OUR RESPONSIBILITY
Generating profits is the primary goal of any company. Yet it is clear that this alone is not enough. Companies are increasingly being held accountable—whether regarding working conditions along the supply chain or the choice of business location. How can economic success be combined with social responsibility?
For us, a value-driven corporate culture based on partnership, dialogue, transparency, and performance forms the foundation for responsible action. It is part of our strategy and drives our social engagement—because economics and responsibility do not have to be in conflict.
ECONOMIC GOALS AND MEASURES
MAKING BUSINESS SUSTAINABLE IN THE LONG TERM
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Training at HAN
Since 1991, we have been offering apprenticeships at our Herford location. Young professionals can train in two different occupations with us—industrial clerks begin their training in the office, while plastics and rubber technologists join the production team.
How We Work
Since the renovation in 2021, all workstations have been extensively redesigned. The modern, ergonomically equipped offices feature height-adjustable (sit-stand) desks, individually adjustable office chairs, ceiling lighting with daylight simulation, and acoustic elements for sound absorption. Technically, all workstations are state-of-the-art. Employees are fully equipped to work both on-site and from home.
Flexible Working Hours Options
At our company, we use a precise time-tracking system that allows employees to organize their working hours flexibly. Overtime can be taken as time off at a later date. In addition, we operate a flexitime model, where employees are required to be available during core hours but have flexible start and end times outside of that window.
Modern Shipping and Logistics Center
Built in 1990, the shipping and logistics center is located just across the street, in close proximity to the Herford production site. This means our goods do not need to be transported to a distant warehouse. We maintain constant control over inventory and stock movements, enabling us to create and adjust production orders just in time.
In Planning
Procurement Guidelines
Procurement has a significant impact on a company’s sustainability and efficiency. At HAN, the department already ensures that the purchase of raw materials, shipping and packaging materials, and everyday products is conducted as fairly and sustainably as possible. In the future, clearly defined procurement guidelines will be established, and concrete data will be collected. The goal is to gain a more detailed insight into consumed and purchased quantities and, in some cases, to substitute materials.
17. Partnerships for the Goals
Partnerships for the Goals
Supporting and developing the next generation of talent
HAN has been a training company since 1992. Today, young professionals can apply for two different apprenticeship programs at HAN: industrial clerks as well as plastics and rubber technologists. In addition, internships are available upon request. This gives young people the opportunity to gain their first experience in the manufacturing industry and to gain insights into all areas of business operations.
Member of regional business networks
Those who fight alone cannot win battles. We maintain contacts and partnerships with various regional business networks and value the professional exchange as well as the geographic proximity to other companies and associations in the region. In this way, everyone benefits from shared knowledge, challenges can be discussed together, and solutions can be developed collaboratively.
In Planning
“Zero Granule Loss” Initiative
The initiative, which aims to reduce pellet loss to the environment to zero, is well known and has already been joined by many companies in the plastics industry. As a preliminary step toward joining, HAN is working on an action plan to give the topic even greater weight within the company. The first measures of this plan will soon be implemented step by step. The concept includes cleaning procedures and schedules both inside and outside the facility. It also defines operating instructions on how and where containers are to be refilled, while brooms, dustpans, and cleaning machines are placed at key locations. Overall, employees are to be made even more aware of the issue before we officially join the initiative in the future.
Leveraging research collaborations
Further expand regional networks and collaborations with research institutions in the future, and intensify cooperation and exchange.
Increasing employee engagement and awareness on sustainability issues
Experience shows that employees often have excellent ideas when it comes to sustainability. These ideas emerge particularly when open dialogue is actively sought and encouraged. Sustainability is not solely about protecting the environment. Discussions about what the company can achieve through its sustainability efforts have revealed many interesting approaches. To make employees more aware of these topics, we plan to communicate and educate extensively on sustainability in the future. Understanding the connections sharpens attention to detail and offers significant potential for both the company and its workforce.
ECOLOGICAL GOALS AND MEASURES
PRESERVE AND PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT
7. Affordable and Clean Energy
Affordable and clean energy
Renewal of the machinery fleet with a focus on energy efficiency
One of the most significant levers for optimizing our energy consumption lies undoubtedly in production. Here, we manufacture nearly 600 different HAN products using a total of 22 machines and their associated peripherals. In 2017, the company began the gradual renewal of its machinery with a focus on energy efficiency, in collaboration with a professional and independent energy consultancy. With the renewal of the last three production machines alone, we save nearly 63,000 kWh of electricity and reduce our CO₂ emissions by 22 tons per year.
Renewal of the cooling system for hydraulic cooling
With the new system, we can use water instead of chemical refrigerants for cooling. Refrigerants are considered potential environmental hazards; if released, their impact on the environment can vary depending on their greenhouse potential. Because fluorinated gases are heavier than air, they displace it and negatively affect the global climate and the ozone layer. The new system eliminates this risk and additionally saves 150,000 kWh of electricity, as hydraulic cooling during the winter months is achieved solely through ambient temperature.
Load profile analyses
The so-called “load profile” describes the individual energy consumption pattern. It provides a clear representation of the electricity demand over a specific period and at different times. Load profiles represent an important step in analyzing and improving energy efficiency. Based on the collected data, we gained a transparent view of our electricity consumption and, by implementing targeted optimizations, were able to significantly reduce both energy costs and usage.
Gradual replacement of LED lighting
In January 2025, we began upgrading the lighting systems in our production hall. Advances in LED technology now allow us to use fewer light sources while achieving better illumination. An initial investment of €16,000 is expected to save 11,300 kWh of electricity per year, worth approximately €4,500. Further optimizations are planned step by step.
Collection and optimization of internal energy data through an energy management system
Through our participation in ÖKOPROFIT in 2024/25, we consolidated all energy and consumption data, some of which had already been collected, into a central system for the first time. This step not only lays the foundation for transparent and accountable reporting but also provides a detailed view of potential inefficiencies in energy consumption and management. Only through meticulous data collection can measures be evaluated based on actual figures and adjusted as needed.
In Planning
Switch to green electricity
By switching to electricity from renewable energy sources, we will be able to save over 300 tons of CO₂ in Scope 2 starting in 2026.
Replacement of windows in the production hall
For energy efficiency reasons, the window front on the east side of the production building is scheduled to be replaced in the near future.
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Industry Innovation und Infrastructure
Resource-Efficient and Low-Emission Production
The company has implemented optimizations at multiple points in this area. By upgrading the machinery, energy consumption is reduced. Additionally, by switching our carton sealing machines from continuous operation to intermittent mode, we save 16,500 kWh of electricity per year.
When purchasing raw materials and packaging, we prioritize suppliers located close to our site whenever possible. This helps minimize transport distances and supports regional economic collaboration.
Since 2009, as one of the first companies in the plastics processing industry, we have been manufacturing products from post-consumer plastics. These are previously used plastics that have been professionally cleaned and recycled into granules for reuse. Since then, the HAN KARMA series has been continuously expanding, regularly introducing new colors and additional products.
Since 2024, we have been recycling a large portion of our scrap material. In our in-house mill, discarded or defective products are shredded, and the resulting material is fed back into the production process in a sorted form. We expect to have concrete figures next year showing the amount of raw material saved, which will allow us to measure a reduction in our CO₂ footprint. In addition, we are continuing to expand our range of product lines made from post-industrial recyclates.
The HAN Shipping and Logistics Center
At our production site in Herford, just a “stone’s throw away,” lies our state-of-the-art shipping and logistics center. This enables us to track inventory in real time and produce on demand. In the meantime, we have converted our entire fleet of industrial trucks to electric operation, allowing us to manage all 9,000 pallet spaces with maximum efficiency. As a small extra touch, the unused xxxx m² area has been transformed into a colorful flower meadow to promote local biodiversity.
Ensuring sustainability standards throughout our supply chain
As part of our participation in ÖKOPROFIT, HAN has developed and documented environmental guidelines and a code of conduct. These two documents serve as internal guidance and benchmarks. We also expect a clear commitment to these standards from our suppliers and business partners.
CO₂ Footprint
For the first time, we have prepared a comprehensive, company-wide CO₂ balance for 2024, covering all three scopes. It provides insights into potential areas for optimizing our CO₂ footprint. Above all, the assessment has revealed where we can refine and improve our data collection for the future.
Information & Communication Technologies
We prioritize state-of-the-art, high-tech equipment to make work not only more efficient but also more engaging and enjoyable.
Homeoffice
With remote work becoming standard practice, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve equipped our employees to work seamlessly from virtually anywhere. Our internal servers and systems have been optimized accordingly to ensure smooth and flexible operations.
In Planning
Leveraging research collaborations
Further expand regional networks and collaborations with research institutions in the future, while intensifying cooperation and knowledge exchange.
Procuring climate-neutral print products and packaging
Our procurement team already prioritizes sustainable packaging materials, and the use of printed materials within the company has become minimal. Moving forward, we plan to track precise data and communicate progress more clearly, including recording exact quantities and specifying the percentage increase of recycled materials in our action plan.
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
Sustainable Cities and Communities
Job Bike Program
The company offers financial support for a job bike. Employees are free to choose between an e-bike or a traditional bicycle.
Participation in Check-N
In June 2024, HAN Desktop GmbH underwent the so-called Check-N, a sustainability assessment based on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The Check-N not only provided a first step toward a materiality analysis but also offered a comprehensive overview of HAN’s current sustainability status. It serves as an ideal foundation for planning, implementing, and measuring actions aligned with the SDGs most relevant to the company.
Support for the Bielefeld Initiative “Fruchtalarm”
Fruchtalarm is Germany’s largest children’s cancer project, based in nearby Bielefeld. The organization tours children’s oncology wards and pediatric and youth hospices across the country, bringing a colorful and cheerful change to everyday hospital life with cocktails made from various juices, nectars, and syrups. Especially during chemotherapy, children’s sense of taste and smell can change, making it even more difficult for them to eat and drink.
Insect-Friendly Landscaping
The company owns an unused area directly adjacent to the shipping and logistics center. Several years ago, the company decided against agricultural use of the land. To support biodiversity, a colorful meadow covering a total of xx m² has been established.
In Planning
“Zero Granule Loss” Initiative
The initiative, which aims to reduce granule loss into the environment to zero, is well known. Many companies in the plastics industry have already joined. As a preliminary step toward joining, HAN is developing an action plan to place even greater emphasis on this issue within the company. The first steps of the plan will be implemented gradually in the near future. The concept includes cleaning measures and schedules both inside and outside the facility. Operating instructions detail how and where containers should be transferred, and brooms, dustpans, and cleaning machines are placed in key locations. Overall, employees will be made more aware of the issue before HAN officially joins the initiative in the future.
Contact with the City’s Climate Protection Officers
DInitial contact has been established. In the future, we aim to contribute more to achieving the city’s climate goals. The exact scope and nature of this involvement will be defined through ongoing collaboration.
12. Sustainable Consumption and Production
Sustainable consumption and production
Use of certified post-consumer recycled materials
The KARMA product portfolio has been steadily growing since 2009, with an increasing number of products and colors added to HAN’s recycled range. Products made from previously used plastics are certified with the BLUE ANGEL environmental label and the AUSTRIAN ECO LABEL. The company undergoes regular audits to maintain and confirm these important certifications.
Regionally sourced fruit
Every week, HAN employees receive a selection of locally grown fruit. The fruit comes from a nearby farm and goes almost directly from the tree into the fruit bowls in the Wunderbar.
Production waste is recycled and fed back into the manufacturing process
Since 2024, HAN has been collecting production scraps and sorting them by type. The material is shredded and ground in our in-house mill before being reintegrated into the production process. This ensures that no material goes to waste, and in 2024 we were able to significantly reduce the amount of new material required.
Excellence lies in the details
In addition to the major initiatives, we also focus on the smaller details at our Herford site. Many daily practices, when combined, contribute significantly to our overall sustainability efforts. We have switched our copy paper to Blue Angel-certified recycled paper, our printers default to double-sided and black-and-white printing, and we have a collection point for recycling toner cartridges. Additionally, we use toilet paper and hand towels made from recycled fibers.
Made in Germany
We manufacture at our own site in Germany, giving us direct control over the quality of our products. With our quality promise, "Made in Germany," we ensure long-lasting durability.
Ensuring sustainability standards throughout our supply chain
As part of our participation in ÖKOPROFIT, HAN has developed and documented environmental guidelines and a code of conduct. These two documents serve as internal guidance and benchmarks. We also expect a clear commitment to these standards from our suppliers and business partners.
Sourcing wood from sustainable sources in compliance with the EUDR
When sourcing our wood-based products, as well as wood used as a raw material in our manufacturing processes, we ensure FSC certification and compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
In Planning
Increasing the share of recycled materials in production
HAN already produces several series made from recycled plastics, using both post-consumer and post-industrial materials. Since 2023, the company has been reprocessing defective parts or production scraps, such as those generated during color changes, and reintegrating them into the production process. The share of recycled materials in our product manufacturing is set to continue growing.
On-site waste sorting and separation
A more comprehensive waste separation concept is already underway. Of course, HAN already separates paper/cardboard, films, electronic waste, and general waste. In the future, we also plan to separate organic waste and valuable materials.
Expanding trials with alternative materials
In our research, we continuously and intensively explore alternative and partially biodegradable materials as substitutes for conventional plastics. Recycled plastics are no longer a novelty; today, a wide range of base materials is available on the market. Compounds made from corn, sugarcane, cellulose, or algae are just a few examples of plastics derived from renewable resources. Materials such as shells or other naturally occurring substances are also being tested for their usability.
Whenever possible, HAN tests innovative plastics and compounds. Even though we do not yet produce serial products from these materials, it is important and insightful for us to explore how these substances and compounds perform in our machinery and to evaluate the results. We plan to continue and even expand these tests in the future. If a sustainable material becomes available that can be efficiently processed and procured at reasonable cost, we will be ready to manufacture products based on it.
13. Climate Action
Climate Action
CO₂ Footprint
For the first time, we have prepared a comprehensive, company-wide CO₂ footprint for 2024 across all three scopes. It provides insights into opportunities for optimizing our CO₂ footprint. More importantly, the survey has shown where we can adjust or improve our data for the future.
Safe Parking and Charging of E-Bikes and E-Scooters
The company has created a parking area for employees’ e-scooters and e-bikes, which also allows for charging. By now, several colleagues commute to work using electric mobility alternatives and gladly take advantage of this offering.
Expansion of E-Charging Infrastructure
Since 2021, the company has had a total of four wall boxes for charging hybrid or fully electric vehicles. Expansion with additional charging points is planned.
Mobility Initiatives to Reduce Private Car Use
With the introduction of a job bike program, the company has taken a first step toward providing alternative mobility options for its workforce. Employees at HAN Desktop GmbH can have the purchase of an e-bike sponsored by the company.
As an alternative for employees with longer commutes, support for financing a public transport job ticket is under consideration.
Participation in Check-N
In June 2024, HAN Desktop GmbH underwent the so-called Check-N, a sustainability assessment based on the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The Check-N not only provided a first step toward a materiality analysis but also offered a comprehensive overview of HAN’s current sustainability status. It serves as an ideal foundation for planning, implementing, and measuring actions aligned with the SDGs most relevant to the company.
In Planning
Increasing Data Depth and Improving Documentation
As part of operational environmental management, all data related to energy, waste, emissions, fuel consumption, and similar topics will be regularly maintained in the future and used for comparison and decision-making purposes.
Installation of Additional E-Charging Points
Additional wall boxes are already in planning.
15. Life on Land
Life on Land
Nesting Boxes and Feeding Stations
At the company site in Herford, nesting boxes and feeding stations for local birds were installed as part of the landscaping of the surrounding green areas. One employee is officially responsible for emptying and cleaning the nesting boxes and refilling the feeding stations.
Insect-Friendly Landscaping
The company owns an unused area directly adjacent to the shipping and logistics center. Several years ago, the company decided against agricultural use of the land. To support biodiversity, a colorful meadow covering a total of xx m² has been established.
SOCIAL GOALS AND MEASURES
PROMOTING EQUALITY AND FAIRNESS
1. No Poverty
No Poverty
Permanent employment contracts
As a rule, the company offers its employees permanent employment contracts. This type of agreement provides all parties with greater security and clear guidelines. In addition, employees with a permanent contract enjoy many benefits, including protection against dismissal and clearly defined notice periods. This gives all HAN employees a greater sense of stability, even in uncertain times.
Occupational pension plan
Occupational pensions are an established employee benefit that companies can offer. At HAN, employees naturally have the option to participate in a company pension plan if they wish.
In Planning
Wallboxes
The company installed wallboxes at its site back in 2023. Since then, company vehicles and visitors have been “refueling” with electricity. In the future, the wallboxes will also be made available to employees.
Supporting employees with subsidies for alternative mobility options
By subsidizing JobBikes, the company took its first step toward promoting alternative mobility options back in 2023. Further subsidies are planned, for example, for public transportation through a JobTicket. With the JobTicket, the company aims to provide an alternative for those who do not use a JobBike.
3. Good Health and Well-Being
Good Health and Well-Being
Smoking Rate
We are pleased that the figures collected in 2024 confirm that the company’s smoking rate is below the 19 percent required by the government.
Occupational Health and Safety
As part of its participation in ÖKOPROFIT, the company has completely reorganized its occupational health and safety processes. All risk assessments were newly created during this adjustment. Additionally, the hazardous substances register was updated and integrated into the hazardous materials management system. Employees receive recurring training on handling these substances as needed.
Occupational Health Check
All employees have the option to attend regular check-ups or undergo an examination. Depending on the workplace and specific tasks, occupational health and safety defines different focal points for these examinations.
Fruit Basket
Each week, the company provides employees with a complimentary fruit basket featuring seasonal, locally sourced fruit.
Use of Organic Cleaning Products
Both production and administrative areas are cleaned using organic cleaning products.
In Planning
Occupational Safety Documentation
The documentation of all areas related to occupational health and safety will be continuously maintained and kept up to date with newly assigned responsible personnel. Responsible individuals have already been designated and are currently being trained. Additionally, a document management system has been established to capture and store all relevant areas in the future.
4. Quality Education
Quality Education
Right to / Opportunities for Further Training
All employees have a right to further training. The company provides internal training opportunities and encourages continuous professional development. For individual training wishes, employees are asked to contact their supervisor in order to discuss and coordinate the best options together.
Regular Training in Occupational Safety
First Aiders, Fire Safety Assistants
Annual feedback meetings
All employees have an annual feedback meeting with their supervisors as part of their professional and personal development.
Internal Communication App
An internal app is used to communicate all relevant topics across the company. The app serves both as a channel for management to share important information and as a platform for colleagues to exchange ideas related to their work. Company events, including celebrations and team-building activities, are also announced and organized through the app.
HAN Academy
A company’s knowledge is its most valuable asset. For more than 65 years, HAN has been active within the industry and as a market participant. Over the years, the company has accumulated extensive experience and specialized knowledge about the market, raw materials and products, processes, as well as internal systems and workflows.
One of the goals of the “HAN Academy” is to consolidate this knowledge and make it accessible to everyone. It is an internal knowledge database maintained by departments and their employees. This allows knowledge to be shared across departments, creating a better understanding of processes and their interconnections. The database is continuously expanding, with new knowledge constantly added to ensure future accessibility for all. This helps eliminate uncertainties and significantly simplifies the introduction to new topics.
In Planning
Further Training
In addition to the option for each employee to coordinate individual training plans with their supervisor, the company also plans to further customize its own training offerings in the future.
5. Gender Equality
Gender Equality
Work-Life Balance
The company offers its employees flexible working time models designed to improve and support the balance between family life and work.
In Planning
Operational Idea Management
The company’s employee suggestion system has existed in its current form for many years. To bring renewed attention to this topic among the workforce, the company’s future idea management system will be revised and modernized. This involves opportunities for digitalization as well as creating greater transparency—from the initial idea, through evaluation, to the decision on whether to implement it. Developing and submitting ideas should be enjoyable, understandable, and fairly assessed.
Initial concepts and approaches for a rework of the current system already exist. Implementation requires investments, which means the project must be postponed for the time being, as other investments take priority. The company will continually review the project and initiate it when feasible.
16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Code of Conduct
To make our expectations for lawful and value-driven behavior clear and transparent, we have developed a Code of Conduct. It serves as a guide for us and our business partners to put visions, values, and commitments into practice and to embed them both internally and across company boundaries.
HAN Academy
A company’s knowledge is its capital. For more than 65 years, HAN has been active within the industry and as a market participant. Over the years, a vast pool of experience and specific knowledge about the market, raw materials and products, processes, and internal systems and operations has been built up. One of the goals of our “HAN Academy” is to consolidate this knowledge and make it accessible to everyone.
The HAN Academy is an internal knowledge database maintained by departments and their employees. Knowledge is thus available across departments, creating greater understanding and context for various processes. The database continues to grow, with new insights on processes, products, and materials constantly being added to ensure they are readily accessible for everyone in the future. This helps eliminate uncertainties and significantly simplifies the introduction of new topics.
In Planning
Operational Idea Management
The company’s employee suggestion system has existed in its current form for many years. To bring renewed attention to this topic among the workforce, the company’s future idea management system is set to be revised and modernized. This involves both opportunities for digitalization and creating greater transparency — from the initial idea, through evaluation, to the decision on whether or not to implement it.
Submitting and developing ideas should be enjoyable, understandable, and fairly assessed. Initial concepts and approaches for a rework of the current system already exist. Implementation requires investments, which means the project must be postponed for the time being, as other investments take priority. The company will continually review the implementation and initiate it when feasible.