Sustainability – thinking in the long term

Taking care of the environment, society and the long-term perspective of the company is called sustainability – but for us it is a matter of course. We take responsibility for sustainability within our sphere of influence. From recycling to employee welfare, from renewable energy to apprenticeships. Because we are very concerned about maintaining a functioning company, a stable society and an intact environment for future generations. We are convinced that this also makes us strong as a company for the future.

Our contribution to a greener future

At PMA/TOOLS AG, we are dedicated to actively shaping a sustainable future. We see it as our responsibility to identify opportunities and turn them into concrete actions. In our sustainability report, we document the progress we have made so far and highlight the steps – large and small – that we are taking to contribute to greater sustainability.

Sustainability report 2023

We take responsibility

Resources in the cycle

We are committed to recycling and conserving resources. For example, a frequently used roll of our packaging machine has been made of 100% recycled film for some time now, which reduces CO₂ emissions by around half. Excess material is recycled and we do not use outer packaging for products that do not require packaging. We also allow customers to use their own containers – for less waste and more sustainability.

Digital instead of paper – sustainable and efficient

We have been using digital invoices since autumn 2023, saving 198 kg of paper every year. This switch not only reduces paper consumption, but also the use of envelopes, postage and transport costs. At the same time, we are protecting the environment by using fewer toner cartridges and toxic materials. With 3,000 pages saved per month, we are reducing our paper consumption by two thirds.

Electric on the move

Our mobility management is part of our sustainability strategy. In 2020 we converted a first part of our fleet to e-vehicles and installed nine own charging stations with 99 kW charging power. Our focus on e-mobility has only just begun: In 2021, we added a further charging station and in 2023 another six were installed. In future, too, we will boost the conversion to environmentally friendly resources and will enlarge the share of e-vehicles in our fleet.

Avoiding waste, disposing of residues in an environmentally friendly manner

We also pay attention to sustainability when it comes to waste: before something is thrown away, re-using it is very important to us. And we make no compromises when it comes to recycling. We recycle in accordance with § 7 paragraph 1 of the German Packaging Act in the Dual System Zentec, a professional partner.

Disposal certificate

Solar energy from our own sources

We are not satisfied with just buying green electricity. Our aim is to use as much electricity as possible from our own production. This is why we have installed a 2,300 sqm photovoltaic system on our new building in 2020, thus actively promoting the expansion of renewable energies. In 2022, we have enlarged our system by 480 sqm which enables us to cover a further part of our electricity demand on our own.

Our environmental certificate for green electricity from water power:

Environmental electricity certificate

2,780

m² photovoltaic system

1,050

solar modules
…….

181

t CO₂ emissions 2023 avoided
…….

17

charging points for e-vehicles
…….

89,000

kWh 2023 saved
…….

Delivery note bags made of paper

Our delivery note bags are now green and made of paper. We save 66 kg of plastic per month with this change. These and similar projects are tackled by our team of apprentices and trainers. In the Smart & Green working group, they address questions like “Where can we save packaging material?” or “How can we separate our waste even better?”
Sometimes the solution is quite simple, but some topics are very complex and require cross-departmental research. This also gives our trainees the opportunity to get to know project-related work.

Adhesive paper tape

A few months ago, the Smart & Green team decided to abandon the classic plastic tape roll when sealing our shipping boxes and instead use the environmentally friendly alternative made of paper.

This change saves around 122 kg of plastic per year based upon equivalent usage.

Together for a more colourful environment

We will transform our open spaces into a wildflower meadow. A great iniative for environmental protection and biodiversity: a place for bees, butterflies and co.