Respect for people and nature
Use resources sparingly and act responsibly –
Step by step in our company’s everyday operations.
Living sustainability and responsibility in the company
We work according to the principles of organic farming and source our products from corresponding supply chains. Studies and industry assessments show that this farming method may differ from conventional agriculture in various environmental areas, particularly in biodiversity and the use of plant protection products. We take sustainability aspects into account across all our business areas throughout the entire value chain. This includes the use of sustainable packaging solutions, the optimization of transport and logistics processes, and sourcing energy from renewable sources. Social and ethical requirements are also part of our business practices. In doing so, we align ourselves with recognized international standards for human rights and working conditions.
Our goal is to continuously develop our business processes and shape them responsibly.
Organic farming
As an importer, trader, and producer of organic food, we source our products from businesses that are certified under the EU Organic Regulation or comparable organic standards. Studies show that organic and conventional farming have different effects on the environment and nature, for example in terms of biodiversity, pesticide use, and soil quality.
This means that synthetic pesticides and mineral nitrogen fertilizers are not used. As a result, fewer of these substances enter soils and waterways.
Studies also show that, on average, organically managed fields have more plant and animal species than conventional areas.
By avoiding mineral fertilizers, different nutrient cycles are created in the soil. In many cases, this can support the buildup of humus, that is, organic soil matter that stores carbon.
There are also differences in energy use: producing mineral fertilizer requires a lot of energy. If it is not used, these processes are eliminated.
Overall, scientific analyses show that organic farming can have positive effects on climate, soil, and biodiversity, depending on the location and farming system.
Supply chain
Over decades, we have built up our worldwide supplier network through partnerships. We collect our imports directly from Hamburg harbor, just 20 minutes away. We only use air freight when no economically and logistically sensible alternative is available. All processing steps, right through to small-scale packaging, take place at our company headquarters. We combine processing and packaging at our site to avoid additional transport routes within the supply chain.
We have completely phased out our own vehicle fleet except for one truck, because our experienced partner freight forwarders transport the goods within existing route structures.
For parcel shipping to our customers, we rely on DHL GoGreen Plus. In this program, the CO₂ emissions generated during transport are not only offset, but directly reduced within DHL’s logistics network, for example through the use of sustainable fuels and electric trucks.
Our warehouses have insulated construction, and the roofs are mirrored, so we can operate them without active heating or cooling. The cold-storage warehouses are equipped with modern, energy-efficient refrigeration technology.
Packaging
We have been continuously working to reduce the use of plastic packaging: for 20 years we have used tuck boxes for our small packs, which means these packages do not require any additional adhesive tape as a closure.
From 2022, we tested packaging solutions based on home-compostable materials. According to the manufacturer, the film used was suitable for home composting. Due to rapidly rising prices, we discontinued this solution again.
Since 2024, we have increasingly offered larger 1 kg consumer packs and are evaluating the use of paper-based packaging materials in suitable areas.
Where we still use plastic packaging for our single-serve packs, we make sure to use as little material as possible. The packaging is made from materials that can be recycled in many existing recycling systems. It has been developed to optimally protect our food from environmental influences and preserve its high quality.
Wherever product-specific requirements allow, we already offer products in plastic-free packaging solutions. In doing so, we search for and test alternative materials and work with providers of new packaging solutions. In addition to product protection, we also consider the entire path of the packaging from raw material to disposal.
Our pallets are wrapped by machine. This means we use around 70% less film compared with manual wrapping. For shipping your products, we use used paper and cardboard packaging when suitable material is available. This reduces the use of new packaging materials while also protecting your valuable goods as well as possible.
Resource conservation
We separate recyclable materials by material type and feed them into the appropriate recycling and disposal systems.
We collect all organic waste separately for processing in a biogas plant. We sort paper and film from incoming goods, production, blending, and roasting by type and press them into raw material blocks. We reduce paper consumption in various work areas through digital processes. Employees are regularly made aware of the importance of using paper and consumables sparingly. In logistics, we already work completely paper-free; everything is digital. In administration, too, we rely predominantly on digital filing processes wherever legally permitted. We print all unavoidable documents on recycled paper, unless they are printed on company letterhead.
Ecology
We use renewable energy for part of our energy supply. According to our energy provider, the electricity we purchase comes from renewable energy sources.
On our commercial property in Hamburg, we have preserved a nature-oriented area with mature trees and a natural pond.
In suitable areas, we preserve green spaces or use permeable paving to support rainwater infiltration into the ground.
As part of an apprentice project, trainees created an insect-friendly flower bed on our company premises. The bed provides food and shelter for various insect species. In this way, we are creating additional habitats for pollinating insects on our site.
Employees
We want to create a working environment that supports work-life balance and health-promoting offerings. We are regularly recognized with the Hamburg Family Seal for family-friendly working conditions. We also promote a sense of community and a varied diet among employees with a range of offerings. For example, fresh fruit and vegetables as well as muesli are always available free of charge. For relaxation and better concentration, we offer time and guidance for meditation.
Code of Conduct
We take organic farming and sustainability aspects into account in our business areas and align ourselves with recognized international standards. Our Code of Conduct is based on international standards and guidelines such as the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the UN Global Compact, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, the ILO core labor standards, and the BSCI Code of Conduct.
Our Code of Conduct is addressed to all business partners along the supply chain. It requires compliance with human rights and local laws, the protection of freedom of assembly and collective bargaining, the prevention of discrimination, fair pay and working hours, as well as occupational health and safety. Child labor is also strictly prohibited.
We expect our business partners to comply with applicable laws and standards and to commit to ethical and responsible conduct. We expect appropriate control mechanisms to ensure our requirements are met. Any violations must be reported and measures taken to remedy them.
The Code of Conduct includes provisions on equal opportunities, equal treatment, and the promotion of diversity and inclusion with regard to hiring, compensation, training, and career development. It emphasizes the importance of a safe and healthy working environment as well as access to drinking water and sanitary facilities.
Our Code of Conduct is reviewed regularly and, where necessary, adapted to current legal and regulatory requirements. By implementing these principles, we aim to contribute to fair and responsible supply chains.
“We act with tomorrow in mind by offering products from organic farming, using resources efficiently, and operating responsibly in our business areas.
In this way, we want to contribute to the further development of sustainable structures.”
Daniel Bode
