Leonhard Kurz has released its latest sustainability report.
The Communication on Progress (COP) report for the first time provides information on developments in the implementation of the 10 principles of the UN Global Compact. These include promoting environmental awareness, developing and disseminating environmentally friendly technologies, and respecting international human rights. Kurz joined the Global Compact Network last year.
In addition, the Group consolidated its position as an industry pioneer in sustainable finishing. Walter Kurz, chief executive, says, “As a family business, it is important to us to leave a better world for future generations. Since our company was founded more than 120 years ago, our ideas and actions have been future driven as well as sustainable. Joining the UN Global Compact initiative was therefore the next logical step for us.”
With its annual ‘Communication on Progress’ report, the UN Global Compact pursues, among other things, the objectives of promoting transparency, demonstrating the continuous improvement of business activities, and disseminating good-practice examples.
Green leader
Kurz’s more than 100 page progress report presents the company’s sustainability performance to date in detail and also discusses its goals and planned measures. The motto ‘Be a green leader’ drives all activities. This reflects the standard Kurz has set for itself. Also, it represents the company’s offering to its customers. Walter Kurz, says, “We want to become the most sustainable company in our industry. We will help shape product cycles along the entire value chain as environmentally friendly as possible to make our customers leaders in sustainability.”
The company says it is on its way, as evidenced by the current COP. For example, there are central guidelines and environmental directives on matters such as raw material selection and handling, which have been issued by corporate management and are valid worldwide. In order to ensure compliance with these standards and to ensure continuous improvement, extensive environmental management systems have been set up and an environmental officer appointed. The environmental, energy, and occupational safety mission statement applies to all employees.
Lifecycle Thinking
Kurz pursues a ‘360° Lifecycle Thinking’ approach throughout all areas of the company. This takes into account the entire product life cycle. it runs from the manufacture of the components to their return to the recycling cycle at the end of their useful life. Care is taken that all raw materials are used efficiently. It uses PET carrier materials with recycled ingredients within the scope of the technical possibilities. Around 30 percent of the raw materials Kurz uses in decorations is currently of organic origin. The company is working to increase this share to up to 80 percent.
Innovation
The company’s Recosys take-back and recycling programme gives customers the opportunity to return any residual materials. It processes them into new raw materials in the company’s recycling centre. Recopound is a high quality recycled granulate made from production waste. Kurz says recopound has diverse application possibilities and robust character and an excellent ecological footprint. By using the recycled material, up to 40 percent CO2 can be saved compared to new material. The declared aim for the future is to reuse the recycled PET carrier for the production of new transfer carriers.
Climate neutrality
The corporate carbon footprint forms part of Kurz’s sustainability strategy. On the path to climate neutrality, it focuses on determining Scope 1 to 3 emissions, on the basis of which the next climate goals it will define and pursued. In this context, the agenda includes increasing energy efficiency and reducing direct emissions. In turn, this promotes the use of green energy, and the company’s own generation of energy. Kurz obtains its entire electricity demand in Germany from renewable sources. This is partly through purchased green electricity, and partly through its own photovoltaic systems. The company’s environmental management system is certified according to ISO 14001; the energy management system according to ISO 50001; and the occupational health and safety management system according to ISO 45001.
Family-owned company
Kurz says, as a family business, it has always cared greatly about the well being and personal development of each employee, as well as the compatibility of professional and personal life. The company provides support in the areas of eldercare and childcare. In addition, it promotes professional and part-time training as well as corporate health management. The Kurz Code of Business Conduct regulates ethical standards when dealing with employees, customers, suppliers, government agencies, and authorities. Walter Kurz adds, “A company’s good reputation is based not only on the quality of its products and its economic success, it is also significantly influenced by the company’s attitude towards people.”
Outlook
Leonhard Kurz has already set itself targets for the coming reporting period.
At the Sulzbach-Rosenberg site, it will put an open-area photovoltaic system into operation to increase the share of CO2-neutral energy supply. As a result it offers a savings that can cover 20 to 25 percent of the site’s electricity requirements. In the company’s vehicle fleet, it is pacing more emphasis on e-mobility and hybrid technology. Also it is switching lighting to LED.
The company also pushes the reduction of specific energy consumption and the associated CO2 emissions. Walter Kurz concludes, “Our mission has always been and will continue to be to use our innovative spirit to develop products and processes that combine maximum individuality and sustainability.”
