Responsibility for the environment
From sustainable raw material to environmentally friendly packaging
We take great responsibility for the environment when manufacturing our products. For us, sustainable management is not a static goal, but an ongoing process characterised by learning, improvements and adjustments.
We make an important contribution to environmental protection through the use of recycled and renewable raw materials and the high recyclability of our packaging.
At the same time, we are continuously improving our environmental profile by utilising raw materials efficiently, treating water carefully, generating energy responsibly and reducing emissions.
For example, we already generate more than half of the electricity we consume (58% in 2022) ourselves and are continuously reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. Our use of recyclable materials and waste is another important element in protecting the environment - now and in the future.
Your partner for sustainable solutions
A holistic approach
At Klingele, we take a comprehensive approach that involves our internal teams, external partners and stakeholders. We know that ambitious sustainability goals can only be achieved through close collaboration, open dialogue and joint efforts. By pooling our resources with those of our partners, we strive to achieve positive environmental, social and economic results.
Innovative packaging development
When developing our packaging, we prioritise customer benefit and environmental protection. We continuously optimise our packaging concepts with regard to the use of materials and the conservation of resources. Our goal always remains the same: to harmonise sustainability with the needs of our customers.
Sustainable production
Sustainable production is a central component of our strategy. By investing in modern technologies, we minimise our environmental impact and strengthen our innovative power. In doing so, we consistently focus on resource conservation and the circular economy, which offers both ecological benefits and added value for our customers.
Key Facts Ecology
Raw materials and resources
Responsible use of raw materials and resources takes centre stage for us
By carefully optimising all steps in the value chain - from raw material extraction to production and recycling - we make a significant contribution to the circular economy.
Paper
In 2022, we processed around 530,000 tonnes of waste paper into Corrugated cardboard. We produce 100% recycled paper at our locations in Weener and Strasbourg. In Nova Campina, 30% of the fibres are made from recycled paper and the remaining 70% from virgin fibres.
Corrugated cardboard
Corrugated cardboard is produced in our sheet plant and our corrugated cardboard plants. Of the approximately 380,000 tonnes of corrugated cardboard that we processed in 2022, around 170,000 tonnes came from our own paper mills.
Packaging
Our packaging is produced in the processing and corrugated cardboard plants. We use 174 tonnes of glue and 870 tonnes of printing ink in the production process at these locations.
Renewable and non-renewable raw materials
96.57% of our raw materials are renewable, including fibres (recycled or new) and starch. The remaining 3.43% comes from non-renewable sources such as dyes, chemicals, glues, adhesives and printing inks.
Water
Efficient water management
We continuously optimise our water requirements and operate our own water treatment plants at the Nova Campina, Weener and Strasbourg locations.
The Klingele Group's production sites draw almost 13 million cubic metres of water every year. To ensure responsible use, we monitor and analyse our water consumption in detail, including the use of surface and groundwater as well as rainwater collection.
26.9 % of the water withdrawn is consumed during production, the remaining 73.1 % is discharged.
Energy
Sustainable energy generation and utilisation
Over 90% of our total electricity requirements are needed for paper production. We therefore attach particular importance to reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions in our three paper mills.
Our locations in Weener, Nova Campina and Strasbourg consistently rely on renewable energies such as wind power, hydropower, biomass and biogas. This diversified approach makes us increasingly independent of fossil fuels.
Electricity generation and consumption
At Klingele, we produce more than half of the electricity we need ourselves in a sustainable way:
- Refuse-derived fuel (RDF) plant in Weener
- Biomass utilisation in Strasbourg and Nova Campina
- Hydroelectric power in Ribeira
- Wind power plant in Weener
- Biogas utilisation in Weener and Strasbourg
- Solar collectors at five locations
Energy generation through combustion
Of the energy generated through combustion, 87.71% comes from renewable sources such as biogas, biomass and substitute fuels, while only 12.29% is generated from fossil fuels such as oil and gas.
Emissions
Lower emissions through investments in renewable energies and filter technology
Ecologically sound behaviour is firmly rooted in our self-image. In our plants, 97% of emissions come from paper production, while 3% are attributable to corrugated cardboard production.
At Klingele, we continuously focus on measures to reduce emissions by investing in renewable energies and modern filter technologies. We comprehensively record our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, which relate to direct emissions from our own sources and indirect emissions from purchased energy. 72% of our emissions are of biogenic origin and are not caused by the combustion of fossil fuels. In future, we will also include Scope 3 emissions in our reports in order to record and further reduce our overall carbon footprint.
Waste
Efficient waste reduction and recycling promote resource efficiency
We focus on a targeted reduction of waste through an effective combination of energy recovery and a virtually closed-loop recycling system. We utilise responsible incineration of non-recyclable waste to recover energy and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Our innovative recycling system is a central part of our production. By reusing waste paper in paper production, we increase resource efficiency while minimising our environmental impact.
Cases Studies
Our successful examples for the climate and resources dimension
The other dimensions of sustainability at Klingele
Economy and production
For economic and sustainable cooperation
Employees and human rights
At the centre: employees, partners and society
Sustainability reports
Find out how we live responsibility. Download our latest sustainability report.
Do you have any questions about sustainability?
We will be happy to help you.
Alexandre McKay
Maren Moch
