Respect for People and Nature
Using resources carefully and acting responsibly –
Step by step in our company’s day-to-day 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, in various environmental areas, this farming method can differ from conventional agriculture, particularly in terms of 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 more sustainable packaging solutions such as paper bags for suitable products and the optimization of 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 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.
Synthetic pesticides and mineral nitrogen fertilizers are therefore avoided. 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.
Avoiding mineral fertilizers also creates different nutrient cycles 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: producing mineral fertilizer requires a lot of energy. If it is not used, these processes are eliminated.
Overall, scientific analyses show that organic agriculture 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 spirit of partnership over decades. 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-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 almost completely given up our own fleet, keeping only one truck, because our experienced partner freight carriers move the goods along 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 directly reduced within DHL's logistics network, for example through the use of sustainable fuels and electric trucks.
Our warehouses have an insulated design and the roofs are mirrored, so that we can operate them without active heating or cooling. The cold-storage halls are equipped with modern, energy-efficient refrigeration technology.
Packaging
We are 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 garden-compostable materials. According to the manufacturer, the film used was suitable for home composting. Due to rapidly rising prices, we have discontinued this solution.
Since 2024, we have increasingly offered larger 1 kg consumer packs and are examining the use of paper-based packaging materials in suitable areas.
Where we still use plastic packaging for our individual packs, we pay attention to using as little material as possible. The packaging consists of materials that can be recycled in many existing recycling systems. They were developed to protect our food optimally from environmental influences and preserve its high quality.
Wherever it is possible for product-specific reasons, 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 lifecycle of the packaging, from raw material to disposal.
Our pallets are wrapped by machine. As a result, compared with manual wrapping, we use about 70% less film. 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 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, the blending area, and the roasting facility 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; everything runs digitally. In administration, too, we rely mainly on digital filing processes, insofar as this is legally permissible. We print all unavoidable documents on recycled paper, unless they are printed on company letterhead.
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 preserve green spaces or use permeable paving to support rainwater infiltration into the ground.
As part of a trainee project, apprentices created an insect-friendly 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 awarded the Hamburg Family Seal for family-friendly working conditions. In addition, we promote team spirit and a varied diet for employees with a range of offerings. For example, fresh fruit and vegetables as well as muesli are always freely available. To help with relaxation and good concentration, we offer time and guidance for meditation.
Code of Conduct (Code of Ethics)
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 Declaration of Human Rights, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the UN Global Compact, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, the core labour standards of the ILO, and the BSCI Code of Conduct.
Our Code of Conduct applies to all business partners along the supply chain. It requires compliance with human rights and local laws, the protection of freedom of association and collective bargaining, the avoidance of discrimination, fair compensation 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 commit to ethical and responsible conduct. We expect suitable control mechanisms to ensure our requirements are met. In the event of violations, they must be reported and measures taken to remedy them.
The Code of Conduct includes regulations on equal opportunity, 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 adjusted as needed to meet 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 agriculture,
using resources efficiently and operating responsibly in our business areas.
With measures in procurement, packaging, and logistics, we are continuously working to further develop our processes.”
Daniel Bode
