Respect for people and nature
Using resources sparingly and acting responsibly –
Step by step in our company’s day-to-day operations.
Putting sustainability and responsibility into practice in the company
We follow the principles of organic farming and source our products through соответствing supply chains. Studies and industry assessments show that this farming method can differ from conventional agriculture in various environmental areas, especially in biodiversity and the use of plant protection products. We take sustainability aspects into account in our business areas along the entire value chain. This includes using more sustainable packaging solutions such as paper bags for suitable products and optimizing transport and logistics processes. Social and ethical requirements are also part of our business practices. To this end, 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 companies that are certified in accordance with 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 organically managed fields, on average, have a greater variety of plant and animal species than conventional areas.
By not using mineral fertilizers, different nutrient cycles are created in the soil. In many cases, this can support the build-up of humus, that is, organic soil matter that stores carbon.
There are also differences in energy use: the production of mineral fertilizer requires a great deal of energy. When it is not used, these processes are eliminated.
Overall, scientific analyses show that organic farming can have positive effects on the climate, soil, and biodiversity, depending on the location and cultivation system.
Supply chain
We have built our global supplier network in a partnership-based way over decades. We collect our imports directly from Hamburg Harbor, which is only 20 minutes away. We use air freight only when no economically and logistically sensible alternative is available. All processing steps, up to and including small-scale packaging, take place at our company headquarters. We bundle processing and packaging at our site in order to avoid additional transport routes within the supply chain.
We have completely eliminated our own vehicle fleet except for one truck, because our experienced partner freight forwarders move the goods within existing route structures.
For parcel shipping to our customers, we rely on DHL GoGreen Plus. With this service, the CO₂ emissions generated during transport are not only offset, but reduced directly within DHL’s logistics network, for example through the use of sustainable fuels and electric trucks.
Our warehouses have an insulated construction, and the roofs are reflective, so that we can operate them without active heating or cooling. The refrigerated warehouses are equipped with modern, energy-efficient cooling technology.
Packaging
We are continuously working to reduce the use of plastic packaging: for 20 years, we have been using tuck boxes for our small packages, which means these packages do not require any additional adhesive tape as a closure.
From 2022, we tested packaging solutions based on garden-compostable materials. According to the manufacturer, the film used was suitable for home composting. Due to rapidly rising prices, we discontinued this solution.
Since 2024, we have been offering larger 1 kg consumer packs more extensively and are evaluating the use of paper-based packaging materials in suitable areas.
Where we still use plastic packaging for our single units, we make sure to use as little material as possible. The packaging consists of materials that are recyclable in many existing recycling systems. It has been designed to protect our food optimally from environmental influences and preserve its high quality.
Wherever it is product-specific and possible, 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 packaging journey 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 if suitable material is available. This reduces our use of new packaging materials while also protecting your valuable goods as effectively as possible.
Resource protection
We separate recyclables by material type and send them to 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 need to use paper and consumables sparingly. In logistics, we already work completely paperless, with everything running digitally. In administration, too, we rely predominantly on digital filing processes where legally permitted. We print all unavoidable documents on recycled paper, unless they are printed on company stationery.
Ecology
On our commercial property in Hamburg, we have preserved a near-natural area with mature trees and a natural pond.
In suitable areas, we maintain 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 grounds. The bed provides various insect species with food and shelter. In this way, we are creating additional habitats for pollinating insects on our premises.
Employees
We want to create a working environment that supports a healthy balance between professional and private life as well as health-promoting offers. We are regularly awarded the Hamburg Family Seal for family-friendly working conditions. We also promote a sense of community and a varied diet for employees with various offerings. For example, fresh fruit and vegetables as well as muesli are always freely available. For relaxation and improved 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 are guided by 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 labour standards, and the BSCI Code of Conduct.
Our Code of Conduct applies to all business partners throughout the supply chain. It requires compliance with human rights and local laws, protection of freedom of association and collective bargaining, the avoidance of discrimination, fair remuneration and working hours, as well as occupational health and safety. Child labour is also strictly prohibited.
We expect our business partners to comply with applicable laws and standards and to stand up for ethical and responsible conduct. We expect appropriate control mechanisms to ensure our requirements are met. In the event of violations, concerns must be reported and measures taken to rectify them.
The Code of Conduct includes provisions on equal opportunity, equal treatment, and the promotion of diversity and inclusion in relation 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, if necessary, adjusted to current legal and regulatory requirements. By implementing these principles, we aim to contribute to fair and responsible supply chains.
“We act with an eye to tomorrow by offering products from organic farming,
using resources efficiently and managing responsibly in our business areas.
With measures in the areas of procurement, packaging, and logistics, we are continuously working to further develop our processes.
Daniel Bode
