Sustainability
KRAHN Chemie wants to create sustainable value for both suppliers and customers and we recognize that a sustainable future is only achievable with the cooperation of all participants along the entire value chain. As a proactive partner and facilitator, it is important for us to communicate the needs of our customers to our suppliers and to provide all partners with knowledge, services and relevant products as they look towards more sustainable practices.
Becoming more sustainable – your inspirational partner.
We focus on credibility, competence and our product portfolio. What does this mean?
Credibility: We want to be a trustworthy partner to you.
We do so by continuously developing our sustainability culture. We measure and manage our impact on the environment and society, ensuring ethical business practices.
Competence: We want to provide added value to you.
To do this, we invest in continuously growing and updating our sustainability knowledge, including knowledge on circularity, Life Cycle Assessments and legislation.
Portfolio: We support the development of products that are safe and sustainable by design.
This is why we constantly develop our products and services portfolios to better support you in your sustainability transition.
Always in view: the UN Sustainable Development Goals
As an internationally operating company, we are aware of our responsibility and want to preserve the world for future generations. Therefore, KRAHN Chemie strives for sustainable, long-term growth with consideration for resources and the environment. In doing so, we are guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations' Agenda 2030. Where we can make a positive difference, we will.
What we are already implementing
At KRAHN Chemie, our sustainability approach influences our activities in almost all areas. In doing so, we take into account with importance the three dimensions of sustainable development: economic, social and environmental. Here are a few examples:
Portfolio and market
More awareness for sustainability
Regarding sustainability, we “practice what we preach”. In order to put the KRAHN Chemie sustainability vision into practice, all KRAHN employees receive extensive and continuous sustainability training. Not only have we developed an internal sustainability onboarding training concept consisting of three individual workshops, we also hold Sustainability Office Hours, that are regularly attended by all our employees. Therein, we invite exciting external speakers to share sound background knowledge. Also, we seek dialog with our network partners such as producers, suppliers, customers and educational institutions. This is how we choose to anchor sustainability awareness even more broadly.
More sustainability in the product portfolio
We actively work with our partners to create and promote new innovative products. Fundamental to this is a data-driven approach, where we aim to improve circularity (recycled content, recyclability, bio-based & renewables, durability), resulting in environmental and performance advantages at the end product. This means, we focus on advancing products that are safe and sustainable by design, delivering reduced greenhouse gas emissions and minimized environmental impact, while maintaining excellent performance.
More services for customers and suppliers
For customers and suppliers, KRAHN Chemie has designed various services around the topic of sustainability. From the development of closed-loop recycling systems to the preparation of life cycle assessments, environmental product declarations and sustainability workshops that put the topic on our partners' internal agenda.
More legal knowledge
National and international legislation along with industry-specific regulatory guidelines on sustainable development repeatedly pose challenges to companies. KRAHN Chemie offers its suppliers and customers advice and expertise in this regard.
More recycling
KRAHN Chemie can draw on the diverse specialist know-how that exists within the Otto Krahn Group for the benefit of its customers. These synergies also include the innovative recycling technologies in the open or closed loop process of polymers. After all, old plastics are not waste, but should be returned to the material cycle.
Planet
More renewable energy
Wherever possible, KRAHN Chemie aims to reduce consumption and use electricity from renewable sources. This is already the case at the German sites in Hamburg and Bottrop. Moreover, KRAHN Chemie Benelux has been using solar panels for many years and any additional energy consumed is from a renewable source. Other sites will follow.
More resource protection
KRAHN Chemie also makes an important contribution to resource protection with its environmental management. The environmental protection management system is certified according to ISO 14001.
Less GHG emissions
The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions plays a central role in the KRAHN Chemie commitment to sustainability. Many measures for the ongoing reduction of direct and indirect GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions are already being implemented. We follow the principles of the GHG Protocol and calculate our value-adding emissions. This includes Scope 1 (direct emissions within the company boundaries), Scope 2 (indirect emissions from the generation of energy consumed by the company) and some Scope 3 categories. When it comes to monitoring Scope 3 emissions (other indirect emissions that occur in the company's value chain), the figures available so far are for business travel, commuting, waste, hardware, paper and water consumption. We are continuously working with our partners to identify further significant Scope 3 emissions. We are also working to obtain data for the Product Carbon Footprint of our portfolio, as well as our Logistics emissions.
Less business travel
We are raising awareness among our employees to continue to make greater use of digital media to avoid unnecessary travel. KRAHN Chemie offsets unavoidable air travel and car journeys via a renowned non-profit organization.
More biodiversity
These include KRAHN Chemie-installed beehives in its Benelux offices and laboratory in Bottrop to improve local biodiversity. The insects make a valuable contribution to biodiversity in their search for pollen and nectar – as well as producing delicious honey.
People
Fair pay, equality and inclusion
As part of a family-owned company built upon the virtues of fairness, reliability and decency, KRAHN Chemie is committed to its employees in many ways: Fair pay is important to us whilst equality and diversity are not just buzzwords in our business – they are lived every day.
Professional and personal development
We have set up the Employee Development Dialogue (EDD) for the professional and personal development of our employees. This is not just about teaching, it is also about competencies such as learning or implementation skills. Our global mobility program "New Horizons" also focuses on employee development and offers opportunities to work abroad to experience new cultures and broaden individual horizons.
Health, safety and environment monitoring
To reduce the risk of accidents and injuries for all employees, we have introduced an HSE (Health, Safety and Environment) reporting system worldwide. The global approach enables us to identify potential improvements and implement them universally.
Compliance culture and our whistleblowing policy
Our Code of Conduct defines a system of values that serve as a guideline on ethical behavior in working life for all employees. Regular compliance training helps to further strengthen the good compliance culture. Compliance is taken seriously at KRAHN Chemie and employees are encouraged to report any concerns in confidence and with anonymity.
Supplier audit
Throughout the value chain, KRAHN Chemie only works with those who meet the compliance requirements of the Supply Chain Sourcing Obligations Act. In this way, we contribute to improving the protection of environmental and human rights.
Sustainability Services
Are you interested in our sustainability services? Have a look on our Sustainability Services site.
