In practical terms, this is reflected in a wide range of measures. All electricity is already sourced from renewable energy sources; in addition, eight photovoltaic systems covering an area of around 10,000 square metres generate part of the electricity required. In a new building, a fully renewable energy supply was even achieved through a combination of photovoltaic systems and wood chip heating. At the same time, the company is investing in heat recovery, energy monitoring and modern plant technology to continuously reduce electricity, gas and water consumption.
Circular economy instead of wasting resources
Another key focus is on waste prevention. New packaging concepts save around 220 tonnes of PET, 100 tonnes of cardboard and six tonnes of plastic film each year. Optimised transport packaging also enables better utilisation of lorries, resulting in fewer journeys and lower CO₂ emissions. Production residues are also put to good use: fatty components from the company’s wastewater do not end up as waste, but are processed in biogas plants to produce renewable energy and nutrient-rich fertiliser. This creates closed material cycles in which valuable resources are preserved.
“For us, sustainability means scrutinising every step along the value chain – from energy use and packaging right through to the circular economy. Each measure may seem small in itself, but taken together they make an important contribution to the environment, the company and society,” confirms Managing Director Wolfgang Hochreiter.
The added value for the region
It is not only the company itself that benefits from these measures. The use of renewable energy, investment in regional heating systems and collaboration with local partners strengthen local value creation and foster economic stability. At the same time, lower energy consumption, reduced waste and modern wastewater treatment technology lead to a lower environmental impact.
Employees are also actively involved. For example, the company supports them in choosing sustainable energy solutions for their own homes, promotes environmental awareness in their day-to-day work and provides charging facilities for electric vehicles at all sites. As a result, sustainability does not end at the factory gate, but extends into employees’ private lives.
#schongenial – it’s brilliant when sustainable measures benefit the environment, the economy and society at the same time, thereby creating multiple benefits.
