Challenge. Coffee is regarded as the world’s second most important commodity, grown in over 70 countries and consumed by millions of people around the globe. In addition to its undeniable importance for the economy, coffee is cultivated in some of the most biodiverse ecosystems of our planet. As such, coffee farmers – and by extension, the entire coffee industry – face significant challenges. The complex implications of climate change and monocultures often negatively impact soil biodiversity and quality, and thus crop yields and the long-term sustainability of coffee production. The resulting volatility of green bean prices is a problem that threatens income security and thus also the livelihoods of coffee farmers – making coffee farming less attractive, especially for the younger generation.

Strategy. In order to secure the future of the coffee sector, we – and our partners – are constantly developing measures and ways to establish new systemic approaches and sustainable business models along the entire coffee value chain. Our main priority is the regeneration of the coffeegrowing regions.

Target > 2025 > 2030. The “Coffee of the Future” is processed, transported, and roasted in a climate-friendly way which also uses water sustainably. Coffee packaging is recyclable, made from recycled materials, and/or can be used multiple times. Our coffee machines will be in line with the circular economy and produced in an energyefficient way. They will enable coffee to be prepared in an energysaving fashion.

Impact. Wherever possible, the production of coffee helps to safeguard the future of local people and their environment, while providing all-round sustainable enjoyment for consumers.

Challenge. Marine plastic and microplastics have far-reaching impacts on the environment and global ecosystems. The spread of plastic waste adversely affects both marine biodiversity and our food chain. We regard the need to develop effective collection, sorting and recycling systems as a global task – and we are working together with others to deliver solutions.

Strategy. We are convinced that wide-scale implementation of the circular economy principle can reduce the environmental impact of plastics. We are therefore systematically adopting a circular economy approach for our plastic product ranges and packaging, and reorganizing the production and recycling of plastics. In so doing, we are applying the “ReDesign – ReCycle – ReUse – ReDuce” principle. We are constantly improving the environmental properties of plastics and developing ecologically sound alternatives that are easily recyclable or reusable. Last but not least, we are actively engaging with other market players, initiatives, and scientific institutions in order to develop overarching collection and recycling systems – as well as the corresponding markets for recyclates – as quickly and effectively as possible.

Target > 2025 > 2030. Viewed holistically, plastics have a better ecological footprint for numerous applications than many other materials. Our ultimate goal is to offer only products that are made entirely from recycled or renewable raw materials in a climate- and resource-friendly way. They should be durable and 100% recyclable or, alternatively, be degradable in nature without causing pollution.

Impact. We are thus contributing to the global development and improvement of waste management systems and promoting the sustainable production and recycling of plastics. Awareness and education are not just part of the solution, but also our mission. This is the only way to secure procurement and distribution markets and to protect and regenerate our habitat.

Challenge. The increasing competition for the use of wood and pulp, as well as the damage to forests caused by climate change and the decrease in biodiversity, are major challenges for the pulp and paper industry. The traditional focus on monocultures of fast-growing tree species is a further problem, as these are more susceptible to pests and diseases and also adversely affect the natural habitats of other species. Moreover, as the world’s fifth largest energy consumer and third largest industrial emitter of greenhouse gases, the paper industry is responsible for about 5% of global carbon emissions.

Strategy. In order to counter these effects, we are working together with our partners to establish regenerative forest management. We procure our pulp from recycled or sustainably managed sources, with low impact on the climate and sustainable water use. At the end of its use, our pulp is recycled or biodegrades fully in the natural world.

Target > 2025 > 2035. We give priority to climate-neutral, resource-conserving pulp and paper products. In addition to the procurement of certified pulp, this also includes the resource-efficient production of our paper products. We are developing technologies and processes to convert our manufacturing processes to renewable energies.

Impact. Even though we already purchase a high percentage of certified pulp (99.3%), the continuous development of processes for national or regional forest management standards is essential for the protection and preservation of the world’s forest resources, as well as for biodiversity, and the sequestration of greenhouse gases in our forests.

Challenge. The innovation cycles of electrical appliances are becoming ever shorter in order to meet the rising demand of our growing and technology-obsessed society. The lack of collection and recycling systems capable of handling the complexity of these devices leads to e-waste. Resource scarcity is the inevitable consequence of this linear waste management approach. Energy consumption during use and manufacture, as well as the reparability and recyclability of the materials used, are also indicators of the comparatively high environmental impact of many electrical appliances.

Strategy. In order to meet society’s need for sustainable development and protect our habitat, we are in the process of comprehensively transforming our supply chains (from raw material extraction, to production, distribution, and disposal): moving toward transparent, circular, and climate-friendly value creation of energyefficient and recyclable electrical appliances.

Target > 2025 > 2030. We want to be a pioneer for the development and rollout of sustainable electrical appliances. During the development of our devices, we reduce greenhouse gas emissions along the entire value chain – for example, by using renewable energies in production. By implementing effective collection and recycling systems and expanding our repair and service offerings, we can minimize waste and recover valuable components and materials.

Impact. Our “Mission Eco&Care” product development tool helps our customers make informed choices about sustainable products and consumption. By consciously purchasing durable and repairable products, we can all play a role in promoting the circular economy. This also enables new forms of consumption to emerge, such as rental models.