group workshops to guide an immersive leadership 
development experience. The ENGAGE program, which creates 
learning and recognition opportunities for associates in our 
manufacturing locations, was also adapted to a virtual format. In 
May, we led a campaign to encourage associates to get started with 
LinkedIn Learning and complete eLearning courses. Our Employee 
Resource Groups, LEAD by Women, HYPE and Pride at Avient also 
offered virtual programming to their members.
Leveraging technology to deploy learning experiences has created 
new ways to support our associates’ ongoing development. 
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Customer Centric Selling
CCS is at the core of how we serve our 
customers and collaborate with them 
to solve their most pressing challenges. 
CCS training is provided to every member 
of the Avient salesforce beginning in 
their onboarding process and continues 
thereafter throughout their careers. Various 
levels of training are provided, depending 
on prior commercial experience and need, 
and participants train collaboratively—both 
online and regionally in-person to maximize 
collaborative learning. 
In addition, other customer-facing 
associates also benefit from CCS 
engagement. Roles such as Customer 
Service Representatives, Product Managers 
and Marketing Associates learn the 
techniques and skills required to both 
solve customers’ urgent sustainability 
challenges, as well as uncover the more 
latent opportunities that will drive value for 
customers, consumers and communities 
well into the future. 
Operational and Commercial Excellence Training
Lean Six Sigma underpins our continuous improvement culture. It is a technical methodology that drives 
improvement of all business processes through the elimination of waste and variation. The impact can be seen 
throughout our businesses, functions and operations. More than 3500 active Avient associates have been trained in 
LSS and over 350 process improvement projects are active at any given time. The most advanced LSS training is for 
Black Belt level project leaders. Every year a select group of approximately 30 associates 
are handpicked to participate in this prestigious leadership development program and 
embark on an intense two year assignment which includes 7 weeks of training and 
multiple enterprise wide improvement projects. After completion of the program they 
deploy back into the organization where they continue to apply their leadership and change 
management skills.
Associates Trained in LSS (Cumulative)
	
2010	
2012	
2014	
2016	
2018	
2020
LSS Projects Completed (Cumulative)
	
2010	
2012	
2014	
2016	
2018	
2020
184
639
1,431
2,394
2,919
3,363
193
594
2,028
3,747
5,779
7,033
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263
2012
2014
2016
2018
2020
169
86
0
329
Since 2013, the executive leadership selects 14–16 high performing, high potential 
associates each year to participate in the NextGen leadership development program. 
Participants attend a weekend leadership retreat followed by a full-week program 
facilitated by our CEO and leadership team. Associates engage in a 360 assessment 
feedback process and are assigned an executive mentor, where they identify a project 
that helps develop key aspects of their leadership. In a second week of NextGen, they 
present the outcomes of their project and share how they developed their leadership 
through the process. 
 
In 2010, Elevate began within our Finance team to give high performing associates 
an opportunity to gain exposure to executives within the company, develop 
public speaking skills, and showcase an innovative idea. In 2013, the program was 
extended to the rest of the company globally. Each year, our executive team selects 
approximately 35 high-performing associates to participate in the Elevate program. 
These associates present their personal stories and innovative ideas to executive 
leadership, and several of them are selected to present to the Board of Directors. 
Nobody has the market cornered on good ideas. We introduced Elevate to encourage 
and collect them from our greatest asset—our employees.
Leadership Development Programs
A telling illustration of our increasing investment in People can be seen in the chart 
below. In the recent past, we did not have a formalized program for leadership 
development. Yet attracting, retaining and developing top talent in a global specialty 
organization requires robust efforts in each. So we took action, and haven’t looked back.
To support and invest in the skills of our existing associates we developed two 
hallmark in-house global leadership development programs, and we have now 
graduated over 300 of our associates through the highly coveted NextGen and Elevate 
(formerly PolyMasters) programs. 
Developing and Rewarding Top Talent
Avient’s hallmark leadership development programs have 
helped build tomorrow’s leaders today, by inspiring and instilling 
leadership qualities in our high-performing associates. Our alumni 
base continues to grow, as they immediately begin to utilize their 
leadership skills to help our great company thrive.
NEXTGEN
GRADUATES
116
53% PROMOTED
ELEVATE
GRADUATES
213
58% PROMOTED
NextGen & Elevate 
Program Participants
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Talent Acquisition and Campus Recruiting
Attracting top talent in all regions of the world is paramount for both meeting the current challenges our 
customers face, as well as building experience within Avient and our industry—to meet the needs of the future. 
To do so, we actively recruit and seek the best and the brightest through numerous channels, including job fairs, 
online talent networks, industry associations, referrals and campus recruiting, just to name a few. 
Similar to our leadership development journey, Avient’s early years as a company did not include a formal 
campus recruiting program. However, a sustainable, growing company needs to ensure a robust and diverse 
talent pipeline—one that is aligned with the rapidly emerging skill sets required to meet the needs of 
customers…and the planet.
Today, we recruit at more than 25 leading universities around the world and hire approximately 140 new graduates 
each year as full-time, co-ops or interns. We have launched seven highly coveted rotational development roles—
from marketing to operational excellence to finance to IT—where newly hired associates rotate through various 
departments and jobs for up to two years, contributing their skills while also building diverse, well-rounded 
knowledge of our company and many stakeholders.
In 2020, we adapted our summer internship program to a virtual format. This created an opportunity for our interns 
to gain real-world, professional experience remotely.
“Avient did a phenomenal job of making their 
interns feel connected with each other and the 
company, despite being remote. I gained professional 
experience, saw the impact of my work, and built 
friendships with people hundreds of miles away. The 
exposure to so many people, regions, and business 
units was unmatched.”
- Katie Pastirzyk, Avient Intern—student at Miami University
Campus Hires
26
28
47
139
93
134
2010
2012
2014
2016
2018
2020
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36

A Great Place to Work
When we created Avient and announced on July 1, we did so by bringing two great 
businesses together to form a truly outstanding one. A key factor in the decision to 
join together was the cultural fit. Each company brought unique strengths, people 
and ideas. These aspects, combined with our shared passions and values, are what 
truly make us better together.
Both organizations had their own longstanding practices of seeking out employee 
feedback and taking action. In November 2020, we conducted our first Employee 
Engagement survey as Avient. In the early stages of this new company, it was important 
that we captured every associates’ feedback to create a great place to work wherever we 
do business. We asked our associates to share their feedback—and they did!
Over 7,400 Avient associates participated in our survey, representing over 40 
countries. We were honored that our scores once again earned us the distinction as a 
Great Place to Work® by the Great Place to Work Institute.
America’s Most Responsible Companies
In another prestigious recognition, Avient was recognized as one of America’s 
Most Responsible Companies by Newsweek. Our selection was based on publicly 
available key performance indicators and an independent survey. The KPIs focused 
on company performance in the environmental, social, and 
corporate governance areas, while the independent survey 
asked U.S. citizens about their perception of company 
activities related to corporate social responsibility.
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P R O D U C T S
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How Our Products Enable Sustainability 
Avient defines our Sustainability Portfolio in the eight ways in which we help our customers meet their innovation and 
sustainability goals through material science. In 2020, we updated our applications and revenue to better represent 
how we enable our customers’ sustainability goals, as well reflect the sustainable technologies of recently acquired 
Clariant Masterbatch business. The updated revenue performance is provided herein. 
 
We actively design our solutions to our customers' sustainability needs, including lightweighting, improved recycle 
solutions and eco-conscious benefits. This portfolio has grown from $340M in 2016 to $790M in 2020, and the 
megatrends of the future indicate continued growth and demand. In fact, in 2020 approximately 60% of the revenue 
generated from sustainable solutions came from products designed for resource conservation*.
 
As the world begins to shift from operating in a linear economy to a circular economy, Avient is proud to be a part of 
the solution. Through our design expertise and material science, we help our customers make their products more 
recyclable, increase post-consumer recycled content, formulate with bio-based materials, use less material during 
production and reduce energy required for production, just to name a few.
Eight ways we help 
customers meet their 
sustainability goals 
through material science:
*Ellen MacArthur Foundation criteria
**Avient Sustainable Solutions definitions aligned with FTC 2012 Guide for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims (“Green Guides”)
^2020 is Pro forma to include full year of the Clariant Masterbatch business
	
2016	
2017	
2018	
2019	
2020PF^
Revenue from Sustainable Solutions** 2016–2020
Lightweighting
Recycle Solutions
Eco-conscious 
Sustainable Infrastructure
VOC Reduction
Human Health & Safety
Reduced Energy Use
Bio-polymers
$340M
$405M
$455M
$550M
$790M
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Innovation: The Lifeblood of a 
Specialty Organization
At Avient, our proven ability to innovate materials that enable our customers’ 
sustainability goals remains a key differentiator for our company. And sustainability 
is an integral part of our innovation strategy. 
 
Our guiding principles are outlined in our Sustainability Promise. A crucial enabler 
to living this pledge is having deep material science and commercial expertise on 
our team, and we’ve invested heavily in this area. Since 2014, we have increased 
our commercial resources in R&D, Sales and Marketing. These highly-talented 
Avient associates add value to our customers and improve sustainability through 
collaboration and formulating specialty polymer solutions with our Phased Offering 
Launch process, a proprietary means through which we take new solution ideas from 
concept to commercialization. 
One measure of innovation success we use is our Vitality Index, which shows the 
percentage of our specialty sales generated from solutions introduced in the last 
five years. In 2020, our Vitality Index reached 36%*, validating the strength of our 
technology portfolio. We are committed to growing our innovation pipeline by 
developing innovative products that meet dynamic market trends and customer 
unmet needs, as featured in this Sustainability Report. 
FROM PRODUCTS INTRODUCED 
IN THE LAST 5 YEARS
36%
of 
specialty 
sales*
The Avient Sustainability Promise
As a leading provider of specialized and sustainable material 
solutions, Avient is committed to meeting the needs of the present 
without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their 
needs. We are committed to creating value for our customers, 
employees, communities and shareholders through our dedication 
to ethical, sustainable and fiscally responsible principles. 
•	 We will put our customers first by helping them grow their 
businesses with innovative, safe and environmentally 
sound solutions following the principles of trust and 
environmental stewardship established in our groundbreaking 
No Surprises PledgeSM. 
•	 We will strive to minimize our environmental impact and 
maximize our conservation of the earth’s resources by using 
energy-efficient technologies, recycling more, reducing waste, 
continuously improving operating efficiencies and driving 
operational excellence. 
•	 We will provide a safe workplace for our employees and will 
protect our communities by continuously improving our 
world-class environmental, health and safety performance. 
•	 We will create opportunity for our employees by growing our 
business, building a more diverse workforce, investing in 
world-class training and development, and making Avient 
the employer of choice. 
•	 We will be involved in the communities in which we operate by 
building closer relationships with charitable and public service 
organizations and encouraging our people’s engagement in 
local sustainability initiatives. 
•	 We will work collaboratively with our suppliers to lessen the 
environmental impact of logistics across our global supply chain. 
•	 We will build strong relationships with providers of leading-edge 
sustainable technologies.
25
35
45
55
65
75
R&D Spend
U.S. Dollar ($) Millions
	2017	
2018	
2019*	
2020*	
$69
*Pro Forma for the Clariant Masterbatch business
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Sustainability Report  |  2020	
40

No Surprises PledgeSM
At Avient, we are committed to helping you grow your business with safe and 
environmentally sound solutions. This commitment is exemplified by our No 
Surprises Pledge℠ which we make to all customers and markets, across the globe.
You can be confident that, in formulating and manufacturing our materials, 
we use sustainable practices to provide long-term product viability and sound 
environmental stewardship.
You can expect that the materials we produce contain only ingredients that 
conform to accepted legal and regulatory compliance guidelines.
You can trust that Avient materials meet the rigorous quality and safety 
management standards required across the globe.
You can be certain that Avient meets or exceeds the material safety data reporting 
requirements of your country or region.
When you choose Avient, you can be confident our products will help you meet or 
exceed today’s stringent compliance standards.
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Category
Outcome
Avient Product Example
Lightweighting 
Enables the production of parts that are lighter in weight than parts made from "traditional" 
materials, while still providing comparable strength, stiffness and performance. 
Reduces the amount of material needed to make a part or package without sacrificing 
mechanical and performance needs.
Hydrocerol™ Chemical Foaming Agents
Edgetek™ LD Density Modified Formulations
Complēt™ & Onforce™ Long Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastics
ColorMatrix™ Amosorb Oxygen Scavenger For PET
Sustainable 
Infrastructure
Solutions that help to protect the environment and promote long term sustainability 
(e.g., renewable energy & 5G applications) 
Fiber-Line™ Twisted Kevlar® Fibers for Pipe Rehabilitation
ECCOH™ Low Smoke and Fume Non-Halogen Formulations
Smartbatch™ Color & Additive Concentrates
Reduced 
Energy Use
Reduces energy consumption (e.g., reduces re-heat energy requirements, enables faster 
cycle times).
OnCap™ CTR Process Optimization Additives
ColorMatrix™ Joule™ & Smartheat™ Infrared Absorber
Artisan™ Pre-Colored Thermoplastics for Paint Replacement
HIFORMER™ Liquid Masterbatches 
Volatile Organic 
Compound 
Reduction
Allows for the replacement of components or systems that emit VOC's.
OnFlex™ LO Low VOC/ Fog Thermoplastic Elastomers
OnColor™ FX Special Effect Colorants
Human Health & 
Safety
Solutions that directly protect and preserve human health (e.g., Hygiene & Personal Protective 
Equipment (PPE) and medical devices) 
Mevopur™ Polyolefin-based Formulations and Masterbatches
Versaflex™ HC Thermoplastic Elastomers
Recycle Solutions
Contains Recycle Content: Incorporates post-consumer or post-industrial recycle content. 
Enhances recyclability: Improves the ability of materials to be recycled (e.g., improved 
properties, color, etc.).
ColorMatrix™ AAzure™ PET Process Aid with Acetaldehyde 
Control Technology 
CESA™ IR Sortable Black for Recyclable Packaging
Nymax™ PIR Post-Industrial Recycled Nylon Formulations
Bio-polymers
Based in whole or in part on bio-polymer resources, or enable bio-based materials to 
perform at a level comparable to conventional polymers.
Non-toxic and heavy-metal-free ingredients and biodegradable carrier resins.
OnColor™ Naturals—Colorants for Recyclable Packaging
reSound™ OM Thermoplastic Elastomers
OnColor™ BIO Concentrates with OK Compost Certification
Eco-conscious
Offers alternatives to traditional materials such as lead, bisphenol-A (BPA), phthalates, 
halogens or thermoset rubbers.
Zodiac™ Aquarius™ Water Based Screen Printing Inks 
Versaflex™ HC Thermoplastic Elastomers 
Example Products and Sustainable Outcomes
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What is a circular economy*? 
A circular economy aims to redefine growth, focusing 
on positive society-wide benefits. There are three key 
steps to closing the gap: 
•	 Design out waste and pollution
•	 Keep products and materials in use
•	 Regenerate natural systems
How does Avient support a circular economy? 
As the world continues to shift from operating in a linear economy to a circular economy, Avient is proud to be a part 
of the solution. Through our design expertise and material science, we help our customers reduce material usage, 
enable recycle solutions, improve physical performance and reuse potential of recycled materials.
Avient also recently announced a 2030 sustainability goal to reach 100% of our materials for the packaging market 
to be recyclable or reusable.
*(Source: https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/circular-economy/concept)
Enabling A Circular 
Economy
Circular Economy 
Highlighted Solutions: 
Amosorb™ Oxygen Scavenger for PET
Creates an active barrier against oxygen ingress to 
help enhance product protection and extend shelf life. 
Our latest technology offers up to 50% lower haze and 
reduced impact on the PET recycle stream compared 
to previous grades. Additionally, it extends shelf life and 
reduces spoilage. 
reSound™ R VX TPEs
TPEs formulated with up to 40% PIR or 25% PCR content 
using recycled ocean plastics from Oceanworks®.
ColorMatrix™ Optica™ Toners
Blue toners and colorants work to correct and reduce 
the yellowing or color variation that typically occurs 
during the recycling process.
OnColor™ IR Sortable Black for 
Recyclable Packaging
Allows previously non-recyclable black packaging to 
be detected, sorted and recycled by NIR equipment 
in waste management plants. Keeps black packaging 
within the circular economy and out of landfills. 
ColorMatrix™ Joule™ & Smartheat™ 
Infrared Absorber
Increases the infrared uptake capability of PET when 
added at the reactor stage. Improves recyclability for 
blended resins while reducing energy required during 
injection-stretch blow molding by up to 35%. 
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Consumer Packaging 
The global preference for plastics in consumer packaging has led to explosive growth and the production of 
hundreds of millions of containers for different applications per year. Plastic packaging is convenient, safe, lighter 
weight, and the most cost-effective way to protect and deliver consumer products, including food and beverages, 
all over the world. 
Along with the tremendous benefits that plastics bring to society, there is also a responsibility to ensure plastic 
waste does not end up in the environment. As the technology and economics of global reclamation infrastructure 
continue to improve, Avient is proud to be working closely with our customers to develop innovative solutions that 
support a circular economy. Our technologies help to reduce material usage, improve container recyclability, and 
improve physical performance and reuse potential of recycled materials.
Amosorb™ Additives protect packaged products and reduce spoilage while also helping to preserve the ability of the 
material to be reclaimed and used in a new bottle, while allowing reduced wall thickness.
OnColor™ and CESA™ IR Sortable Black Colorants eliminate carbon black to allow reclaimed black plastics, such 
as those found in food trays, to be detected and properly recycled by automated sorters. 
Optica™ Toners for PET for PET improve clarity and color tone and enable use of increased amounts of post-
consumer recycled (PCR) content while maintaining aesthetics.
Reprize™ IV Builder helps improve the physical and aesthetic properties of the reclaimed PET plastics.
Smartheat™ Infrared Absorbers are additives that reduce the amount of energy required during bottle manufacture.
SenseAction™ Custom Colors for caps help to protect end consumers by combining a dedicated raw material 
range with a safe production process that mitigates the risk of organoleptic influences.
HIFORMER™ Liquid Masterbatches provide sustainability and production benefits for packaging film suppliers 
such as longer production runs, reduced energy consumption and reduce waste.
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Healthcare  
Plastics are a crucial tool in saving lives and improving health and safety in our communities. Protective equipment 
like masks and sterile packaging help to prevent disease transmission, while critical devices like ventilators and 
CPAP machines work to save lives. At Avient, we understand the need for medicine is an exact science, so our teams 
work closely with our customers to meet their demanding performance and regulatory requirements.
We help our customers overcome healthcare challenges with durable, lightweight, and eco-conscious materials. 
From labware for diagnostic testing to CT scanners for pinpointing the location of tumors, we continue to help our 
customers increase the quality of human life. 
Versaflex™ HC Thermoplastic Elastomers are formulated to meet demanding healthcare device and application 
challenges without phthalate plasticizers. These solutions offer high clarity and bond to a variety of substrates. 
Gravi-Tech™ Density-Modified Formulations are unique, high-density materials that avoid the regulatory, disposal 
and employee exposure challenges associated with lead. 
WithStand™ Antimicrobial Technology provides antimicrobial and antifungal additives that reduce bacterial, mold 
and fungal growth in finished plastic parts used in hospital surfaces.
 
NEU™ Custom Capabilities offer engineered thermoplastic material solutions that support patient comfort and 
clinician sanitary needs. 
Mevopur™ ProTect Oxygen Scavenger extends shelf life for PET pharma packaging by limiting oxygen (O2) 
degradation for drugs and nutraceuticals stored in bottles, even in transparent mono-layer versions.
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Automotive/Transportation 
Demanding transportation requirements are evolving quickly to meet energy efficiency standards. Reducing weight 
in both small and large, combustion and electronic vehicles helps to improve energy efficiency. 
Avient has developed sustainable technologies that offer lightweight alternatives to heavier metals, while delivering 
comparable or improved performance. As regulations around vehicle air quality have been accelerating, we have 
designed a suite of materials that reduce VOC emissions. We work closely with design engineers to help them meet 
their sustainability goals, including fuel-efficient combustion vehicles and next generation electric vehicles. From the 
headlight to the taillight, sustainable automotive designs and manufacturing ideas come zooming to life with the right 
materials. 
Versaflex™ PF Tack Layer for Surface Protective Films lower VOC emissions during manufacturing and eliminate 
secondary coating and drying operations. 
OnColor™ FX™ Special Effect Colorants achieve an appearance comparable to glossy or brushed metal while 
reducing VOC emissions by replacing paint.
Edgetek™ LD Density-Modified Formulations are high performing, low-density materials ideal for use in automotive 
applications where weight reduction is of key importance.
Complēt™ & Onforce™ Long Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastics are formulated for demanding applications that 
require high stiffness and good impact in structural and metal replacement applications. These solutions offer 
improved performance in the areas of creep and fatigue performance, improved dimensional stability, and exhibit 
exceptional surface finish.
Nymax™ PIR Post-Industrial Recycled Nylon Formulations offer high strength, durability and impact resistance, all 
while enabling landfill waste reduction of >21M pounds since 2016, by providing an alternative use for post-industrial 
reclaimed nylon*. 
Fiber-Line™ Coated Kevlar® Fiber reduces weight in Jet Turbine Containment Rings by 80% when compared to 
traditional steel applications. This weight reduction improves fuel efficiency and improves passenger safety as 
containment rings protect against blade failure. 
Hydrocerol™ Chemical Foaming and Nucleating Agents reduce material requirements by up to 20% without 
compromising stiffness, mechanical properties, or aesthetic appeal.
*Formulations are > 20% recycled content
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Renewable Energy
Renewable energy provides reliable power, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and conserves natural resources. 
The market for renewable energy is expanding quickly and there is tremendous market potential. We have the 
material experience in a broad range of energy applications including solar power, wind power, battery and fuel 
cells to help customers deliver value and innovation. We are committed to helping our customers develop and 
manufacture alternative energy applications. 
We offer a full range of material solutions for photovoltaic wire and cable that enable renewable energy 
infrastructure, including Syncure™ Crosslinked Polyethylene Formulations, which provide high-performance, UL 
4703 and VW 1-compliance and eliminate the need to use two separate insulation and jacketing formulations. 
Smartbatch™ Color And Additive Concentrates offer superior UV weathering protection for solar power 
installations. Additionally, protective cable insulation and jacketing can be made from ECCOH™ Low Smoke and 
Fume, Non-Halogen Formulations. 
Wind power is another reliable alternative energy application. Glasforms™ Pultrusion Technologies offer exceptional 
strength-to-weight ratio for continuous fiber reinforced composites for structural wind turbine components.
Also, our CESA™ Additive Masterbatches are utilized for solar back sheets to enhance the halogen-free mono 
material structure and protect against voltage breakdowns.
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5G as a Sustainability Enabler
Among many learnings, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for better, faster and more reliable 
technology. Infrastructure, commerce, education and healthcare are just a few example areas that became 
reliant on 24/7 internet accessibility, as populations in countries around the world began sheltering and 
conducting life “remotely.”  5G, fiber optic cabling components and other network supporting infrastructure have 
been crucial in the response and recovery. 
5G (the 5th generation mobile network) is designed to connect machines, objects, and devices, providing 
data hundreds of times faster than current wireless technology. It carries the potential to act as an enabler of 
environmental sustainability and public health. In response to potential crises, sensors enabled by 5G can detect 
unsafe chemicals in water, help in identifying and managing leaks in water lines, and pro-actively notify authorities 
about possible risks. 5G can also provide people with better tools to monitor and improve air quality. Cities will 
have greater opportunities to install air quality monitoring stations that measure pollutants and particulates at a 
street level. There is also the potential to install intelligent traffic signals with dynamic functioning, improving the 
efficiency of traffic flows and thereby help protect air quality and congestion.
Preperm™ and Edgetek™ Formulations exceed the base station requirements of 5G antenna applications. From 
design flexibility to easy processing, our customizable materials can dial in specific Dk (Dielectric Constant)/Df 
(Dissipation Factor) values to meet manufacturing requirements, helping customers reduce lead times and increase 
speed to market. 
Fiber-Line™ Swellcoat™ Water Blocking Yarns support 5G antennae, data centers, and backbone cable designs 
to prevent equipment damage and signal attenuation due to water ingression in the cables. New lower diameter 
Swellcoat™ yarns have enabled cable designers to reduce the cable footprint to develop higher fiber count cables, 
increasing the data transmission capability within a fixed cross section. 
ECCOH™ Low Smoke and Fume Non-Halogen Formulations can be used as insulation and jacketing for a variety 
of energy, optical fiber and communication cables for 5G. The formulations offer improved fire safety with low 
smoke, fume, corrosiveness & toxicity.
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Outdoor High Performance
Outdoor enthusiasts demand gear and equipment that delivers uncompromising performance, in places where 
failure is not an option. Other popular sports and leisure activities, such as yoga and little league baseball, have 
created additional growing market segments. 
Some customers want to reduce weight but maintain strength and function, while others need protection against UV 
light, harsh temperatures, and other elements that might diminish product life. Our materials help customers provide 
durable, long-lasting products for the casual explorer, the social adventurer, and the extreme enthusiast.
Complēt™ & Onforce™ Long Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastics are formulated for demanding applications that 
require high stiffness and good impact in structural and metal replacement applications.
Polystrand™ Tapes and Laminates reduce weight to improve fuel economy, and enable thin-walling and material 
reduction through reinforcement of traditional materials.
reSound™ Biopolymer Formulations combine engineering thermoplastic resins with bio-polymers such as 
PLA, PHB, PHBV and biopolyesters. These formulations offer a unique balance of temperature, impact and cost 
performance, while reducing the carbon footprint from the onset of a product life cycle.
OnColor™ BIO Colorants are based on biodegradable raw materials and perform well with bioplastics such as 
PLA, PHA, PHBV, PBS, PBAT and special blends of those materials. These formulations help our customers make 
sustainable sporting equipment and protective gear. 
OnFlex™ Thermoplastic Elastomers are dedicated to a variety of demanding power sport applications, including 
ATVs, watercrafts and snowmobiles. Additionally, these TPEs reduce VOCs, fogging and odor for vehicle interiors. 
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Our Solutions…In Action
Case Studies in Sustainability
 
All of our work—from idea, to design, to R&D, and through to 
commercialization—culminates when our customers’ products are 
brought to market. We are proud of the strategic role we play in product 
development, and take pride in knowing we are an integral part of 
customers’ success. 
Innovation is made possible through our prior investments to build deep 
material science expertise on our team, and since 2014 we have increased 
our technical resources 31%. When including the additional resources 
who joined from Clariant Masterbatch, our technical team has nearly 
doubled. They collaborate with our broader commercial team to ensure 
our customers can solve their most pressing challenges with the speed to 
market, quality and service levels they demand—anywhere in the world.
 
With each customer success story, there is a potential case study that 
allows us to step back, self-reflect, learn and get better. The market 
research and analysis. The formulation. The testing, refining, and 
testing again. The prototyping. And the crowning achievement of the 
end product launch.
 
With every success story generated utilizing our Sustainable Solutions 
portfolio, there comes an opportunity for our associates to learn and 
grow in our sustainability commitment. For our customers, it’s an 
opportunity to push further to increase sustainability goals and lessen 
environmental footprints. Most importantly, it’s an opportunity for all 
stakeholders to become inspired to accelerate innovation in the ongoing 
pursuit of the next challenge that will come Avient’s way. 
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Utilizing Ocean Plastic for a 
More Circular Economy 
The Challenge 
According to projections, the world may produce over 400 million tons 
of plastic waste annually by 2030 (National Geographic). Consumer 
demand for more sustainable, eco-friendly products continues to 
grow along with regulatory pressure. Recycled plastics can be used to 
create new products across several industries, but one brand owner 
in particular was looking to incorporate recycled plastics in their 
consumer applications. The sustainability goals were clear: conserve 
more material, reduce energy usage, and reduce plastic waste in the 
environment. 
The Solution
Avient developed new recycled-content materials to enable its 
customers to achieve their goals and add options for the circular 
economy. Available in North America, injection-moldable 
reSound™ R VX TPEs utilize 25% (PCR) and up to 40 percent (PIR) 
recycled content, and both grades can be overmolded onto 
polypropylene (PP). The PCR grade is formulated with ocean bound 
plastics from Oceanworks®, an accelerator program participant 
within the Alliance to End Plastic Waste. These TPE grades, 
formulated for consumer applications, can be used in personal care 
products, lawn and garden tools, outdoor goods, office supplies, 
footwear, and houseware durables. 
The Impact 
reSound R recycled content formulations helped this brand owner 
deliver on their sustainability goals. By using recycled content, the 
customer made significant strides toward the circular economy, 
conserved materials and reduced energy usage by over 65%. 
Additionally, for every one ton of plastic recycled, the customer saves 
planet Earth the equivalent of 1,000–2,000 gallons of gasoline.*
*Plastics Industry Association
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New Color Simulation 
Tool Alleviates Recycling 
Challenges 
The Challenge 
Brand owners are pledging to significantly increase PCR usage 
in packaging to meet sustainability targets, but they still need to 
supply attractive colored products with minimal color deviation. 
Manufacturers use diverse PCR sources with differing colors, darkness 
and opacity, while specific PCR grade availability can be unreliable. 
All color-related factors can vary within a brand, making a consistent 
coloration difficult, time-consuming and costly. Since masterbatch 
coloring needs to be corrected each time, the color properties of PCR 
change. Consequently, many PCR grades are excluded.
The Solution
Avient developed a Color Simulation Tool to calculate the final color of 
a PCR-based end article and that can be used to:
1.	 Predict final colors, based on a PCR grade and concentration
2.	 Calculate color corrections to meet a target color
3.	 Define PCR color specification limits and find PCR grades to 
achieve a target color
4.	 Support the design process for new products by simulating 
achievable color spaces
Based on PCR spectral data, the tool delivers the calculated spectra, 
a final color visualization and offers three-dimensional color space 
simulations, that covers the workable color space.
The Impact 
The method enables converters and brand owners to achieve a desired 
target color with stronger pre colored PCRs. The tool will increase the 
upcycling of PCR and will help to achieve pledged PCR usage rates.
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Sustainability Report  |  2020	
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Reducing Weight in 
Automotive Parts 
The Challenge 
In collaboration with a leading German car producer, Avient was 
requested to reduce a dashboard carrier’s weight while keeping 
part performance and mechanical properties. The project was a key 
driver in the automaker’s effort to reduce vehicle weight, improve fuel 
economy and fulfill emission reduction targets.
The Solution
With non-hazardous Hydrocerol™ Chemical Foaming Agents (CFA) 
Avient helped the customer achieve their sustainability targets through 
significant energy savings in production and finished part weight 
reduction. Hydrocerol improved productivity up to 20% due to lower 
cycle times and processability on different injection molding units. 
Using Hydrocerol with core-back molding technology, a process in 
which the mold is opened slightly to further reduce pressure and allow 
the foam core to expand, Avient helped the customer leverage density 
reduction to lower finished part weight. Added during processing, 
Hydrocerol is heat activated and releases gas to form a cellular foam 
structure, keeping the outer skin solid without voids.
The Impact 
Weight reduction is important to meet the stringent emission 
reduction targets. Every saved pound contributes to lower fuel 
consumption and cuts CO2 emissions. Hydrocerol plays a critical role 
in an Avient-wide program to support a sustainable plastics industry. 
The car producer reduced the dashboard weight by 20% and improved 
the part bending strength, thus enhancing the vehicle safety in case of 
a collision. Hydrocerol is also used in other automotive applications as 
air ducts, wheel covers and other structural parts.
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Advancing Development 
of Treated Bed Nets for 
Malaria Control  
The Challenge 
According to the World Health Organization, every year there are more 
than 200 million new cases of malaria, with children under 5 the most 
vulnerable group affected by the disease. Long-lasting insecticidal 
treated nets (LLINs) are a form of individual protection to fight malaria, 
but insecticide resistance threatens to undermine net effectiveness. 
IVCC was founded to find solutions to the growing threat of insecticide 
resistant mosquitoes. IVCC and Avient joined forces to step up the global 
fight to eradicate malaria.
The Solution
IVCC’s strategy to deliver effective control of malaria-transmitting 
mosquitoes focuses on discovering new insecticides for protecting 
against malaria. Avient and IVCC created a new medium scale 
masterbatch production laboratory in China to support research 
and development into non-registered novel active ingredients for 
incorporation into long lasting treated nets. Avient has extensive global 
ability in the formulation development and manufacturing of ground-
breaking material solutions to support malaria control, including a 
technologically advanced anti-mosquito masterbatch for use in long 
lasting treated nets.
The Impact 
The pioneering facility supplies a platform to scale-up the formulation 
development and accelerate the process of launching innovative long 
lasting treated nets for protection against malaria together with innovation 
partners. The novel insecticides in development are formulated tightly 
into the masterbatch, allowing best bio-efficiency performance with 
a permanent but slow release to the surface—just enough to kill any 
mosquito by contact. This facility supports the creation and field testing of 
novel active ingredients in LLINS alone or in combinations.
*Photo courtesy Disease Control Technologies, LLC
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Lightweighting for Commercial 
Trucks and Trailers
The Challenge
Reducing weight in transportation can increase safety, improve fuel 
efficiency, and reduce carbon emissions. According to the American 
Chemistry Council, plastic components make up 50 percent of a 
vehicles volume, but only 10 percent of its weight. One respected truck 
manufacturer chose Avient to help them reach their lightweight goals.
The Solution 
This customer used Polystrand™ continuous fiber reinforced 
thermoplastic (CFRTP) tapes and laminates in the trailer space of their 
heavy truck applications. These tapes and laminates combined high 
strength, unidirectional fibers and engineered thermoplastic resins 
to help reduce weight while maintaining exceptional strength and 
impact resistance. 
The Impact 
Using Polystrand materials extended the life of truck trailers and 
reduced weight to improve fuel economy. The solution increased 
loading per square foot and provided a moisture and debris barrier, 
and because they are thermoplastic, these CFRTP materials will be 
more easily recycled compared to alternative materials. 
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Sustainability Report  |  2020	
55

Improving the Performance 
of Protective Face Masks
The Challenge
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a need for greater numbers of 
personal protective equipment like face masks more than ever before, 
which resulted in a global shortage that stood at unprecedented 
levels. Although industry leaders retooled to produce more masks, 
manufacturers and suppliers still struggled to bridge the gap between 
demand and supply.
N95 masks, for example, rely on multi-layer construction, with a middle 
layer made from melt-blown non-woven material. This layer filters out 
aerosols and particulates containing bacteria and viruses to protect the 
wearer and those around them. Avient helped one customer improve their 
protective masks to better satisfy global demands.
The Solution 
MagIQ™ Non-Woven Electret Plus improved the dielectric properties 
in N95 face masks, extending filtration efficiency and the length of 
time masks will hold a charge. This masterbatch was necessary for the 
manufacture of melt-blown non-woven polypropylene used to make the 
protective face masks with long-lasting filtration properties.
The Impact
By introducing additives with charge storage properties, “charge traps” 
were created to capture the electret charge being applied to melt-blown 
non-woven material. With proper ingredient selection and processing, 
MagIQ™ Non-Woven Electret Plus helped the middle layer of these 
protective masks effectively trap particles as small as 0.3 microns.
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Sustainability Report  |  
Sustainability Report  |  2020	
56
	
56

Management Approach: Product Stewardship
Protecting associates, customers and the environment by providing safe products is a priority for Avient. We review 
the safety of our products from our raw material suppliers through product development and manufacturing to end 
applications at the customer. 
Product Stewardship supports the Avient portfolio by providing information related to the safe use, handling of 
products, and complying with global and local regulations. Continuous customer communications on product 
safety related to new and existing applications are an integral part of understanding the health and safety impacts 
of our product portfolio from product development to final disposal. Where it makes sense, we have gone beyond 
basic legal requirements, such as Responsible Care certification and implementation of the Product Safety Code. 
For 2020, there have been zero incidences of non-compliance with both legally required and voluntary labeling 
standards and zero incidences of product recalls in the markets we serve for this reporting period.
Strategy
Avient is committed to global standards for product stewardship. We are actively involved in various associations 
including the American Chemistry Council (ACC), European MasterBatchers and Compounders (EuMBC) and 
Titanium Dioxide Manufacturers Association (TDMA). Industry best practices and efforts to minimize impacts of 
our products on human health and the environment are based on a combination of lessons learned through these 
outreach programs and compliance. 
 
Product Stewardship uses the American Chemistry Council’s prioritization tool and associated risk assessment 
methodology to identify, document and communicate environmental, health and safety impacts of our products. Only 
5% or less of our products by total sales revenue are classified as Global Harmonized System (GHS) category 1 and 2. 
These classifications and other relevant pieces of information, like form, contribute to the overall prioritization. These 
classifications and other relevant pieces of information, contribute to the overall prioritization. Given the nature of 
the many solid polymers that we manufacture, hazards are encapsulated and not biologically available for exposure 
when used as intended. The majority of our products are not labeled or transported as hazardous materials. Despite 
this, we are committed to the process and have completed 30% of prioritized risk assessments. As a result of these 
assessments, we may publish additional product stewardship summaries to update our associates and customers on 
current data associated with intended use and material handling considerations. 
We maintain data related to the environmental, health and safety of our products in our product stewardship 
database. The information is reviewed and updated continuously. Through this data, we create safety data sheets, 
customer certification statements for appropriate use and product safety improvements. 
	
SUPPLIERS	
AVIENT	
CUSTOMERS
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 E
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 S
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PRODUCT
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INNOVATE
MANUFACTURE
SELL
USE
REUSE
In many instances, we have gone beyond 
basic legal requirements, such as our 
achieving Responsible Care® certification and 
implementation of the Product Safety Code. 
There have been zero incidences of 
non-compliance with these legal, voluntary or 
labeling requirements for this reporting period. 
Avient is proud to be actively involved  with the 
ACC, EuMBC and TDMA associations.
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Global Chemical Management
The current and future focus is on continued Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation 
and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) assessments and communication on the safe 
handling of these substances. Many other countries are following suit on the EU REACH 
chemicals regulation. In late 2020, we successfully completed the pre-registration for 
both Turkey REACH (KKDIK) and Eurasia REACH (EAEU-REACH). 
We also completed notifications associated with our European portfolio as it relates 
to the Poison Control Center Notifications. We continue to monitor risk assessments 
associated with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Toxic Substance 
Control Act (TSCA) inventory reset rule. At this time, we believe we have no materials 
subject to EPA risk assessments.
Management and monitoring these global inventory changes and other emerging 
issues by our regional product stewardship experts ensures a quick evaluation and 
proactive response to potential regulatory risks. This commitment to managing and 
monitoring these business activities is demonstrated through our Global Chemical 
Management Policy.
REACH reclassifications of substances as the result of European Chemical Agency 
(ECHA) review continues to be a challenge for Avient. In 2021, a raw material 
authorization project has been established to formalize and standardize a global 
reclassification methodology as a result of continued REACH dossier evaluations 
and Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC). In this way, we will continually monitor 
and measure hazardous components and products within the portfolio. Changes 
associated with REACH data evaluation has the potential to change the approval and 
intended use for critical raw materials within sensitive applications, like food, drug 
or medical. It is expected that this process will drive opportunities for sustainable 
replacement initiatives. By design, this project feeds into to another sustainability 
sub-committee and business unit technology initiatives regarding development of 
sustainable solutions. 
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Sustainability Report  |  2020	
58

Product Excellence
Avient subscribes to the ISO9001 standard for Quality Management. External third-
party certification of these management systems are an important part of ensuring our 
products are both safe and produced in alignment with industry standard best practices. 
Avient has 103 facilities with 73% of all our manufacturing sites worldwide certified 
to Quality and Environmental Management Systems and standards. Combined, 
these facilities have a total of 205 certifications to an ISO or Management System and 
standards. For this reporting period, there have been no major non-conformances 
associated with these management systems. There have been zero product recalls 
associated with the quality of Avient products. For our sensitive applications, in 
addition to ISO9001, we have implemented ISO 13485 and Good Manufacturing 
Processes (GMP). 100% of our facilities producing those sensitive applications and 
warehouses are GMP audited within a 3–year period. There were no significant audit 
findings for those facilities audited in this reporting period. 
Avient recognizes that given our location in the supply chain we are well positioned to 
enable sustainability along the value chain, through innovation at the earliest stages of 
the product life cycle.
 
In 2021, we anticipate formalizing and standardizing our approach to Life Cycle Analysis 
(LCA) and Product Carbon Footprint (PCF). Our goal in 2021 is to develop processes 
and procedures and a position statement on critical customer information, and fully 
prioritize the product portfolio in all critical markets/materials. 
75
ISO Certified
Facilities
ZERO
Product 
Recalls
Major Non-Conformances 
at ISO Sites
0
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Sustainability Report  |  2020	
59

Management Approach: 
Supplier Collaboration
Avient’s value extends not only to consumers through specialty products, 
but beyond the boundaries of our own processes and operations. Strong, 
transparent relationships with suppliers are key to our success. 
Our Supplier Code of Conduct drives interactions with our suppliers 
and expectations for doing business. In 2020, we updated our Supplier 
Code of Conduct to align more closely with International Labor 
Organization (ILO) standards. It includes requirements for child and forced 
labor, the right to collective bargaining, non-discrimination, employee 
health and safety, conflict minerals OECD due diligence and ethical 
treatment of the environment. 
In addition, our ColorMatrix Europe business continues to adhere to our 
established policy and supplier audit program on human trafficking. None 
of our ColorMatrix suppliers has been found to engage in human trafficking 
during this reporting period. 
420
SUPPLIER 
SELF-ASSESSMENTS 
COMPLETED
Supplier Evaluation
We seek to collaborate with excellent organizations that espouse 
our values and principles to bring innovation, sustainable 
materials and efficient processes to Avient and our customers. 
We are going beyond simple economics and consistency of supply to 
evaluate our suppliers. In 2020, we partnered with EcoVadis to further evaluate our 
prioritized suppliers.
We evaluated our top tier suppliers which represents 39% 
OF OUR TOTAL DIRECT SPEND for sourcing in this reporting period. 
This represents an 87% participation rate in the CSR survey. In addition, 67% of these 
suppliers reported a Silver rating or above in their overall scorecard evaluation. We are 
targeting 50% of our total direct spend as a 2021 interim milestone toward our 2030 
Sustainability Goal.
Our suppliers conducted a best-in-class self-assessment on environmental, social and 
governance requirements aligned with the UN Global Compact principles. 
Over 420 supplier self-assessments were completed through our Quality Management 
System (QMS) process over a two-year period in 2018 and 2020 and incorporates 
approval criteria for our most sensitive applications. These assessments are 
reviewed internally for potential further action. We continue to develop our Supplier 
Sustainability Program designed to address quality, cost and reliability requirements, 
and a range of sustainability, social responsibility and environmental considerations. 
Our No Surprises PledgeSM is the overarching framework for how we engage with all our 
partners in the value chain. We expect our supplier base to help us achieve this pledge. 
To ensure mutually beneficial and productive relationships, Avient asks all suppliers to 
adhere to our safety procedures and security policies within our manufacturing plants, 
distribution centers, as well as our sales, regional, or corporate offices. 
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Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR)
APR promotes development of the plastics recycling industry by 
providing leadership for long-term industry growth and vitality. The 
organization strives to expand the post-consumer plastics recycling 
industry aimed at identifying and eliminating barriers to successful 
commercial recycling. 
Operation Clean Sweep
Plastic waste in the environment is harmful to both people and 
wildlife. By committing to Operation Clean Sweep, Avient is 
dedicated to achieving zero pellet, flake and powder loss in our manufacturing process. 
PET Container Recycling Europe (PetCore)
PetCore works with all stakeholders to ensure the sustainable 
growth of PET as a packaging material of choice. As a committed 
member, we want to further increase post-consumer PET 
collection and recycling.
Plastics Recyclers Europe (PRE) 
Plastics Recyclers Europe (PRE) is an organization 
representing the voice of the European plastics recyclers 
who reprocess plastic waste into high-quality material 
destined for the production of new articles. This organization provides plastics 
recyclers with representation at the European level and among the leading industry 
organizations. It promotes the use of quality plastic recyclates and offers concrete 
advice on developing innovative, recyclable products and packaging. 
Responsible Mica Initiative
The Responsible Mica Initiative (RMI) is a global 
coalition for action—putting policy into practice—
comprised of multiple organizations committed to 
establishing a fair, responsible and sustainable mica supply chain in the states of 
Jharkhand and Bihar in India that will eliminate unacceptable working conditions 
and eradicate child labor by 2022. 
UK Plastic Pact 
In January of 2019, Avient joined The UK Plastics Pact, 
a collaborative initiative committed to tackling plastic 
pollution. The Pact was developed in collaboration with the 
Ellen MacArthur Foundation as the first in a global network 
of initiatives working toward the circular economy. We are committed to their goal of 
transforming the way the industry makes, uses, reuses and disposes of plastics.
The Microfibre Consortium (TMC) 
The Microfibre Consortium (TMC) facilitates the 
development of practical solutions for the textile industry 
to minimize fiber fragmentation and release to the 
environment from textile manufacturing and product 
life cycle. The organization presents the opportunity to align globally as an industry 
through its connection through its member base at the brand, retail, supplier, 
research, industry organization and policy level. 
Strategic Partnerships and Alliances
Alliance to End Plastic Waste 
We are proud to be a founding member of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW). This organization is CEO led, cross-sector, not-for-profit made up of approximately 50 companies. The 
mission of the Alliance is clear: develop, accelerate, and deploy solutions, catalyze public and private investment, and engage communities to help end plastic waste in the environment. 
Our investments are focusing on infrastructure, innovation, education and clean-up initiatives.
Projects in some of the most challenging areas in need of support are well underway. Our early progress and traction is both encouraging and rewarding. To read about the Alliance’s 
work in more detail, click here to view the 2020 Progress Report. To learn more visit: endplasticwaste.org  
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P L A N E T
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Protecting Our Planet
Avient is fully committed to protecting the environment by addressing climate change, 
conserving natural resources and preventing pollution. Through our environmental 
aspect and impact assessments within our EH&S MS, we have focused on the following 
key topics: energy, emissions and climate change, as well as effluents and waste from 
our operations. 
Avient’s Corporate EH&S Department is responsible for overseeing these areas. While 
this group sets and monitors performance against management system standards, 
the full operational responsibility lies within each business unit and operating site. 
To ensure performance expectations are met, each site has trained management 
personnel to oversee their management systems.
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
	2017	
2018	
2019 	
2020	
Number of Projects
74 Energy Saving Activities in 2020
75.11%
3.87%
Energy Source Breakdown
Purchased Electricity
Purchased Natural Gas
Purchased Diesel Fuel
21.02%
ENERGY SAVING PROJECTS 
Cumulative Annual CO2e Avoidance
6,800+
MT per year
Renewable Energy Update
To help reduce consumption from non-renewable energy sources, 
Avient has leveraged a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) 
in North America. This action has resulted in rapid progress toward 
meeting our 2030 goal.  Building off our experience in North America, 
we have entered into negotiations to procure 37 MW of solar energy 
in Europe. This agreement would be equal to approximately 90% of 
our annual European electricity needs.  We continue to explore similar 
opportunities to decarbonize across our global operations.
These long term purchase agreements are significant steps toward 
achieving our goal of procuring at least 60% of energy from renewable 
sources by the end of 2030. Retained energy attribute credits from 
these projects will allow for the reduction of Scope 2 emissions by 
approximately 90,000 MT CO2e per year, a significant lowering of our 
carbon footprint.
In addition to the procurement of energy from renewable sources, 
Avient continues explore and implement on-site renewable energy 
opportunities globally as well as implementing numerous energy saving 
activities. These activities have a cumulative effect on reducing our 
operational energy needs and thus our impacts on the environment.
~90,000 MT CO2e
Scope 2 Emissions Reduction per Year from VPPAs
60% by 2030 
Energy from Renewable Resources
100% by 2050
GOAL:
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Sustainability Report  |  2020	
63

Climate Change
Energy and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions 
Avient continuously strives for energy efficiency and global climate protection. Doing so adds value to both the 
world and our company. It minimizes the risk of harming human health and the environment, while also reducing 
potential liabilities and negative impacts on our business. 
We acknowledge the implications of climate change. Avient’s EH&S Committee of the Board of Directors provides 
oversight of the systems that are in place to monitor and mitigate our carbon footprint. This Committee utilizes 
findings from the company’s Enterprise Risk Management system to continuously identify and monitor the 
company’s management of the physical risks associated with climate change including extreme weather events, 
supply chain disruptions, and technology changes, as well as the risks associated with legal, regulatory, policy, 
energy transition and liability issues arising from climate change.
Avient’s low carbon transition plan currently encompasses Scope 1 (direct) and Scope 2 (indirect) sources of 
greenhouse gas emissions. These targets are in line with prevailing climate science limits that keep global warming 
well below 2 degrees Celsius as detailed by the Paris Agreement and the Science-Based Target Initiative (SBTi). 
Beyond our stated 2030 goal, we are dedicated to our operations being carbon neutral by 2050. Furthermore, Avient 
is evaluating its Scope 3 emissions to refine our climate strategy and align with science based targets built around 
scenario analyses as recommended by the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).
Avient actively manages direct and indirect energy consumption for existing operations and considers the GHG 
impacts of investments and acquisitions. To strengthen our oversight of this key topic, Avient recently formed a 
Planet Sub-Committee of the Sustainability Council. This committee is comprised of operational and sourcing 
leaders from our various regions and is tasked with enabling sustainable performance through improvements in 
the areas of energy efficiency, energy procurement, the expanded use of renewables, and waste minimization. This 
Committee ensures continual progress towards our 2030 Sustainability Goals.
Most of Avient’s GHG emissions are attributable to the consumption of energy. Annually, each facility is expected to 
complete an energy saving activity, and facilities can use an Energy Saving Projects & Idea Tool to capture information 
on savings and impact realized. This tool combines information, advice, best practices, and successful optimization 
projects, as well as key figures and tools that support energy efficiency, enabling users to systematically improve the 
efficiency of operations. We were able to further optimize the resource and energy consumption of our production 
through initiating 74 energy saving projects around the world in 2020. For detailed information on our energy and 
carbon performance, risks and opportunities presented by climate change, and associated governance systems, we 
invite you to read our most recent Climate Change Report submitted to CDP. Avient leverages CDP’s Climate Change 
Report as its primary mechanism to publicly disclose progress against TCFD recommendations. Our performance on 
both energy consumption and GHG emissions is provided in graphics at right.
GHG Emissions (MT)
Greenhouse Gas Emissions (MT Scope 1 & 2 GHG)
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Intensity (MT 1 & 2 GHG/ MT Production)
0
60,000
120,000
180,000
240,000
300,000
.45
.40
.35
.30
.25
.20
.15
.10
.05
0
.43	
.35	
.38
.39	
Total Energy (GJ)
Energy Intensity (MWh/MT Production)
Total Energy
0
500,000
1,000,000
1,500,000
2,000,000
2016	
2017	
2018	
2019*	
2020*
1.10
1.00
.90
.80
.70
.99	
.86	
.95
.98	
*To facilitate year over year comparisons, 2019 and 2020 metrics for Planet categories have been 
presented on a pro forma basis inclusive of the acquisition of the Clariant Masterbatch business.
.91	
2016	
2017	
2018	
2019*	
2020*
.25	
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64

Water Intensity and 
Biodiversity
While water management is a critical 
and highly-influential topic in some 
industrial sectors, Avient’s operations 
are not water intensive. Normal 
manufacturing processes are “dry” 
and water use is limited to sanitary 
applications and process cooling, 
with closed loop recycling processes 
cooling dominating. Further, the 
vast majority of Avient sites are 
generally comparably smaller scale 
and located in urban or suburban 
areas. As such, we manage both water 
and biodiversity responsibly, and 
in accordance with applicable laws, 
but these topics do not reach the 
threshold of materiality compared 
with other operational areas. 
Information on water withdrawal, 
recycling/reuse, and discharge is 
provided in the Metrics section of 
this report.
Conventional Air Emissions
Our efforts to reduce air emissions—particulate matter, nitrogen oxides (NOx), Sulfur oxides (SOx), volatile organic 
compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs)—are supported by capital investments, integration of cost-
effective technologies and innovative operating practices. Regular monitoring of our emissions to air from all of our 
sites is a part of environmental management at Avient. 
Our atmospheric protection activities are based on a comprehensive analysis of our emissions. Parameters 
tracked for air emissions include greenhouse gases, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, volatile organic compounds and 
hazardous air pollutants. 
All Avient manufacturing facilities strictly comply with applicable regulatory requirements regarding emissions limits 
and hold valid air permits where required. While conventional air emissions are a critical and a highly-influential 
topic in some industrial sectors, as a specialty formulator of purchased materials, Avient’s conventional air emission 
levels are de minimis and not material. Regardless, over the years, Avient has still implemented many measures and 
infrastructure to reduce emissions. Dust/mist/fume extraction systems are common, fuel consuming equipment is 
being retrofitted with high efficiency units, and the use of volatile compounds has been continually reduced. 
Climate Action: 
Innovation and Investments for the Future
 At Avient, we recognize that sustainable business practices can positively impact the issue of climate change. We 
are committed to doing our part in what must be a multi-faceted, global approach throughout supply chains and all 
stakeholders to successfully address the issue.
We have set 2030 Sustainability Goals to guide us in this regard, and we further strengthened our commitment longer-
term, by embarking on achievement of operational carbon neutrality and 100% renewable energy by 2050. In parallel, 
we have also begun to map our activities to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically 
including #13 Climate Action.
As you have read in this report, our investments, aligned with achieving these goals, are well underway. Of equal 
importance, our investments in material innovation within our sustainable solutions portfolio enables others to 
achieve their goals, and further reduce the impacts of climate change.
 
Given our unique position as a manufacturer and formulator, we are not only mitigating climate change through our 
own responsible business practices, but we are also enabling other companies and consumers to do so as well.
 
This is a distinction we are proud of, and we will uphold this important responsibility to continually serve in both capacities.
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Waste: Preventing, Minimizing, Eliminating
Avient is committed to eliminating or reducing waste generated by our operations and enabling our customers to 
meet their waste minimization goals. 
Our efforts are aimed at reducing the quantity of hazardous and non-hazardous waste generated. Our waste 
management approach adds value by reducing the risk of environmental harm, as well as costs associated with 
waste management. These efforts are in line with our commitment to sustainability and strengthen the health of 
our communities and operations around the world. 
The prevention of waste takes priority over recycling or disposal, and every effort is made during the development 
and manufacturing of products to ensure that as little waste as possible is generated. Unavoidable waste from 
business, development, and production activities is reused where possible, recycled, or disposed of properly. The 
amounts and type of waste generated by each facility and how it is managed is tracked by our waste management 
systems. Disposal includes energy recovery processes to gain benefits where possible, and proper disposal is 
proven and documented in internal records. 
We regularly conduct risk based audits to inspect external waste disposal and recycling companies to ensure the 
proper disposal of waste. In this way, we also keep today’s waste from becoming tomorrow’s contamination.
0 
ZERO
Reportable Releases
IN EXCESS OF PERMITTED LEVEL 
TO THE ENVIRONMENT SINCE 2013
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Total Waste Intensity
Kg Waste/MT Production
0
6,500
13,000
19,500
26,000
	
2016	
2017	
2018	
2019*	
2020*
Total Waste
Metric Tons
*To facilitate year over year comparisons, 2019 and 2020 metrics for Planet categories have been presented on a pro forma basis inclusive of the acquisition of the Clariant Masterbatch business.
Total Waste to Landfill





	
2016	
2017	
2018	
2019*	
2020*
	
2019*	
2020*	
2030 Goal
Metric Tons
17%
DECREASE FROM 2019
Waste to Landfill
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Eliminating Plastic Waste
Plastic is a miraculous, versatile material that positively impacts our world. It’s in 
equipment that helps save lives, keeps food safe from spoilage, lowers the use of fossil 
fuels, and makes alternative energy possible. 
But some plastics are also in places they shouldn’t be, like in our oceans and rivers. 
They find their way to landfills instead of being recycled. Avient is committed to 
eliminating plastic waste through innovation, broad stakeholder engagement, and 
strong partnerships and alliances. 
We are continuously making a positive impact through our innovative portfolio of 
technologies that enable our customers to improve plastic recyclability and reduce 
the amount of material required for packaging. 
However, no one company or country can solve the plastics waste problem. That’s why 
Avient joined the Alliance to End Plastic Waste as a founding member and is collaborating 
with over 80 member companies to promote infrastructure, education and engagement, 
innovation, and clean up efforts to keep plastic waste in the right place. 
The alliance has brought together people, businesses, governments, and 
organizations to find new ways to rethink, recover, and recycle plastic waste with 
the goal of protecting the natural resources and ecosystems that communities 
everywhere depend on. 
Members of the alliance have already collectively committed more than $1.5 billion 
to fund those activities. Solutions to address the challenge of post-consumer plastic 
waste will require collective support, innovation and collaboration on a global basis—
from resin producers, waste management companies, consumer brands and retailers 
to nongovernmental organizations, governments and consumers. 
We will continue to invest and work aggressively to eliminate plastic waste in the 
environment to deliver critical sustainability and performance benefits to people and 
communities around the world and live up to our promise of meeting the needs of 
the present without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their needs. To 
learn more visit: 2020 AEPW Progress Report
	INFRASTRUCTURE	
INNOVATION	
EDUCATION	
CLEAN UP
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Sustainability Report  |  2020	
67

Clean-Up and Remediation  
If soil and groundwater contamination occurs at active or former Avient sites, proper remediation measures are 
reviewed based on current legal and technical standards and undertaken as necessary. 
A worldwide network of experts ensures proper remedial solutions are implemented. These solutions strive to 
maximize the conservation of natural resources, climate protection efforts, costs and social responsibility. This 
means making customized decisions on a case-by-case basis. Relevant sites are documented in a contaminated 
site database. In 2020, ongoing remediation work on behalf of Avient continued on schedule, and planning was 
concluded on future remediation projects.
Waste Partnerships and Impact
In addition to being a 
founding and active 
member of the Alliance 
to End Plastic Waste, 
Avient’s global operations 
participate in Operation Clean Sweep. Operation 
Clean Sweep’s overarching goal is to ensure that 
every plastic resin handling operation achieves 
zero loss of pellet, flake, and powder. This greatly 
helps to protect the environment and save 
valuable resources. Operation Clean Sweep 
companies greatly help to prevent plastics from 
making their way into the ocean, promoting 
safety, health and cleanliness for marine life. 
We recognize the importance of responsibly 
managing plastic pellet loss within our 
operations. In addition to ongoing operator 
training, we conduct regular assessments of 
our management system procedures to ensure 
they are effective, and implement improvement 
measures if needed. On a daily basis, plant 
personnel monitor structural controls and work 
practices at our facilities via routine daily rounds. 
When a loss of containment is discovered, loose 
pellets are promptly contained and cleaned up. 
Pellet recovery equipment, such as skimmers and 
sieves, are in place to recover pellets captured in 
our drainage systems.
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Sustainability Report  |  2020	
68

World Clean Up Day
As a founding member of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, Avient was challenged to participate in the “All Together Global Clean Up” in honor of World Clean Up Day. The concept was 
simple: pick up pieces of litter in local communities and track the quantity using a convenient mobile app called Litterati. This activity was especially important to us since it marked 
our first major engagement initiative together as Avient.
The Alliance set a goal for Avient to collect 1,000 pieces of litter, which we accomplished in less than 24 hours. And that number kept growing. From Ohio, to Germany to Thailand (and 
so many other places in between), our associates were in neighborhoods, parks and beaches, making them cleaner for community members.
By the end of the campaign, Avient collected over 17,000 pieces of litter, and left the earth a little more beautiful. We can’t wait to make our mark again during the next challenge!
“Happiness is when we see a cleaned world,” said Jakey Low, General Manager ColorMatrix. 
Jakey and his family participated in the World Clean Up Day challenge in Singapore. 
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World Clean Up Day
Photos: 
1. The team in Lahnstein, Germany participated in the fun and 
organized a local event. “It was a really rewarding experience and 
it was fun! Our teams are motivated to do the right thing,” said 
Rebecca Smalley, Customer Service Specialist, Lahnstein, Germany.
2. Adam Reckless, Plant Manager, Norwalk, Ohio, Color, Additives 
and Inks recalled, “Participating in World Clean Up Day was a great 
opportunity to spend more time outside, and seeing less waste in 
the environment shows that it really can make a difference!”
3. (Left to right) Suntaree Anukul, HR Generalist, Wanchinee 
Yisarakoon, Senior EH&S specialist and Wipasiri Pramool, 
Administrator, enjoy their time outdoors at a World Clean Up Day 
event in Bangkok, Thailand.
4. “Keeping our environment and planet clean is our daily 
responsibility to ensure a great place to live for future generations,” 
shared Michael Adam, Global Technology Director, Color, Additives 
and Inks in Pommerloch, Luxembourg. 
5. Manfred Holz, Site and Production Manager, Ahrensburg, 
Germany, is ready to make his neighborhood cleaner and 
more sustainable. 
6. “Cleaning up the environment was something I had been 
thinking about for a long time, and the World Clean Up Day 
helped me get motivated to do so,” reported Larissa Caliatto, 
Quality and EH&S Supervisor, Itupeva, Brazil. “It was an 
incredible experience. While it was sad to see the amount of 
waste on the streets, being able to clean up our community was 
gratifying. I want to participate in environmental cleaning more 
often. Challenge accepted!”
7. Associates in Suzhou, China participate in our first-annual World 
Clean Up Day festivities and beautified their local neighborhood.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
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Community Service
Giving back to the communities where we work and live is an integral part of our culture. We even provide all 
associates with 16 hours of paid time off every year to volunteer for a cause they care about. In 2020, a year where 
our communities needed support more than ever before, our associates demonstrated their passion for service by 
organizing food drives, building bookshelves, sewing blankets for the homeless and donating masks, just to name a 
few examples.
In addition, numerous leaders in our company serve on non-profit Boards of Trustees, helping them toward 
sustainability in their operations and mission to serve.
These endeavors, as well as our charitable contributions, are focused on helping the underserved and more 
challenged neighborhoods which include communities with diverse populations.
Charitable Contributions
United Way remains our largest philanthropic endeavor, and our associates 
continue to give generously. Since 2007, we have raised more than $15 million for 
United Way chapters throughout North America. In addition we contributed to 
many non-profit organizations where we have associates who serve on Boards, 
or that have been determined to be of need in the local communities around 
the world where we operate. 
Political Contributions
Avient does not fund political parties or members of government. In the United States, employees at Avient 
have made use of their right to establish a Political Action Committee (PAC), which is a voluntary, federally 
registered employee association that collects donations for political purposes and decides how these are used, 
in accordance with U.S. law. The Avient PAC Committee, comprised of Avient PAC Members, meets, discusses 
key topics and decides the annual budget. Avient PAC aligns with candidates who support laws and regulations 
consistent with sustainable business practices and Avient’s interests, represent a state or district where an 
Avient facility is located and/or are active members or leadership of key committees/positions. Our discussions 
with legislators provide awareness on Avient’s role and contributions to the science that enables sustainability 
and a circular economy, as well as the importance of maintaining a cost and regulatory environment that allows 
companies to best operate, invest and grow.
 
In 2020, Avient PAC contributed $16,500 to federal candidates in the U.S. and $12,000 to state candidates in Ohio.  
No political contributions are made outside the U.S.  Avient PAC’s Federal Election Commission filings, including 
listings of contributions, are publicly available at www.fec.gov. State of Ohio filings and contributions are publicly 
available at www.ohiosos.gov.
$15M+
For United Way Since 2007
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Community Engagement
Sustainably Serving Those in Need
The Sourcing Team in Shanghai, China hosted a creative engagement event for a great cause. Associates from 
Avient Distribution, Marketing, and HR donated personal belongings for a charity auction. The auction’s funds were 
donated to the Tencent Charity Foundation, an organization that helps children dealing with health issues such as 
cleft conditions and eye disease. 
Bridging the Digital Divide
Living through the COVID-19 pandemic has proved how critical technology is to education and remote work. In 
conjunction with our United Way campaign, Avient associates on our Avon Lake, Ohio campus organized a unique 
and sustainable donation drive with PCs for People, an organization that refurbishes computers for distribution. 
In total, Avient donated over 100 computers, keeping them out of landfills and instead put them into the hands of 
underserved students and those working from home.
Making Safety & Health More Accessible
Access to protective facemasks during this time was a struggle around certain parts of the world. Our team in 
Brazil partnered with AcroBrasil, an organization that helps those living in poverty, to donate 1,000 facemasks 
to the Sao Paulo area, helping our fellow citizens in that community stay safe and healthy. 
Promoting the Power of Reading 
Avient’s Community Service Team organized take home kits for associates to build bookshelves for children and 
sew blankets for the homeless. Fifty bookshelves were donated to Ready-Set-Go, a United Way collaborative 
that focuses on improving kindergarten readiness for children. The Community Service Team also collected and 
donated over 1,000 children’s books and over 100 fleece blankets were sewn for a local homeless shelter.
Simple Ways We Say Thanks
Our associates always recognize how critical and brave front-line workers are. To show gratitude, our team in Winona, 
Minnesota organized a catered lunch for the Winona Community Occupational Health Department. This organization 
has supported the community by continuing to provide health services to the public during the pandemic. 
Helping Out with Hunger
The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected food insecurity for those in need. Our associates in Hatfield, 
Pennsylvania felt compelled to step in and help. They hosted a food drive to support Manna, an organization 
dedicated to ending hunger and building community. Dozens of boxes of canned and non-perishable food were 
donated, and the organization was extremely grateful.
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P E R F O R M A N C E
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Performance Overview
The fourth “P” of our sustainability cornerstones is Performance. While our work 
in People, Product and Planet are vitally important commitments, ultimately, 
they must yield financial performance and growth to create a truly world-class 
sustainable organization.
We are forever committed to achieving “the right results, the right way.” To do so, we 
maintain strict adherence to areas like policies, audit, governance, and global training 
for our associates on ethics and our Code of Conduct.
Since it was established in 2006, the combined efforts to execute Avient’s four-pillar 
strategy have been highly successful. Our specialty transformation has created 
unmistakable value over that period. More recently, with the divestiture of the 
PP&S segment in 2019 and the acquisition of Clariant Masterbatch in 2020, we have 
fundamentally repositioned our portfolio to that of a true specialty enterprise—from 
which we can springboard to even greater heights in the future.
Still, the repercussions of the current health pandemic has made for a difficult 2020 
for all companies—and it did for Avient as well. Yet we were one of a select group of 
companies that grew adjusted EPS in 2020 because of our prior and strategic shift to 
high growth end markets. As you read earlier in our Sustainability Report, we were 
quickly deemed an essential business and continued to run our operations and serve 
customers around the world. Though it was a 
challenging year, we look forward to what the 
future holds as commerce and consumerism 
recover in 2021.
Suffice it to say, the Avient team has worked 
tirelessly to make the best of an unprecedented 
situation, and we will continue to dedicate 
ourselves to live our culture and execute our 
strategy. Delivering to our full potential on 
our fourth P of Performance is an unwavering 
commitment—just as it is in the other three.
(1) 2019 and 2020 figures are pro forma to include a full year of the 
acquired Clariant Masterbatch business
(2) 2021 EPS figure reflects management guidance as of July 30, 2021 
earnings call
4%
8%
10%
15%
21%
23%
** 2020 Pro Forma for Clariant Masterbatch acquisition
Healthcare
High Growth End Markets
	
2006	
2020 PF**
22%
58%
End Market Revenue as a % of Total
Consumer
Packaging
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
	
2005	
2010	
2015	
2020 PF**
	
$14M	
$117M	
$273M	
$527M
Adjusted EBITDA* from Specialty Platform
% of Adjusted EBITDA* 
Specialty EBITDA
Distribution
JV’s	
Performance 
Products & Solutions
Specialty 
Applications
* Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA excluding corporate costs and special items
** 2020 Pro Forma for Clariant Masterbatch acquisition
7%
46%
87%
66%
A Specialty Transformation Poised for Future Growth
Building & Construction
	
2006	
2020 PF**
38%
9%
End Market Revenue as a % of Total
Adjusted EPS Growth
	
2019PF(1)	
2020PF(1)	
2021F(2)
$1.93
$3.00
$1.74
31% CAGR
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*Avient Sustainable Solutions definitions aligned with FTC 2012 Guide for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims (“Green Guides”)
**2020 is Pro forma to include full year of the Clariant Masterbatch business
	
2016	
2017	
2018	
2019	
2020PF**
Revenue from Sustainable Solutions* 2016–2020
Lightweighting
Recycle Solutions
VOC Reduction
Human Health & 
Safety
Reduced Energy Use
Bio-polymers
Eco-conscious
Sustainable 
Infrastructure
Sustainable Solutions 
Performance
As highlighted in our Products section, Avient has 
a highly-technical and broad portfolio of material 
solutions that help our customers—and our planet—
be more sustainable.
 
In 2020, we further evaluated our applications and 
revenue from our sustainable solutions, since the 
publishing of our last report and the acquisition of 
Clariant Masterbatch. Updated revenue performance 
is provided herein. It is clear that these materials have 
and will continue to comprise a growing portfolio for 
our company, as demand increases across the globe 
and canvasses many end markets. Our innovation 
efforts and collaboration with customers have 
increased in lockstep. As a result, Avient revenue 
from sustainable solutions has more than doubled 
compared to 2016.
 
For pro forma 2020, we delivered $790 million in 
sustainable solutions sales, as defined using criteria 
aligned  with the FTC 2012 Guide for the Use of 
Environmental Marketing Claims. And we did so while 
also yielding sustainable benefits in these eight key areas 
where our material science is having the most impact.
 
As we look to the future, we expect these eight areas to 
gain even more importance—and acceptance—among 
our customers and their end users. We also expect 
it will further the win-win benefit trend for both our 
planet and Avient.
$340M
$405M
$455M
$550M
$790M
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The Highest Ethical Standards
At Avient, we strive to create a world-class sustainable organization, by conducting 
business in a way that meets the needs of the present without compromising the 
ability of future generations to meet their own needs. 
Knowing that the judgments and decisions we make as individuals affect the way 
Avient is viewed in the marketplace and in the communities where we work, we let 
our personal values of Integrity, Honesty and Respect shape the way we do business. 
These values are based on high ethical standards, and demand honesty and integrity 
in our business dealings. 
We strive to uphold a consistent global standard of ethical conduct, while respecting 
the cultures and business practices of the countries and local communities with 
which we interact. As a testament to its importance, Clariant Masterbatch sites were 
fully integrated into our Ethics and Compliance program on day one.
Our Code of Conduct establishes a clear set of ethical 
and behavioral standards for our business conduct. Our 
internal Ethics Committee and the Audit Committee of our 
Board provide oversight and direction for the training and 
education of the Code and other ethics related matters and 
reviews trends in ethical and legal matters affecting Avient.
We also recognize that our responsibility extends 
beyond our operational and process boundaries to our 
supplier partners. Our Supplier Code of Conduct requires 
all of our suppliers and their employees, personnel agents, 
and subcontractors to fully comply with applicable laws 
and regulations and adhere to internationally recognized 
environmental, social, corporate governance and 
management system standards.
TRANSLATED IN OVER
20 LANGUAGES
Compliance and Training Programs
Compliance oversight is provided by a combination of the VP, 
Internal Audit & Corporate Ethics Officer, Legal, the Audit Committee 
of the Board of Directors, and our internal Ethics Committee, which 
is comprised of executive and business leaders across all business 
segments and each region globally. The Audit Committee and 
Ethics Committee formally meet bi-annually. The VP Internal Audit 
and Corporate Ethics Officer has direct access to both committees 
and provide regular updates throughout the year.
Our compliance program is designed to promote and sustain a 
culture of excellence in all that we do and we perform internal 
audits to ensure compliance. To provide assurance and guide 
continuous improvement for our program, our anti-bribery, 
anti-corruption program was externally assessed in 2018 and again 
in 2020, as part of our due diligence on Clariant Masterbatch.
To set clear expectations and understanding, our policies, along 
with the training and communication of these policies are provided 
in over 20 languages and disclosed on our website. Code of Conduct 
training is an annual mandatory requirement for all our associates. 
In addition, we reinforce important topics such as anti-bribery, 
anti-corruption, antitrust, harassment and discrimination, 
conflict of interest, insider trading and information security, with 
supplemental training. Further, based on assessment of global risk, 
we select certain specific countries or functional groups within 
Avient for focused training or audits. 
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Ethics Hotline and Reporting 
An independently managed Ethics Hotline, with multi-language capabilities, is 
available globally via Web or by phone, 24/7. The Hotline is available to anyone within 
or outside Avient. The service aims to collect questions or concerns related to our 
business, people or products. Those who file reports can remain anonymous.
We promote the availability of our Hotline through a number of avenues, including our 
annual Code of Conduct trainings, new-hire onboarding, Hotline posters which are 
displayed at all Avient locations, and ongoing associate communications. Additionally, 
during our Internal Audit team’s site engagements across the globe, we reinforce 
awareness and importance of the Hotline.
Avient does not tolerate retaliation against any individual who, in good faith, 
seeks advice, raises a concern, reports misconduct or provides information in an 
investigation related to a suspected Code of Conduct violation. 
All reports, received through the Hotline or other sources, are investigated by an 
independent and objective team which includes Legal, Compliance and Human
Resources. Standardized processes and forms are used to ensure a thorough review 
and resolution of ethics related reports. Investigations into ethics related matters 
have led to disciplinary action, including termination. Twice a year, the VP, Internal 
Audit & Corporate Ethics Officer, presents the number of ethics reports, report trends, 
substantiated reports, and a comparison of our ethics data vs. a benchmark to both 
the Audit and Ethics Committees.
“Ethics is everything at Avient. We work extensively to 
train our associates to understand and recognize their 
responsibility to ethical business practices. We then 
maintain our internal and external compliance controls 
to both monitor and continually improve in every regard. 
It’s an integral component in creating a world-class 
sustainable organization.”
—George Inglis Jr., VP, Internal Audit and Corporate Ethics Officer
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Business Continuity 
Crisis & Incident Management
Cyber Security 
Data Privacy
Geopolitical Risks
Global Market Competitiveness 
Increasing & Changing Regulation*
Intellectual Property Protection & 
Maintenance
Innovation Effectiveness
IT systems
M&A Execution
M&A Integration
Market Intelligence**
Quality Systems
Raw Material Sourcing
EH&S Performance
Talent Retention & Development 
and Benefits
Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) 
The ERM process is collaborative across Avient’s functions in order to identify Avient’s 
risks. Once risks are identified the likelihood of occurrence and potential impact of 
each risk is evaluated and assessed considering “before” and “after” mitigating activity. 
The prioritized risks are reviewed annually with executive management to ensure 
our risk identification and responses remain up-to-date, mitigation actions remain 
effective, and that new and emerging risks are considered. More information regarding 
risks is available in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Avient’s management presents the ERM analysis to Avient’s Board of Directors on 
an annual basis. Sustainability-related risks are included and evaluated as part of 
the ERM process, and address potential issues related to People, Products, Planet 
and Performance.
ERM Topic Areas:
  * Includes product and environmental regulations impacting the polymer industry
** Includes consumer preference changes driving brand owner requirements
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Board of Directors Governance 
The primary responsibility for corporate governance at Avient rests with our Board of 
Directors. Our Board believes that corporate governance is enhanced when a substantial 
majority of the Directors are independent and when all Directors have demonstrated 
substantial professional accomplishment and leadership in their careers.
Our Board also believes that good corporate governance is achieved through effective oversight of management 
and the business affairs of the company. To accomplish this oversight, the Board has assigned responsibilities 
among committees of the Board and has documented those responsibilities in committee charters. All of our Board 
committees play some role in sustainability for the Company. 
For example, our Governance and Corporate Responsibility Committee provides oversight and guidance with 
regard to how the Board and management evaluate and integrate corporate responsibility and sustainability into 
the Company’s business strategy and decision-making. And, our Environmental, Health and Safety Committee 
exercises oversight with respect to the Company’s environmental, health, safety, physical security and product 
stewardship policies and practices and reviews with management risks and exposures regarding environmental, 
health and safety concerns, including potential risks related to climate change impacts on the physical 
environment. In addition, the Board has adopted a set of corporate governance guidelines that help define its 
responsibilities and guide its conduct.
Our Board consists of 12 Directors, who each bring a unique set of qualifications pertaining to corporate 
governance and Avient’s business. The Governance and Corporate Responsibility Committee of the Board regularly 
reviews criteria for Board membership to ensure an appropriate mix of skills, experience, and diversity. Mandatory 
membership criteria include high ethical standards, integrity, judgment, and an ability to devote sufficient time 
to the affairs of our Company. Our Board also represents a balanced mix of fresh perspectives from our newer 
Directors and more seasoned perspectives from our longer tenured Directors.
Diversity is a key focus area for our global associates and that extends to our Board as well. We were very pleased 
to again be recognized last year for our Board diversity by 2020 Women on Boards, exceeding their required 
criteria. Forty-two percent of our Directors are female or racially diverse.
To further its commitment to maintaining a diverse board, our Board recently revised the charter for the Governance 
and Corporate Responsibility Committee to include (and require that any search firm it engages to include) qualified 
female and racially/ethnically diverse persons, in the initial pool from which Director nominees are chosen.
AVERAGE TENURE
6 years
AVERAGE AGE
59
GENDER DIVERSITY
25% women
“Avient fully understands and values the 
responsibility of creating a sustainable global 
business. Through ethical, strategic and 
innovative business practices, the company 
continues to make important contributions 
to the sustainability goals of customers and 
communities worldwide.” 
— Richard Fearon, Lead Director, Avient Corporation, 
Board of Directors
RACIAL DIVERSITY
17%
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Robert M. Patterson
Chairman, President and 
Chief Executive Officer, 
Avient Corporation
Gregory J. Goff
Former Chairman, 
President and Chief 
Executive Officer, Andeavor
Ernest Nicolas
Senior Vice President and 
Chief Supply Chain Officer,
Rockwell Automation
Richard Fearon
Lead Director, 
Avient Corporation 
Retired Vice Chairman and 
Chief Financial and 
Planning Officer, Eaton
William R Jellison
Retired Vice President, 
Chief Financial Officer, 
Stryker Corporation
Kerry J. Preete
Retired Executive 
Vice President, 
Chief Strategy Officer, 
Monsanto Company
Robert E. Abernathy
Retired Chairman and 
Chief Executive Officer, 
Halyard Health, Inc.
Sandra B. Lin
Retired President, 
Chief Executive Officer 
and Director, Calisolar Inc.
(now Silicor Materials Inc.)
Patricia Verduin, Ph.D.
Chief Technology Officer, 
Colgate-Palmolive Company
Neil Green
Executive Vice President 
and Chief Digital Officer, 
Otis Worldwide Corporation
Kim Ann Mink, Ph.D
Former Chairman, President 
and Chief Executive Officer, 
Innophos Holdings, Inc.
William A. Wulfsohn
Former Chairman and 
Chief Executive Officer, 
Ashland Global Holdings, Inc.
Board of Directors
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Audit Committee Charter 
California Transparency in Supply Chains Act Disclosure
Code of Conduct
Code of Ethics—Applicable to Avient Senior Officers
ColorMatrix Europe Limited—Modern Slavery and Human 
Trafficking Statement 
Compensation Committee Charter 
Conflict Minerals Policy
Corporate Governance Guidelines
Environmental Policy
Equal Employment Opportunity
Global Policy on Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption
Global Policy on Antitrust
Governance and Corporate Responsibility Committee Charter 
Position Statement on Human Rights
Privacy Policy 
Product Stewardship Policy
Quality Policy
Responsible Care Policy
Safety and Health Policy
Security Policy
Supplier Code of Conduct
Policies & Guidelines
In addition to our Code of Conduct, our corporate governance policies show our commitment to honest, ethical business practices and compliance with applicable law. 
These documents and policies are the principles and guidelines that we follow to ensure effective corporate governance practices within Avient. 
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M E T R I C S
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People and Planet Data and Metrics
Category
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Total TRIR (# - Direct)
0.74
0.69
0.51
0.56
0.50
Total TRIR (# - Contractors)
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Recordable Injuries (Total #)
51
43
35
36
37
Recordable Illnesses (Total #)
0
0
0
0
0
Total LTIR (# - Direct)
0.29
0.20
0.13
0.29
0.24
Total LTIR (# - Contractors)
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Total Fatality Rate (# - Direct)
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Total Fatality Rate (# - Contractors)
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Process Safety Incident Count (#)
0
0
0
0
0.00
Process Safety Total Incident Rate (#)
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Process Safety Incident Severity Rate (#)
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Residual Risk Reduction (# of assessments)
NA
NA
13,267
7,102
4,258
Residual Risk Point Reduction (#)
NA
NA
1,035,177
864,997
1,009,830
EH&S Internal Audits (#)
40
53
53
58
37
Workers covered by an EH&S Management Systems (%)
100
100
100
100
100
Workers covered by an internally audited EH&S MS (%)
100
100
100
100
100
Facilities w/ an externally certified EH&S MS (%)*
20
24
30
35
74
Suppliers w/ an externally certified EH&S MS (% of surveyed)
NA
NA
NA
NA
81
Transport Incidents (# - US DOT 5800/EU ADR)
0
0
0
0
0
Capital Invested in EH&S ($MM USD)
5.305
5.201
8.858
7.870
4.910
*Includes Responsible Care Management System, Responsible Care 14001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 50001, & OHSAS 18001. 
  Certificates can be found at: https://www.avient.com/company/policies-and-governance/global-iso-certificate-library 
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Category
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020*
ENERGY 1 
Total Energy (GJ)
677,579
775,091
869,390
1,523,524
1,547,647
Energy Intensity (MWh/MT Production)
0.99
0.86
0.91
0.95
0.98
Renewable Electricity (%)
0
0
0.49
0.69
31
Total Self-Generated Energy (GJ)
0
0
3808
4588
5001
Energy Saving Activities (#)
NA
26
45
60
74
Annual Savings from Energy Saving Activities (Cumulative MWh)
0
1,507
4,116
11,570
16,978
PERCENT ENERGY (%)
Purchased Electricity 
73.18
75.11
Purchased Natural Gas 
25.80
21.02
Purchased Steam
0.00
0.00
Purchased Diesel Fuel 
1.02
3.87
EMISSIONS
Greenhouse Gas Emissions (MT Scope 1 GHG)
33,362
21,527
11,882
18,749
21,092
Greenhouse Gas Emissions (MT Scope 2 GHG)
238,100
244,927
85,112
155,086
87,776
Greenhouse Gas Emissions (MT Scope 3 GHG)2,3
NA
NA
193,483
564,359
1,440,584
Greenhouse Gas Emissions (MT Scope 1 & 2 GHG)
254,995
275,811
96,994
173,835
108,868
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Intensity (MT 1&2 GHG/ MT Production)
0.43
0.35
0.38
0.39
0.25
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Intensity (MT 1&2 GHG/$B Revenue)
76,346
84,674
36,723
43,666
28,778
Annual GHG Emissions Avoidance from ESA & WMP (Cumulative MT)
0
1,548
6,668
13,558
19,746
Reportable Releases (above permitted limits)
0
0
0
0
0
EMISSIONS OF SOx/NOx/VOC/HAPS                                       
SOx
0.04
0.05
0.06
0.08
0.08
NOx 
0.05
0.05
0.06
0.09
0.08
VOC
30.28
32.18
31.14
43.58
40.26
Top 4 Hazardous Air Pollutants
0.49
0.58
0.60
0.98
1.00
Particulate Matter
23.29
24.70
23.76
33.78
30.99
People and Planet Data and Metrics
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84

Category
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020*
WASTE
Total Waste (MT)
11,234
12,453
13,396
26,065
23,709
Total Waste Intensity (Kg Waste/MT Production)
17.23
20.18
17.79
58.27
54.16
Total Waste Intensity (MT Waste/$B Revenue)
993
1,572
1,357
6,547
6,267
Waste Minimization Projects (#)
NA
47
44
68
59
Percent of Total Waste Recycled/Beneficially Reused (%)
67.31
57.07
62.65
48.79
47.43
Percent of Total Waste Landfilled (%)
29.55
40.77
35.11
45.82
41.82
Total Waste Landfilled (MT)
3,320
5,077
4,703
11,943
9,915
Total Non-Hazardous Waste (MT)
NA
NA
12,722
24,135
21,823
HAZARDOUS WASTE
Hazardous Waste US & Canada (%)
NA
NA
NA
1.0
1.3
Hazardous Waste Latin America (%)
NA
NA
NA
6.4
6.9
Hazardous Waste Europe (%)
NA
NA
NA
51.4
60.2
Hazardous Waste Asia Pacific (%)
NA
NA
NA
35.6
26.4
Hazardous Waste Middle East & Africa (%)
NA
NA
NA
5.6
5.2
Total Hazardous Waste (MT)
NA
NA
674.35
1,930
1,886
WATER
Total Water Withdrawal (1000 m3)
498
662
666
1,159
1,309
Total Water Withdrawal Intensity (m3/MT Production)
2.58
2.64
2.57
2.59
2.99
Total Wastewater Discharge (1000 m3)
NA
NA
NA
691
553
Wastewater Recycled (% of Total)
NA
NA
NA
40.38
57.75
Total Water Related NoV (#)
0
0
0
0
0
Withdrawal & Consumed from High Water Stress Areas (% of Total)
NA
NA
NA
39.3
40.8
* Includes full calendar year data for Clariant Masterbatch acquired sites unless otherwise noted at the metric level.	
	
	
	
	
1 Refer to CDP Climate Change Report for additional detail and finalized Energy/Emissions information.	
	
	
	
	
2 Not all Scope 3 emissions from Clariant Masterbatch acquired sites available at the time of this report.
3 Year-over-year change due to increased data coverage and revised emission factors.
	
	
	
	
	
Revised 29-Apr-2021	 	
	
	
	
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I N D E X
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86

GRI Standard
Disclosure Title
Avient Disclosures
General Disclosures
Organizational Profile
102–1
Name of the organization
About Us—Who We Are
102–2
Activities, brands, products, and services
Products—All Sections 
Avient products are not banned in any market.
102–3
Location of headquarters
About Us—Historic Transformation, Inspired Future
About Us—Where We Are: Global Locations
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Form 10-K Cover Page
102–4
Location of operations
About Us—Where We Are: Global Locations
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Form 10-K Page 14
102–5
Ownership and legal form
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Form 10-K Cover Page
102–6
Markets served
About Us—Communities Counting on Avient
102–7
Scale of the organization
Performance—Performance Overview 
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Form 10-K Pages 2–10
102–8
Information on employees and other workers
People—All Sections
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Form 10-K Pages 4–5
Currently we report on the number of associates. A majority of our associates have full time contracts.
102–9
Supply chain
Products—Management Approach: Supplier Collaboration/Supplier Evaluation
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Form 10-K Page 4
102–10
Significant changes to the organization and its supply chain
About Us—Better Together: PolyOne and Clariant Masterbatch
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Form 10-K Pages 2 & 19–20
102–11
Precautionary Principle or approach
About Us—Who We Are
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Form 10-K Pages 9–13
102–12
External initiatives
About Avient—Who We Are 
People—Security; A Great Place to Work
Products—Management Approach: Product Stewardship; Strategic Partnerships and Alliances
Planet— Eliminating Plastic Waste
102–13
Membership of associations
United Nations Global Compact
American Chemistry Council
Plastics Industry Association
Alliance To End Plastic Waste
Operation Clean Sweep
UK Plastics Pact
PetCore Europe
Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR)
Plastics Recyclers Europe (PRE)
Responsible Mica Initiative (RMI)
Microfibre Consortium (TMC)
Strategy
102–14
Statement from senior decision-maker
Message from the CEO
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Letter To Our Shareholders
GRI Standards Content Index 
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GRI Standards Content Index 
GRI Standard
Disclosure Title
Avient Disclosures
General Disclosures
Strategy
102–15
Key impacts, risks, and opportunities
Products—Innovation: The Lifeblood of a Specialty Organization
Performance—Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Form 10-K Pages 9–13
Ethics & Integrity
102–16
Values, principles, standards, and norms of behavior
About Us—Who We Are 
Performance—The Highest Ethical Standards
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Creating a World-Class, Sustainable; Vision and Strategy
102–17
Mechanisms for advice and concerns about ethics
Performance—Ethics Hotline and Reporting
Governance 
102–18
Governance structure
Performance—Board of Directors Governance                                                          
People—Management Approach: EH&S
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Form 10-K Pages 15–16 & 70 and Proxy Statement Pages 23–28
https://www.avient.com/investors/governance
102–20
Executive-level responsibility for economic, environmental, and 
social topics
Message from the Governance and Corporate Responsibility Committee
Performance—Board of Directors Governance       
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Form 10-K Pages 15–16 & 70 and Proxy Statement Page 24
https://www.avient.com/investors/governance
102–22
Composition of the highest governance body and its committees
Message from the Governance and Corporate Responsibility Committee       
Performance—Board of Directors Governance
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Form 10-K Pages 15–16 & 70 and Proxy Statement Pages 23–28
https://www.avient.com/investors/governance
102–23
Chair of the highest governance body
Message from the Governance and Corporate Responsibility Committee       
Performance—Board of Directors Governance
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Form 10-K Pages 15–16 & 70 and Proxy Statement Pages 23–24
https://www.avient.com/investors/governance
102–24
Nominating and selecting the highest governance body
Performance—Board of Directors Governance
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Form 10-K Pages 15–16 & 70 and Proxy Statement Pages 26–27
https://www.avient.com/investors/governance
102–25
Conflicts of interest
Performance—Board of Directors Governance
Code of Conduct
https://www.avient.com/investors/governance
102–26
Role of highest governance body in setting purpose, values, and strategy
Performance—Board of Directors Governance
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Form 10-K Pages 15–16 & 70 and Proxy Statement Pages 23–29
https://www.avient.com/investors/governance
102–27
Collective knowledge of highest governance body
Performance—Board of Directors Governance
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Form 10-K Pages 15–16 & 70 and Proxy Statement Pages 14–18
https://www.avient.com/investors/governance
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GRI Standard
Disclosure Title
Avient Disclosures
General Disclosures
Governance
102–28
Evaluating the highest governance body's performance
Performance—Board of Directors Governance
Avient 2020 Proxy Statement Page 28
https://www.avient.com/investors/governance
102–29
Identifying and managing economic, environmental, and social impacts
Performance—Board of Directors Governance
People—Management Approach: EH&S
https://www.avient.com/investors/governance
102–30
Effectiveness of risk management processes
Performance—Board of Directors Governance; Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)
Avient 2020 Proxy Statement Page 24
https://www.avient.com/investors/governance
102–31
Review of economic, environmental, and social topics
Performance—Board of Directors Governance; Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Form 10-K Pages 15–16 & 70 and Proxy Statement Pages 23–29
https://www.avient.com/investors/governance
102–32
Highest governance body's role in sustainability reporting
Message from the Governance and Corporate Responsibility Committee 
Performance—Board of Directors Governance
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Form 10-K Pages 15–16 & 70 and Proxy Statement Pages 23–29
https://www.avient.com/investors/governance
102–33
Communicating critical concerns
Performance—Board of Directors Governance
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Form 10-K Pages 15–16 & 70 and Proxy Statement Page 25
Code of Conduct 
https://www.avient.com/investors/governance
102–34
Nature and total number of critical concerns
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Form 10-K Page 57
102–35
Renumeration Policies
Avient 2020 Proxy Statement Pages 34–47
102–36
Process for determining renumeration
Avient 2020 Proxy Statement Pages 34–47
102–37
Stakeholders' involvement in renumeration
Avient 2020 Proxy Statement Page 36
102–38
Annual total compensation ratio
Avient 2020 Proxy Statement Page 62
Stakeholder Engagement 
102–40
List of stakeholder groups
Throughout Avient 2020 Sustainability Report                                                                    
102–41
Collective bargaining agreements
People—Workforce Demographics
Approximately 1% of North American associates are covered by collective bargaining agreements.
Freedom of association and collective bargaining in Position on Human Rights https://www.avient.com/
company/policies-and-governance/avients-position-human-rights
102–42
Identifying and selecting stakeholders
Throughout Avient 2020 Sustainability Report                                                                    
102–43
Approach to stakeholder engagement
Throughout Avient 2020 Sustainability Report                                                                    
Reporting Practice
102–45
Entities included in the consolidated financial statements
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Form 10-K Page 3 
We operate in three reportable segments: (1) Color, Additives and Inks; (2) Specialty Engineered Materials; and 
(3) Distribution. 
GRI Standards Content Index 
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GRI Standard
Disclosure Title
Avient Disclosures
General Disclosures
Reporting Practice
102–46
Defining report content and topic boundaries
The information in this report applies to Avient and all owned facilities, joint ventures, and operating companies 
globally within the reporting period, unless otherwise stated. In the case of our associates, all information 
pertain only to employees of Avient and its operating subsidiaries, unless otherwise noted. Environmental data 
covers all sites owned or operated by Avient in the reporting period.
102–47
List of material topics
About Us
People
Products
Planet
Performance
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Form 10-K
102–48
Restatements of information
2019 and 2020 data includes full calendar year data for Clariant Masterbatch acquired sites unless otherwise 
noted at the metric level. 
102–49
Changes in reporting
PolyOne acquired Clariant MasterBatch on July 1, 2020 and combined to create the current company, Avient. 
2019 and 2020 data includes full calendar year data for Clariant Masterbatch acquired sites unless otherwise 
noted at the metric level. 
102–50
Reporting period
January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020
102–51
Date of most recent report
This is Avient's 3rd sustainability report.
102–52
Reporting cycle
At minimum, biennial
102–53
Contact point for questions regarding the report
https://www.avient.com/contact-us-now
102–54
Claims of reporting in accordance with the GRI standards
This report has been prepared in accordance with the GRI Standards: Core Option. 
Economic Topic Disclosures
GRI 201: Economic
103-1, 2 and 3
Management approach—GRI 103
Performance—Performance Overview 
201–1
Direct economic value generated and distributed
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Form 10-K Page 20
201–2
Financial implications and other risks and opportunities due to climate change
Products—How Our Products Enable Sustainability
Performance—Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) 
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Form 10-K Pages 9–13
201-3 
Defined benefit plan obligations and other retirement plans
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Form 10-K Pages 27 & 44
GRI 205: Anti-Corruption
103-1, 2 and 3
Management approach—GRI 103
Performance—The Highest Ethical Standards
Code of Conduct
205–1
Operations assessed for risks related to corruption
Products—Management Approach: Supplier Collaboration                                              
Performance—The Highest Ethical Standards;  Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) 
Code of Conduct
https://www.avient.com/investors/governance
GRI Standards Content Index 
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GRI Standard
Disclosure Title
Avient Disclosures
Economic Topic Disclosures
GRI 205: Anti-Corruption
205–2
Communication and training about anti-corruption policies and procedures
Performance—The Highest Ethical Standards
Code of Conduct
https://www.avient.com/investors/governance
205–3
Confirmed incidents of corruption and actions taken
There were no incidents of corruption in 2020.
Code of Conduct
https://www.avient.com/investors/governance
GRI 206: Anti-Competitive Behavior
103-1, 2 and 3
Management approach—GRI 103   
Code of Conduct
206–1
Legal actions for anti-competitive behavior, anti-trust, and monopoly practices
No legal actions were brought against Avient for anti-competitive behavior, anti-trust, or monopoly 
practices in 2020.
Environmental Topic Disclosures
GRI 301: Materials
301–1
Materials used by weight or volume
About Avient—What We Do: Material Science
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Form 10-K Page 3
301–2
Recycled input materials used
Products—How Our Products Enable Sustainability;  Our Solutions…In Action: Case Studies
301–3
Reclaimed products and their packaging materials
Products—How Our Products Enable Sustainability;  Our Solutions…In Action: Case Studies
GRI 302: Energy
103-1, 2 and 3
Management approach – GRI 103
Planet—Protecting Our Planet;  Climate Change
https://www.avient.com/company/sustainability/planet/environmental-stewardship
302-1
Energy consumption within the organization
Planet—Protecting Our Planet;  Climate Change
Metrics and Index—People and Planet Data and Metrics
302-2
Energy consumption outside of the organization
Planet—Protecting Our Planet;  Climate Change
Metrics and Index—People and Planet Data and Metrics
302-3
Energy intensity
Planet—Protecting Our Planet;  Climate Change
Metrics and Index—People and Planet Data and Metrics
302-4
Reduction of energy consumption
Planet—Protecting Our Planet;  Climate Change
Metrics and Index—People and Planet Data and Metrics
302-5
Reductions in energy requirements of products and services
Products—How Our Products Enable Sustainability
Metrics and Index—People and Planet Data and Metrics
GRI 303: Water and Effluents
303-1
Interactions with water as a shared resource
Planet—Climate Change: Water Intensity and Biodiversity
https://www.avient.com/company/sustainability/planet/environmental-stewardship
303-3
Water withdrawal
Planet—Climate Change: Water Intensity and Biodiversity
Metrics and Index—People and Planet Data and Metrics
GRI Standards Content Index 
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GRI Standard
Disclosure Title
Avient Disclosures
Environmental Topic Disclosures
GRI 305: Emissions
103-1, 2 and 3
Management approach—GRI 103
Planet—Protecting Our Planet;  Climate Change
Metrics and Index—People and Planet Data and Metrics
305-1
Direct (Scope 1) GHG emissions
Planet—Protecting Our Planet;  Climate Change
Metrics and Index—People and Planet Data and Metrics
305-2
Energy indirect (Scope 2) GHG emissions
Planet—Protecting Our Planet;  Climate Change
Metrics and Index—People and Planet Data and Metrics
305-3
Other indirect (Scope 3) GHG emissions
Metrics and Index—People and Planet Data and Metrics
305-4
GHG emissions intensity
Planet—Protecting Our Planet;  Climate Change
Metrics and Index—People and Planet Data and Metrics
305-5
Reduction of GHG emissions
Planet—Protecting Our Planet;  Climate Change
Metrics and Index—People and Planet Data and Metrics
305-7
Nitrogen oxides (NOX), sulfur oxides (SOX), and other significant air emissions
Planet—Protecting Our Planet;  Climate Change
Metrics and Index—People and Planet Data and Metrics
GRI 306: Waste
103-1, 2 and 3
Management approach—GRI 103
Planet—Eliminating Plastic Waste;  Clean-Up and Remediation
https://www.avient.com/company/sustainability/planet/environmental-stewardship
306-1 
Waste generation and significant waste-related impacts
Planet—Eliminating Plastic Waste; Clean-Up and Remediation
306-2 
Management of significant waste-related impacts 
Planet—Eliminating Plastic Waste; Clean-Up and Remediation
306-3 
Waste generated 
Planet—Eliminating Plastic Waste
Metrics and Index—People and Planet Data and Metrics
306-4 
Waste diverted from disposal
Planet—Eliminating Plastic Waste
Metrics and Index—People and Planet Data and Metrics
306-5 
Waste directed to disposal
Planet—Eliminating Plastic Waste
Metrics and Index—People and Planet Data and Metrics
GRI 307: Environmental Compliance
103-1, 2 and 3
Management approach—GRI 103
People—Management Approach: EH&S
Products—Management Approach: Product Stewardship
Planet—Protecting Our Planet
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Form 10-K Page 7
https://www.avient.com/company/sustainability/planet/environmental-stewardship
307-1
Non-compliance with environmental laws and regulations
Products—Management Approach: Product Stewardship
GRI 308: Supplier Environmental Assessment
103-1, 2 and 3
Management approach—GRI 103
Products—Management Approach: Supplier Collaboration
Supplier Code of Conduct
308-1
New suppliers that were screened using environmental criteria
Products—Management Approach: Supplier Collaboration
308-2
Negative environmental impacts in the supply chain and actions taken
Products—Management Approach: Supplier Collaboration
GRI Standards Content Index 
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GRI Standard
Disclosure Title
Avient Disclosures
Social Topic Disclosures
GRI 401: Employment
103-1, 2 and 3
Management approach—GRI 103
People—Management Approach: Training and Development; Diversity & Inclusion: Leading from the Top; and 
Management Approach: Diversity & Inclusion
401-1
New employee hires and employee turnover
People—Talent Acquisition and Campus Recruiting;  Workforce Demographics
Avient 2020 Annual Report—People 
We hired 508 new associates in 2020
401-2
Benefits provided to full-time employees that are not provided to temporary or 
part-time employees
People—Associate Benefits/Awards and Recognition Programs;  Health and Wellness
401-3
Parental leave
People—Health and Wellness
GRI 403: Occupational Health & Safety
103-1, 2 and 
3+A119:C129
Management approach—GRI 103
People—Management Approach: EH&S
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Form 10-K Page 7
Avient's Position on Human Rights
https://www.avient.com/company/sustainability/planet/environmental-stewardship
403-1
Occupational health and safety management system
People—Management Approach: EH&S
Planet—Protecting Our Planet
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Form 10-K Page 7
https://www.avient.com/company/sustainability/planet/environmental-stewardship
403-2
Hazard identification, risk assessment, and incident investigation
People—Management Approach: EH&S
Planet—Clean-Up and Remediation
403-3
Occupational health services
People—Occupational Safety & Health
403-4
Worker participation, consultation, and communication on occupational health 
and safety
People—Management Approach: EH&S
403-5
Worker training on occupational health and safety
People—Management Approach: EH&S;  Management Approach: Training and Development
403-6
Promotion of worker health
People—Occupational Safety & Health; Health and Wellness
403-7
Prevention and mitigation of occupational health and safety impacts directly 
linked by business relationships
People—Management Approach: EH&S
Products—Management Approach: Product Stewardship;  Management Approach: Supplier Collaboration
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Form 10-K Page 7
403-8
Workers covered by an occupational health and safety management system
People—Management Approach: EH&S
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Form 10-K Page 7
403-9
Work-related injuries
People—Management Approach: EH&S
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Form 10-K Page 7
403-10
Work-related ill health
People—Management Approach: EH&S
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Form 10-K Page 7
GRI 404: Training & Education
103-1, 2 and 3
Management approach—GRI 103
People—Management Approach: Training and Development
GRI Standards Content Index 
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GRI Standard
Disclosure Title
Avient Disclosures
Social Topic Disclosures
GRI 404: Training & Education
404-1
Average hours of training per year per employee
People—Management Approach: Training and Development
In 2020, associates received 30,000 hours of training;  has approximately 8,400 associates, which is an estimated 
3.6 hrs of training per associate.                                                                                         
Associates receive additional training based on their role, such as Lean Six Sigma, Customer Centric Selling, and 
Core Leadership.
404-2
Programs for upgrading employee skills and transition assistance programs
People—Management Approach: Training and Development
404-3
Percentage of employees receiving regular performance and career 
development reviews
People—Career Training and Performance Feedback
GRI 405: Diversity and Equal Opportunity
103-1, 2 and 3
Management approach—GRI 103
People—Management Approach: Diversity & Inclusion;  Diversity and Inclusion: Leading from the Top
405-1
Diversity of governance bodies and employees
People—Workforce Demographics; Management Approach: Diversity & Inclusion; Diversity and Inclusion: 
Leading from the Top; Performance—Board of Directors Governance
GRI 406: Non-discrimination
103-1, 2 and 3
Management approach—GRI 103
People—Management Approach: Diversity & Inclusion
406-1
Incidents of discrimination and corrective actions taken
People—Management Approach: Training and Development; Management Approach: Diversity & Inclusion; 
Performance—Board of Directors Governance
GRI 407: Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining
103-1, 2 and 3
Management approach—GRI 103
Products—Management Approach: Supplier Collaboration
Avient's Position on Human Rights
Supplier Code of Conduct
407-1
Operations and suppliers in which the right to freedom of association and 
collective bargaining may be at risk
Products—Management Approach: Supplier Collaboration
To our knowledge, within Avient's operations the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining 
continue to remain compliant with all statutory requirements. Suppliers are expected to comply with our Supplier 
Code of Conduct.
GRI 408: Child Labor
103-1, 2 and 3
Management approach—GRI 103
Products—Management Approach: Supplier Collaboration
Avient's Position on Human Rights
Supplier Code of Conduct
408-1
Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents
of child labor
Products—Management Approach: Supplier Collaboration
To our knowledge, within Avient's operations there is no significant risk of child labor. Suppliers are expected to 
comply with our Supplier Code of Conduct.
GRI 409: Forced or Compulsory Labor
103-1, 2 and 3
Management approach – GRI 103
Products—Management Approach: Supplier Collaboration
Avient's Position on Human Rights
Supplier Code of Conduct
409-1
Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of forced or 
compulsory labor
Products—Management Approach: Supplier Collaboration                                   
To our knowledge, within Avient's operations there is no significant risk of incidents of forced or compulsory 
labor. Suppliers are expected to comply with our Supplier Code of Conduct.
GRI Standards Content Index 
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GRI Standard
Disclosure Title
Avient Disclosures
Social Topic Disclosures
GRI 412: Human Rights Assessment
412-2
Employee training on human rights policies or procedures
Performance—The Highest Ethical Standards
GRI 413: Local Communities
413-1
Operations with local community engagement, impact assessments, 
and development programs
Planet—Community Service; Community Engagement
413-2
Operations with significant actual and potential negative impacts on local 
communities
Planet—Community Service; Community Engagement
To our knowledge, within Avient's operations there are no significant actual or potential negative impacts on 
local communities.
GRI 414: Social Supplier Assessment
103-1, 2 and 3
Management approach—GRI 103
Products—Management Approach: Supplier Collaboration
Supplier Code of Conduct
414-1
New suppliers that were screened using social criteria
Products—Management Approach: Supplier Collaboration
414-2
Negative social impacts in the supply chain and actions taken
Products—Management Approach: Supplier Collaboration
GRI 415: Public Policy
415-1
Political contributions
Planet—Community Service
GRI 416: Customer Health and Safety
103-1, 2 and 3
Management approach—GRI 103
Products—Management Approach: Product Stewardship
416-1
Assessment of the health and safety impacts of product and service categories
Products—Management Approach: Product Stewardship
416-2
Incidents of non-compliance concerning the health and safety impacts of 
products and services
Products—Management Approach: Product Stewardship
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Form 10-K Page 5
GRI 417: Marketing and Labeling
103-1, 2 and 3
Management approach­—GRI 103
Products—Management Approach: Product Stewardship
417-1
Requirements for product and service information and labeling
Products—Management Approach: Product Stewardship
417-2
Incidents of non-compliance concerning product and service information and 
labeling
Products—Management Approach: Product Stewardship
417-3
Incidents of non-compliance concerning marketing communications
Products—Management Approach: Product Stewardship
GRI 418: Customer Privacy
103-1, 2 and 3
Management approach—GRI 103
People—Security
418-1
Substantiated complaints concerning breaches of customer privacy and losses 
of customer data
It is currently unknown if there are substantiated complaints concerning breaches of customer privacy and 
losses of customer data for this reporting period.
GRI 419: Socio Economic Compliance
419-1
Non-compliance with laws and regulations in the social
and economic area
Avient 2020 Annual Report—Form 10-K Page 57
To our knowledge, within Avient's operations, there is material compliance to all applicable laws and 
regulations in the social and economic areas.
GRI Standards Content Index 
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Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Chemicals Standard Index 
Accounting or Activity Metric
Code
Avient Disclosures
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Gross global Scope 1 emissions, percentage covered under 
emissions-limiting regulations
RT-CH-110a.1
Scope 1: 21,092 MT
Metrics and Index—People and Planet Data and Metrics
Discussion of long-term and short-term strategy or plan to manage 
Scope 1 emissions, emissions reduction targets, and an analysis of 
performance against those targets
RT-CH-110a.2
By 2030, Avient will reduce Scope 1 & 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 60% with 2019 as a baseline and achieve 
operational carbon neutrality by 2050.
2030 Sustainability Goals
Air Quality
Air emissions of the following pollutants: (1) NOX (excluding N2O), 
(2) SOX, (3) volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and (4) hazardous 
air pollutants (HAPs)
RT-CH-120a.1
1. NOx: 0.08 MT
2. SOx: 0.08 MT
3. VOCs: 40.26 MT
4. HAPs: 1.00 MT
Metrics and Index—People and Planet Data and Metrics
Energy Management
(1) Total energy consumed, (2) percentage grid electricity, (3) 
percentage renewable, (4) total self-generated energy
RT-CH-130a.1
1. Total energy: 1,547,647 GJ
2. % Grid electricity: 98.76%
3. % Renewable: 31
4. Total self-generated: 5001 GJ
Metrics and Index—People and Planet Data and Metrics
Water Management
(1) Total water withdrawn, (2) total water consumed, percentage of 
each in regions with High or Extremely High Baseline Water Stress
RT-CH-140a.1
1. Total water withdrawn: 1,309 m3
2. Percentage of total water withdrawn and consumed from regions of high water stress: 40.8%
Metrics and Index—People and Planet Data and Metrics
Number of incidents of non-compliance associated with water 
quality permits, standards, and regulations
RT-CH-140a.2
Reportable releases (above permitted limits): 0
Metrics and Index—People and Planet Data and Metrics
Description of water management risks and discussion of strategies 
and practices to mitigate those risks
RT-CH-140a.3
While water management is a critical and highly-influential topic in some industrial sectors, Avient’s operations are not 
water intensive. Normal manufacturing processes are “dry” and water use is limited to sanitary applications and process 
cooling, with closed loop recycling processes cooling dominating. Further, the vast majority of Avient sites are generally 
comparably smaller scale and located in urban or suburban areas. As such, we manage both water and biodiversity 
responsibly, and in accordance with applicable laws, but these topics do not reach the threshold of materiality compared 
with other operational areas.
Planet—Climate Change
Hazardous Waste Management
Amount of hazardous waste generated, percentage recycled
RT-CH-150a.1
1886 MT of hazardous waste was generated.
43% of hazardous waste recycled or beneficially reused.
Metrics and Index—People and Planet Data and Metrics
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Accounting or Activity Metric
Code
Avient Disclosures
Community Relations
Discussion of engagement processes to manage risks and 
opportunities associated with community interests
RT-CH-210a.1
We provide oversight and guidance with regard to how the Board and management evaluate and integrate corporate 
responsibility and sustainability into Avient’s business strategy, decision-making and stakeholder communication. This 
includes equal opportunity and respect for all people regardless of religious beliefs, age, race, gender, or sexual orientation, 
as fully explained in Avient’s Code of Conduct and its Position on Human Rights. This also includes being a passionate 
steward of our natural resources for the long-term health and vitality of our planet. 
Message from the Governance and Corporate Responsibility Committee
Part of this metric was omitted due to availability (direct and clear discussion that community interests are stakeholder interests).
Workforce Health & Safety
(1) Total recordable incident rate (TRIR) and (2) fatality rate for (a) 
direct employees and (b) contract employees
RT-CH-320a.1
1. TRIR: 0.50
2. Fatality rate for contractors and direct employees is both 0.00
Metrics and Index—People and Planet Data and Metrics
Description of efforts to assess, monitor, and reduce exposure of 
employees and contract workers to long-term (chronic) health risks
RT-CH-320a.2
As a global organization, Avient recognized the early risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. And we took action. 
Our early and consistent approach focused on protecting the health and safety of our associates, families, customers and 
communities. We consistently monitored and adhered to local government requirements and conditions everywhere we 
operate. We mobilized regional COVID Task Forces and collaboratively developed procedures then took action accordingly. 
Part of this metric was omitted due to availability (chronic health risks unrelated to COVID-19).
People—Safety First/COVID-19
Product Design for Use-phase Efficiency
Revenue from products designed for use-phase resource efficiency
RT-CH-410a.1
$790 million
Performance—Sustainable Solutions Performance
Safety & Environmental Stewardship of Chemicals
(1) Percentage of products that contain Globally Harmonized System 
of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) Category 1 and 2 
Health and Environmental Hazardous Substances, (2) percentage of 
such products that have undergone a hazard assessment
RT-CH-410b.1
1. <5% of 2020 revenue were from products classified as GHS category 1 or 2
2. 30% of GHG products have completed prioritized risk assessments
Products—Management Approach: Product Stewardship
Part of this metric was omitted due to availability (percentage of products that contain GHG category 1 and 2 substances).
Discussion of strategy to (1) manage chemicals of concern 
and (2) develop alternatives with reduced human and/or 
environmental impact
RT-CH-410b.2
The current and future focus is on continued Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) 
assessments and communication on the safe handling of these substances. Many other countries are following suit on the 
EU REACH chemicals regulation. In late 2020, we successfully completed the pre-registration for both Turkey REACH (KKDIK) 
and Eurasia REACH (EAEU-REACH). We also completed notifications associated with our European portfolio as it relates to 
the Poison Control Center Notifications. We continue to monitor risk assessments associated with the U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency’s (EPA) Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) inventory reset rule. At this time, we believe we have no 
materials subject to EPA risk assessments.
REACH reclassifications of substances as the result of European Chemical Agency (ECHA) review continues to be a challenge 
for Avient. In 2021, a raw material authorization project has been established to formalize and standardize a global 
reclassification methodology as a result of continued REACH dossier evaluations and Substances of Very High Concern 
(SVHC). In this way, we will continually monitor and measure hazardous components and products within the portfolio. 
Changes associated with REACH data evaluation has the potential to change the approval and intended use for critical raw 
materials within sensitive applications, like food, drug or medical. It is expected that this process will drive opportunities for 
sustainable replacement initiatives. By design, this project feeds into to another sustainability sub-committee and business 
unit technology initiatives regarding development of sustainable solutions.
Products—Global Chemical Management
Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Chemicals Standard Index 
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Accounting or Activity Metric
Code
Avient Disclosures
Genetically Modified Organisms
Percentage of products by revenue that contain genetically 
modified organisms (GMOs)
RT-CH-410c.1
This metric was omitted due to lack of applicability. 
Management of the Legal & Regulatory Environment
Discussion of corporate positions related to government regulations 
and/or policy proposals that address environmental and social 
factors affecting the industry
RT-CH-530a.1
Avient does not fund political parties or members of government. In the United States, employees at Avient have made use 
of their right to establish a Political Action Committee (PAC), which is a voluntary, federally registered employee association 
that collects donations for political purposes and decides how these are used, in accordance with U.S. law. 
Planet—Community Service
Operational Safety, Emergency Preparedness & Response
Process Safety Incidents Count (PSIC), Process Safety Total Incident 
Rate (PSTIR), and Process Safety Incident Severity Rate (PSISR)
RT-CH-540a.1
1. PSIC: 0
2. PSTIR: 0.00
3. PSISR: 0.00 
Metrics and Index—People and Planet Data and Metrics
Number of transport incidents
RT-CH-540a.2
0
Metrics and Index—People and Planet Data and Metrics
Activity Metric
Production by reportable segment
RT-CH-000.A
Revenue by Geography and End Market: 
Geography: 50% US/Canada, 26% Europe, 16% Asia, 8% Latin America
End Market: 23% Consumer, 21% Packaging, 15% Healthcare, 15% Industrial,  10% Transportation, 6% Wire and Cable, 6% 
Building and Construction, 4% Electrical and Electronics
Part of this metric was omitted due to lack of availability (production, in units, per reportable segment).
Who We Are—Revenue by Geography and End Market
Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Chemicals Standard Index 
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Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) Index 
Recommended Disclosure
Avient Disclosures
Governance
Describe the board’s oversight of climate-related risks and opportunities
Message from the Governance and Corporate Responsibility Committee
Planet—Climate Change 
2020 CDP Climate Change Response—C1.1b
Describe management’s role in assessing and managing climate-related risks and opportunities
People—Management Approach EH&S                                  
Planet—Protecting Our Planet; Climate Change
2020 CDP Climate Change Response—C1.2, C1.2a
Strategy
Describe the climate-related risks and opportunities the organization has identified over the short, medium, and 
long term
2020 CDP Climate Change Response—C2.1, C2.2C, C2.3a, C2.4a 
Describe the impact of climate-related risks and opportunities on the organization’s businesses, strategy, and 
financial planning
2020 CDP Climate Change Response—C2.5, C2.6 
Describe the resilience of the organization’s strategy, taking into consideration different climate-related 
scenarios, including a 2°C or lower scenario
2020 CDP Climate Change Response—C3.1a, C3.1g 
Risk Management
Describe the organization’s processes for identifying and assessing climate-related risks
Planet—Climate Change 
2020 CDP Climate Change Response—C2.2, C2.2a, C2.2b
Describe the organization’s processes for managing climate-related risks
Planet—Climate Change 
2020 Climate Change Response—C2.2, C2.2d
Describe how processes for identifying, assessing and managing climate-related risks are integrated into the 
organization’s overall risk management
Planet—Climate Change 
2020 CDP Climate Change Response—C2.2, C3.1c
Metrics & Targets
Disclose the metrics used by the organization to assess climate-related risks and opportunities in line with its 
strategy and risk management process
Planet—Climate Change 
2020 CDP Climate Change Response—C6.1, C6.2, C6.3, C6.5
Disclose Scope 1, Scope 2 and, if appropriate, Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions and the related risks
Metrics and Index—People and Planet Data and Metrics
Planet—Climate Change 
2020 CDP Climate Change Response—C6.1, C6.2, C6.3, C6.5
Describe the targets used by the organization to manage climate-related risks and opportunities and 
performance against targets
Metrics and Index—People and Planet Data and Metrics
2030 Sustainability Goals
2020 CDP Climate Change Response—C4
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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures (Unaudited) 
 (Dollars in millions, except for per share data) 
 
Below is a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. The following pro forma 
adjustments are referenced by management to provide comparable business performance by incorporating the Clariant Masterbatch business in periods prior to the acquisition date (July 1, 
2020). Financial information referenced here is provided to aid in reconciling back to the most comparable GAAP figures.  
 
Year Ended 
December 31, 2020 
 
Year Ended 
December 31, 2019 
Reconciliation of Pro Forma 
Adjusted Earnings per Share 
Avient 
 
Special 
Items(1) 
Adjusted 
Avient 
 
Clariant MB  
Pro Forma 
Adjustments(2)  
Pro Forma 
Adjusted 
Avient 
 
Avient 
 
Special 
Items(1) 
 
Adjusted 
Avient 
 
Clariant MB  
Pro Forma 
Adjustments(2)  
Pro Forma 
Adjusted 
Avient 
Sales 
$ 
3,242.1    $ 
—   $ 
3,242.1    $ 
540.4    $ 
3,782.5    $ 
2,862.7    $ 
—    $ 
2,862.7    $ 
1,118.6    $ 
3,981.3  
Operating income 
$ 
189.3    $ 
73.7   $ 
263.0    $ 
45.0    $ 
308.0    $ 
156.8    $ 
71.7    $ 
228.5    $ 
72.9    $ 
301.4  
Interest expense, net 
(74.6)   
10.1   
(64.5)   
(18.1)   
(82.6)   
(59.5)   
—    
(59.5)   
(33.4)   
(92.9) 
Other income, net 
24.3    
(17.6)  
6.7    
—    
6.7    
12.1    
(10.0)   
2.1    
—    
2.1  
Income taxes 
(5.2)   
(41.4)  
(46.6)   
(6.2)   
(52.8)   
(33.7)   
(5.9)   
(39.6)   
(9.1)   
(48.7) 
Net income attributable to 
noncontrolling interests 
(1.8)   
—   
(1.8)   
—    
(1.8)   
(0.2)   
—    
(0.2)   
—    
(0.2) 
Net income from continuing 
operations attributable to 
Avient shareholders 
$ 
132.0    $ 
24.8   $ 
156.8    $ 
20.7    $ 
177.5    $ 
75.5    $ 
55.8    $ 
131.3    $ 
30.4    $ 
161.7  
Weighted average diluted shares 
 
90.6     
 
  
 
 
77.7  
Impact to diluted shares from January 2020 equity offering 
 
1.5     
 
  
 
 
15.3  
Pro forma weighted average diluted shares 
 
92.1     
 
  
 
 
93.0  
Pro forma adjusted EPS 
 $ 
1.93     
 
  
 
 $ 
1.74  
 
(1) Special items include charges related to specific strategic initiatives or financial restructuring such as: consolidation of operations; debt extinguishment costs; costs incurred directly in relation 
to acquisitions or divestitures; employee separation costs resulting from personnel reduction programs, plant realignment costs, executive separation agreements; asset impairments; 
settlement gains or losses and mark-to-market adjustments associated with actuarial gains and losses on pension and other post-retirement benefit plans; environmental remediation costs, 
fines, penalties and related insurance recoveries related to facilities no longer owned or closed in prior years; gains and losses on the divestiture of operating businesses, joint ventures and 
equity investments; gains and losses on facility or property sales or disposals; results of litigation, fines or penalties, where such litigation (or action relating to the fines or penalties) arose 
prior to the commencement of the performance period; one-time, non-recurring items; and the effect of changes in accounting principles or other such laws or provisions affecting reported 
results. 
(2) Pro forma adjustments for the periods prior to the acquisition date (July 1, 2020) and to give effects to the financing for the acquisition 
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This report contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements will give current expectations or forecasts of future events 
and are not guarantees of future performance. They are based on management’s expectation and involve a number of business risks 
and uncertainties, any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking 
statement. Some of these risks and uncertainties can be found in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 
While Avient believes all information in this report is accurate, such information is made without any warranty or guarantee and shall 
establish no legal duty on the part of Avient, its subsidiaries and affiliates. Sustainability metrics represent 2020 data or 12-month 
approximate values based on available data from reporting facilities and are often made in reliance on third-party supplier information.
Challenge Accepted.
2020 Sustainability Report
AVIENT.COM