Sustainability

We generate values for generations

We believe that economic success and sustainability are not contradictory but complement each other positively. We are convinced that sustainable business models outperform in the long term.

Since foundation, we mind our responsibility for employees, society, and the environment, and create sustainable value for generations to come:

Environmental

We owe it to ourselves and future generations to conserve our planet’s resources and fight climate change.

  • Our companies are continuously improving their supply chains and operations for less waste, less energy, reduced and cleaner emissions.
  • Many of our companies with their product and solution offerings help their clients to become more eco-friendly.
  • We reduce business travel to a minimum, encourage remote work, and establish and maintain paperless, digital processes.

Social

Our success is based on the commitment and performance of our employees. We therefore attach particular importance to their well-being and motivation.

  • We continuously improve working conditions to always ensure the health and safety of our employees.
  • We want to make our employees successful, relying on their personal strengths. We create the basis for this and offer flat hierarchies, meaningful goals, fair and transparent remuneration, and work-life balance.
  • We promote diversity and inclusion and want to give everyone the same opportunities to join and evolve in our Group.
  • Innovation is in our focus to make companies competitive again and to create good jobs. Unfortunately, in some cases staff reductions are unavoidable, but always as a last resort to preserve jobs in the long term, not to increase returns

Governance

Our corporate governance is committed to integrity and compliance with internationally recognized standards. We are mindful of the impact of our business activities.

  • We act independently of capital markets or short-term oriented external investors seeking a quick exit.
  • We do not burden our group companies with excessive holding fees and only payout dividends if this does not jeopardize financial stability.
  • We bear responsibility towards our employees and other stakeholders and stand by our companies, especially in difficult times.
  • We respect human rights, fair labor and competitive conditions, at all times. Inhumane working conditions, corruption or fraud have no place in our company and are not tolerated by us in any form.