Environmental impacts in focus
We are improving our processes step by step – transparently documented in the sustainability report.
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.
Working Together Toward Resource-Conscious Packaging 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.
Production Focused on Resources and Efficiency
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
Source: Klingele Paper & Packaging 2025 Sustainability Report
We generate 57% of our electricity ourselves (252 GWh), 65% of which comes from renewable sources (wind, solar, hydro and bioenergy). The remaining 35% comes from our own substitute fuel power stations.
Our paper mills have processed and recycled 521,704 tonnes of paper and packaging waste – equivalent to the weight of 52 Eiffel Towers.
78% of our Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions come from biogenic sources (biogas and biomass).
2,160 GWh of energy from combustion, 91% of which comes from biogenic sources (biogas and biomass) or substitute fuels.
96% of the 1,445 kilotonnes of raw materials used in production are either renewable (starch, virgin fibres) or recycled (waste paper).
Raw materials and resources
Responsible use of raw materials and resources takes centre stage for us
By carefully optimizing every step along our value chain—from raw material extraction through production to recycling—we make a significant contribution to a functioning circular economy. In doing so, we consistently focus on the efficient use of materials and the highest possible proportion of renewable raw materials.
Paper
In 2025, we processed a total of 521,704 metric tons of recycled paper to produce corrugated base paper. At our paper mills in Weener and Strasbourg, the corrugated base paper is produced 100% from recycled fibers. In Nova Campina, 30% of the fibers used come from waste paper and cardboard, while the remaining 70% come from virgin fibers.
Corrugated Cardboard
In 2025, a total of 329,510 metric tons of corrugated base paper was used to manufacture corrugated cardboard. Of this amount, 144,670 metric tons came from our own paper mills. This means we cover approximately 44% of the base paper used by the plants included in the Sustainability Report with our own production.
Packaging
Our packaging is manufactured at our corrugated cardboard and converting plants. In 2025, an additional 229 metric tons of chemical adhesive and 833 metric tons of printing inks were used at our sites during the conversion process to produce packaging.
Renewable and Non-Renewable Raw Materials
96.7% of the raw materials we use come from renewable sources. These include, in particular, recycled and virgin fibers as well as starch. Only 3.3% comes from non-renewable raw materials such as dyes, chemicals, glues, adhesives, and printing inks.
Source: Klingele Paper & Packaging 2025 Sustainability Report
Water
Efficient water management
Responsible and efficient water management is of central importance to our production processes. That is why we track and analyze our water withdrawal, water consumption, and water recycling, broken down by water source and production area. We use surface water, groundwater, rainwater, and water from the municipal supply.
In 2025, the paper, corrugated cardboard, and packaging sites included in the Sustainability Report withdrew a total of approximately 11.3 million m³ of water. Of this amount, 11,172,176 m³ was used for paper production and 89,861 m³ was used for the production of corrugated cardboard and packaging.
Of the total volume of water withdrawn, 14% was consumed. Water consumption is defined as the portion that is not returned to the local water cycle, primarily due to evaporation during the production process or because it is bound in paper and corrugated cardboard products. The remaining 86% is discharged.
In addition, we were able to avoid the consumption of approximately 2 million m³ of water across the Group. Improvements at the Nova Campina site played a significant role in this, as they optimized water usage and reduced consumption.
Source: Klingele Paper & Packaging 2025 Sustainability Report
Energy
Sustainable energy generation and utilisation
Paper production accounts for 90.7% of our total electricity consumption. Therefore, we place a special focus on reducing energy consumption and CO₂ emissions at our three paper mills.
For our own energy generation, we rely on a diverse energy mix. In stationary combustion, 91.1% of the energy used comes from renewable sources such as biogas, biomass, and substitute fuels. Only 8.9% comes from fossil fuels such as oil and gas.
Electricity Generation and Consumption
At Klingele, we generate more than half of our electricity needs ourselves: Only 42.4% of our total electricity consumption is sourced from external energy suppliers. Of the electricity we generate ourselves, we use 81.9% directly at our sites; the remaining 18.1% is fed into the public power grid.
Our electricity generation is derived from various energy sources. Biomass accounts for the largest share at 47%, followed by substitute fuels at 35%. These are supplemented by hydropower at 9%, biogas at 4%, wind energy at 3%, and solar energy at 2%.
We generate energy through, among other things:
- a substitute fuel plant (EBS) in Weener
- biomass utilization in Strasbourg and Nova Campina
- hydropower in Ribeira
- a wind turbine in Weener
- biogas utilization in Weener and Strasbourg
- solar installations at eight locations
Source: Klingele Paper & Packaging 2025 Sustainability Report
Emissions and Recyclables & Residuals
Reducing Emissions and Using Resources Efficiently
Environmentally responsible action is firmly rooted in our corporate identity. That is why we are continuously working to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, make our energy supply more sustainable, and use resources as efficiently as possible.
Emissions
We track our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, as well as significant Scope 3 emissions from purchased goods and services and upstream logistics. 78% of our Scope 1 emissions are of biogenic origin and are not caused by the combustion of fossil fuels.
Recyclables and Residuals
We reduce waste through recycling and energy recovery. Non-recyclable residual materials can be used to generate energy, thereby partially replacing other energy sources. At the same time, we keep recyclable paper fibers in the material cycle for as long as possible. By reusing waste paper in paper production, we increase resource efficiency and support a circular economy that is as closed-loop as possible.
Source: Klingele Paper & Packaging 2025 Sustainability Report
Cases Studies
Our successful examples for the climate and resources dimension
Klingele steigert seine Energie-Autarkie durch den Bau von Batteriespeichern
Verantwortungsbewusste Forstwirtschaft
Wasserentnahme
Sustainability reports
Find out how we live responsibility. Download our latest sustainability report.
Contact
Do you have any questions about sustainability? We will be happy to help you.
Maren Moch
Felicitas Kirsch
Lucas Figueredo
