Respect for people and nature
Using resources sparingly and acting responsibly –
Step by step in our company’s day-to-day operations.
Living sustainability and responsibility within 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 method of cultivation 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 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. In doing so, we follow recognized international standards for human rights and working conditions.
Our goal is to continuously develop and responsibly shape our business processes.
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 impacts 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 average more plant and animal species than conventional areas.
By forgoing mineral fertilizers, different nutrient cycles also develop in the soil. In many cases, this can support the buildup of humus, i.e. organic soil matter that stores carbon.
There are also differences in energy use: Producing 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 climate, soil, and biodiversity, depending on the location and cultivation system.
Supply chain
We have built our worldwide supplier network in partnership over decades. We collect our imports directly from Hamburg port, 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 bundle processing and packaging at our site to avoid additional transport routes within the supply chain.
We have completely phased out our own 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 directly reduced within DHL’s logistics network, for example through the use of sustainable fuels and electric trucks.
Our warehouses are built with insulated construction and the roofs are mirrored, so 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 been using tuck-in boxes for our small packs, meaning these packages do not require any additional adhesive tape as a closure.
Starting in 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 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 ensure the material use is kept to a minimum. The packaging consists of materials that can be recycled in many existing recycling systems. It was 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 look for and test alternative materials and work with providers of new packaging solutions. In addition to product protection, we also consider the entire life cycle of the packaging, from raw material to disposal.
Our pallets are machine-wrapped. As a result, 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 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, mixing, 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; everything runs digitally. In administration, too, we rely largely on digital filing processes, insofar as this is legally permissible. We print all unavoidable documents on recycled paper, unless they are printed on company stationery.
Ecology
On our commercial site in Hamburg, we have preserved a 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 an apprentice project, trainees created an insect-friendly flower bed on our company premises. The bed provides various insect species with food and shelter. 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 services. We are regularly awarded 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. Fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as muesli, are always freely available. For relaxation and better concentration, we offer time and guidance for meditation.
Code of Conduct
We take organic cultivation 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 applies to all business partners along the supply chain. It requires compliance with human rights and local laws, protection of freedom of association and collective bargaining, the avoidance of discrimination, appropriate compensation 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 monitoring 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 provisions 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 updated as needed to reflect 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.
Through measures in procurement, packaging, and logistics, we are continually working to further develop our processes.”
Daniel Bode
