HERMA GreenMission
As a company with a presence on the market for nearly 120 years and which has continuously been in family ownership, we know the value of sustainability with its full significance.
We always make fundamental decisions with future generations in mind. This is why our relationships with shareholders, employees, customers, suppliers, partners and the communities in which we and our subsidiaries are located have always been defined on the basis of sustainability.
By joining the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) in 2022, HERMA has once again reinforced its commitment to responsible corporate governance.
The same applies to the environment and resources. A separate mission statement was already dedicated to the environment in the corporate mission statements that are still valid today.
The environmental and energy policy is another important building block for the sustainable development of the entire HERMA Group.
Environmental and energy policy of the HERMA Group
HERMA Sustainability Report
You can find out more about our sustainability strategy and activities, our goals, milestones and progress in the HERMA Sustainability Report 2023.
Initiatives & cooperative partnerships
As one of the first companies in the industry, HERMA started in 2013 to have its energy management regularly certified in accordance with the ISO 50001 global standard. The HERMA 2030 corporate strategy, adopted in 2022, is now taking a major step forward. In addition to innovation and digitisation, sustainability is of prime importance. By joining the UNGC, HERMA is also committed to responsible corporate governance in accordance with the ten defined UNGC principles and the 17 sustainable development goals. They constitute an important reference framework for the sustainability strategy.
We are a member of the world's largest sustainability initiative: the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC).
In this way, we are committed to responsible corporate governance in accordance with the ten defined UNGC principles and the sustainable development goals (SDG). They also play an important role in the development of the HERMA sustainability strategy.
Companies in the UNGC report annually on their progress in implementing the principles in the areas of human rights, labour standards, environmental protection and the fight against corruption.
We participate in the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi). On the basis of scientifically justified climate goals, companies undertake as part of the SBTi to adopt measures voluntarily that are actually necessary to limit the further increase in global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by the year 2100 – compared to the pre-industrial level of 1850.
The specifications of the SBTi are significantly more ambitious and binding that many general climate declarations. These are often only based on what is currently deemed feasible. The SBTi is guided by what is absolutely necessary. More than 3,000 companies worldwide have already joined the SBTi.
HERMA has been awarded a gold medal by EcoVadis for its achievements in the area of corporate social responsibility (CSR).
For the 5th time now, we have been evaluated in the four areas of the environment, employment and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement. Our customers can use EcoVadis’ online platform to find out exactly how HERMA performed in the audit.
Through our continuous improvement process, we confront these challenges time and time again on a daily basis.
A sustainable future for everyone
“HERMA is committed to doing everything in its power to achieve the 1.5 degree goal. With a clear vision and concrete measures, we actively engage in climate protection. In this way, we also make a contribution to ensuring a sustainable future for the generations to come. As Chief Sustainability Officer, I am proud to be part of a company that is resolutely confronting this challenge.”
Marcus Gablowski – Chief Sustainability Officer
Our sustainability strategy
In light of the threatening climate scenarios, our primary ambition is as follows: To develop, procure, produce and supply products and services without leaving an environmental footprint, thereby contributing to the decarbonisation of the packaging industry. The considerate use of finite natural resources and the preservation of functioning ecosystems are just as important, especially with regard to future generations. However, we continue to regard sustainability as a considerable task: In view of the enormous challenges, this can only be done in close coordination with partners such as customers, suppliers and scientific institutions. At the same time, it is important to promote sustainable thinking and action as well as health and safety in our own company through information, training and creating awareness.
Reduce, mitigate, adapt
In order to make an effective contribution to climate protection, we want, for example to completely replace fossil fuels by 2040, to significantly increase our energy efficiency and to generate part of the green electricity ourselves.
Raw material, energy, resources
Accepting responsibility for the environment means making careful use of raw materials and materials. We therefore want to increase our recycling rate, use alternative and more sustainable raw materials and reduce waste.
Materials, processes, products
We help our customers achieve their sustainability goals. We create solutions, reduce material use and optimise recycling processes, always in cooperation with customers, supplier, scientific institutions and technology providers.
Awareness, support
Sustainability also always focuses on the company’s own employees. Enhancing occupation health management and achieving the best possible occupational safety is just as important as an information-based sustainability culture.
Commitment to the 1.5°C goal1
According to the UN Climate Agreement, global warming is to be limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius by the year 2100 - compared to the pre-industrial level of 1850. In order to achieve this, only a certain amount of greenhouse gases can be emitted worldwide.
We are committed to this goal and therefore participate in the Science Based Targets initiative. It was created by well-known, independent organisations, namely the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the World Resources Institute (WRI), the conservation organisation WWF and the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).
On the basis of the SBTI targets, we need to reduce our own emissions by more than 42 percent by 2030, while at the same time growing our company. We also contribute to reducing the indirect emissions generated by our suppliers by more than 25 percent. We report the necessary measures and progress to SBTI annually.
1According to the 2015 UN Climate Agreement
Validation of climate targets by SBTi
The validation of our ambitious climate targets has been announced by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). By being recognized by the SBTi, we are committed to significantly reducing our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in both the direct and indirect areas and thus making an important contribution to combating climate change.
The approved climate targets are as follows:
Reduction of absolute greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 42% by 2030, starting from the base year 2021, in line with the 1.5°C climate target
Reduction of absolute Scope 3 emissions from purchased goods and services and end-of-life treatment of sold products by 30% by 2030
Reduction of absolute Scope 3 emissions from upstream transportation and distribution by 25 % by 2030
Carbon neutrality by 2040*
In order to achieve our key goal of carbon neutrality* by 2040, we are heralding the end of all fossil fuels and forging ahead with electrification with green electricity. The time frame includes two important states: the period up to 2030 and then up to 2040. By 2030, we want to reduce our own CO2 emissions in this way by more than 42 percent (compared to 2021). In order to achieve this goal, electricity is used from 100 percent renewable energy sources such as wind or hydroelectric power or photovoltaics. Within seven years, the aim is for the share of electricity in HERMA's energy mix to increase from just over 25 percent to at least 50 percent and the share of gas to decrease to less than 50 percent. In some instances, electricity also generates the heat and steam needed for the production processes. As electricity is also more energy efficient than gas, the transition also supports our climate goals. HERMA will invest a double-digit sum by 2030 to achieve these climate goals. This also includes associated measures such as ongoing efforts to optimise the efficiency of all drives, for example for production machinery, pumps and ventilation systems, as well as starting to generate our own electricity using a photovoltaic system.
At the same time, HERMA is committed in its sustainability strategy to reducing CO2 emissions throughout the entire supply chain by more than 25 percent by 2030 (compared to 2021). We will continuously liaise with our suppliers to determine how to achieve this goal.
*HERMA understands the term carbon neutrality to mean avoiding and reducing CO2 emissions in its own sphere of influence (Scope 1+2+3) as much as possible as well offsetting the remaining, unavoidable emissions. No direct reference to the SBTi targets.
Our path to carbon neutrality
The goal of reducing our emissions by more than 42 percent by 2030 will be achieved primarily by electrifying our processes on the basis of green electricity. In addition, we are starting to generate solar power. The corresponding solar panels will be installed on the roof of our new coating plant.
Electrification
with green electricity
Own solar power
generation
Carbon neutral
fleet
Replacement of fossil fuels by 2040 at the latest
Sustainable development goals (SDGs)
With regard to the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs), we focus with our sustainability strategy on six areas in which we can make a significant sustainable contribution.
Affordable and clean energy
- Increase the share of green electricity in the entire HERMA Group to 100% by 2025
- Produce at least two percent of the renewable energy ourselves by 2030
- Increase the share of waste heat used in the total energy consumption to at least 13.8% by 2030
Decent work and economic growth
- Reduce the LTIR accident rate to below 12 by 2030
- Provide ergonomic resources for all workplaces by 2027
- Achieve the goal of more than 650 participants using the occupation health management services
- Investments in the transformation to a carbon neutral company by 2030
Industry, innovation and infrastructure
- Support the sustainability goals of our customers through more than 70% of the product developments in the Self-adhesive Materials Division by 2030
- Functional support for the circular economy through 25% of our products by 2030
Responsible consumption and production
- Reduce specific residual materials in the production of self-adhesive materials by more than 15% by 2030 (compared to 2021)
- At least 65% recycling of the of remaining waste by 2030
- Reduce the packaging weight by more than 15% and/or increase the recycled content of packaging materials to more than 65% by 2030 in each case
Climate action
- Achieve net zero emissions* by 2040, including taking indirect emissions into considerable and offsetting unavoidable emissions
- Reduce our own carbon footprint by more than 42% by 2030 (compared to 2021)
- Reduce our indirect CO2 emissions by more than 25% by 2030 (compared to 2021)
- A commitment to achieve the 1.5°C goal through participation in the Science-based Target Initiative (SBTi)
*HERMA understands the term net zero emissions to mean avoiding and reducing CO2 emissions in its own sphere of influence (Scope 1+2+3) as much as possible as well offsetting the remaining, unavoidable emissions. No direct reference to the SBTi targets
Life on land
- From the end of 2025, we will only process paper made of certified fresh fibres
- By 2030, the proportion of foils or adhesives made of recycled or organic-based material will be increased to 40% (foils) or 10% (adhesives)
Make a mark
"Our goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040 may seem ambitious but it is feasible with a clearly defined strategy. I am convinced of this: By resolutely addressing each step and each individual measure, we can pave the way for a sustainable future."
Dr. Guido Spachtholz – Managing Director
HERMAgreenFacts
Site in harmony with nature, sustainable solutions
Zum Interagieren ziehen
Company’s own photovoltaic system, installation planned for 2024
Thanks to the approx. 1,200 panels, we expect a yield of 500,000 kWh per year. This would allow 60 average electric cars to drive 50,000 kilometres. The company's own consumption of the electricity that it generates probably amounts to over 85 percent.
Efficient combined heating, cooling and power (CHCP) system
We use it to generate electricity, heating and cooling with extremely high efficiency. The intelligent control system regulates the proportion of heating and cooling as necessary, both for production and for the adjoining office areas
22 charging stations for electric vehicles
11 double charging stations for charging with green electricity, which HERMA in Filderstadt has exclusively been using for years. An important step towards a Co2-neutral fleet
Meadow orchard with robust apple varieties
Eight climate-resistant apple trees. They not only take into account the regional character and the design that is in harmony with nature. The microclimate around a tree is bearable even on hot summer days – thanks to the 2°C natural cooling effect within an area of a few metres. Not to mention the edible yield.
Bird avenue with nesting aids for black redstarts, spotted flycatchers, nuthatches and other species
Handmade by the inclusive Evangelical Jenaplan School in Mössingen. A contribution to more living space for our feathered friends.
Wildflower meadow with (almost) year-round food for insects and birds
500 square metres of flowering plants containing nectar and pollen that bloom throughout the year. In this way, we are supporting the network of “landing spots” for insects and birds. The wildflower meadow provides food for them throughout the year. It also looks good.
Green roof areas improve the local climate
They absorb the precipitation and gradually release it again through evaporation. This lowers the temperature and helps to prevent heat islands. In the event of heavy rain, planted roof areas also act like a sponge by retaining water and taking the pressure of the sewer system.
Our sustainability highlights
Highlights 2025
First gold medal from EcoVadis
HERMA was awarded a gold medal for the first time in the EcoVadis sustainability audit. This puts us in the top 5 percent. Thanks to our continuous improvement process, we face new challenges every day.
Sustainability report 2023
For the first sustainability report, which is based on the Global Reporting Initiative Standard (GRI), the data and information was researched and prepared and the report is being finalised.
SBTI-validated targets
HERMA has announced the validation of its own ambitious climate targets by the SBTi. With the recognition by the SBTi, HERMA commits to significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Targets defined on this page.
Start of implementation of the energy transformation concept
HERMA has commissioned the first major measures as part of the energy transformation concept. These include the connection to a stronger electricity grid and partial electrification of process heat. This is backed by high investments.
Another silver medal from EcoVadis
Despite stricter criteria, HERMA once again won a silver medal in the EcoVadis sustainability audit. This puts HERMA in the top 12 percent of companies audited by EcoVadis in the last 12 months.
Double materiality analysis according to CSRD
By preparing a double materiality analysis, HERMA has created an important basis for the future mandatory EU sustainability reporting in accordance with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
Photovoltaic system for your own green electricity
With the installation of a large-scale photovoltaic system, HERMA has created the conditions for generating its own green electricity. The amount of solar power generated is sufficient to cover around an eighth of Plant 2's requirements.
New waste concept for significantly higher recycling rates
With the aim of increasing the recycling of residual materials from 32% (2023) to 65% (2030) and promoting the circular economy, HERMA has retendered all waste disposal services. The internal sorting of waste materials has also been refined.
Second UNGC progress report
Als Mitglied des United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), der weltweit größten Initiative für Nachhaltigkeit, hat HERMA den zweiten Fortschrittbericht zu Menschenrechten, Arbeitsnormen, Umweltschutz und Korruptionsbekämpfung vorgelegt.
Increased education on occupational safety
HERMA is launching an occupational safety campaign, as many accidents are behavior-related. Information, posters and videos are intended to raise awareness of risk minimization. The reporting system was also improved in order to optimize preventive measur
Sustainability report
For the first sustainability report, which is based on the Global Reporting Initiative Standard (GRI), the data and information was researched and prepared and the report is being finalised.
Electrification with green electricity
HERMA created an energy concept for further electrification with green electricity, initially for the period up to 2030. Initial measures are already being implemented and detailed planning has been conducted for further measures.
Participation in the Science Based Target Initiative
HERMA participates in the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi). On the basis of scientifically justified climate goals, companies to adopt measures that are necessary to limit the increase in global warming.
Determination of the carbon footprint
We have expanded the tools to determine our carbon footprint at company level. We have started to record the first product carbon footprints (PCFs) – on a primary data basis – in order to provide a meaningful development basis
Resource-friendly waste concept
Based on the sustainability strategy, HERMA started to compile a detailed waste concept to conserve resources and use residual materials in accordance with the sustainability hierarchy
United Nations Global Compact
In 2022, HERMA joined the world's largest sustainability initiative: the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC). The first progress report was already compiled in 2023
Chief Sustainability Officer
The position of Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) and the Sustainability Management department was created.
Sustainability strategy
The first independent sustainability strategy was created during the course of 2022.
Site in harmony with nature
HERMA participates in the "UnternehmensNatur" (CorporateNature) project, which was initiated by the Nature And Biodiversity Conservation Union Germany (Nabu) and has established a meadow orchard and wildflower meadow and instal
United Nations Global Compact
HERMA has joined the world's largest sustainability initiative: the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC).
EcoVadis sustainability audit
In the EcoVadis sustainability audit, HERMA has received a silver medal for the first time in its third year of participation.
Environmental management certification
Preparations have started for the environmental management certification in accordance with ISO 14001. The certification is scheduled to be completed by early 2025.
Our products make an important contribution
One of our most important ambitions is as follows: We want to specifically support our customers in achieving their sustainability goals:
For many years, we have therefore been creating innovative and practical solutions that satisfy every relevant stage of the sustainability hierarchy.
- We find new ways to reduce material use and emissions ("Reduce")
- We optimise the reuse of reusable containers ("Reuse")
- We optimise the longevity of machinery, promote recycling and closed-loop processes and expedite the use of recycled materials ("Recycle")
- We enable the sensible recovery of materials ("Recover")
Learn more about our solutions for self-adhesive materials, labels and labelling machines.
You still have questions about sustainability at HERMA?
Then we will be glad to assist you.
Just send us an email: nachhaltigkeit(at)herma.de
Your HERMA Sustainability Team
