Certifications: A foundation of security and trust

In the highly regulated medical and healthcare technology sector, certifications are much more than a seal of approval. They stand for product quality, patient safety and environmental protection. They are a key factor in a company’s competitiveness.

HARTMANN’s role as a medical technology Company comes with a special responsibility. The Company is represented by its own subsidiaries in 37 countries and sells its product and service portfolio to customers in more than 130 countries. HARTMANN has various certifications at many locations that meet the specific needs and requirements of each location.

Whether related to occupational health and safety (ISO 45001), environmental management (ISO 14001, EMAS ), energy efficiency (ISO 50001), sustainable sourcing – Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC® C131245), or the “Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification” PEFC (PEFC/04-31-2727), the Company is committed to not only meet the minimum legal standards, but also exceed them whenever necessary and appropriate.

A complex process with added value

Ensuring compliance with norms and standards in environmental law (e.g. ISO 14001), occupational safety (e.g. ISO 45001) and energy management (e.g. ISO 50001) is a complex task handled by HARTMANN’s Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) department. Certification processes require ongoing review and oversight. Internal and external audits are conducted annually, and external recertifications take place at regular intervals. Independent auditors visit Company sites to ensure that all standards are met. At the main site in Heidenheim alone, there are well over 400 individual HSE requirements to fulfill. At other locations, the number can be even higher.

Magnus Bodmer, Director of Health, Safety and Environment at HARTMANN, explains: “Our biggest challenge is keeping up with the ongoing development of regulations and standards. As soon as new requirements arise, we notify all stakeholders and make sure they are implemented on time.”

The risks of non-compliance

The value of certifications becomes especially clear when deviations occur. Legally required certifications like ISO 50001 carry severe penalties if not upheld. Certificates requested by customers, such as FSC®, can also have critical consequences if they are not fulfilled – for example, the loss of contracts.

Certifications held by PAUL HARTMANN AG

HARTMANN relies on a broad portfolio of certifications to support its sustainability strategy and corporate values. They are applied based on country-specific needs and regulatory frameworks. Below is a selection of key certifications and their significance:

1. EMAS – Eco-Management and Audit Scheme

EMAS is a voluntary environmental management system under the European Union. For HARTMANN, it is both a tool for meeting environmental standards and a reflection of its commitment to sustainability. Through EMAS, the Company systematically analyzes its environmental impact, implements improvements and documents the outcomes in a publicly accessible environmental statement. This transparency builds trust among customers, partners and regulators.

Goals:

  • Promote environmental protection
  • Conserve energy and resources
  • Exceed legal requirements
  • Ensure transparency

2. ISO 14001 – Environmental management system

ISO 14001 is an internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems similar to EMAS. It helps HARTMANN to achieve its own environmental goals, optimize the use of resources and comply with legal requirements. The certification underlines the Company’s commitment to environmental protection and optimizes processes. This reduces environmental pollution and costs.

Goals:

  • Promote environmental protection
  • Ensure legal compliance
  • Continuously optimize processes and environmental goals

3. EcoVadis – ESG rating for sustainable companies

EcoVadis is one of the world’s most respected providers of sustainability ratings. It supports companies of all sizes and industries in meeting their sustainability goals. The ESG rating covers the areas of environment, labor as well as human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement.

Goals:

  • Measure and enhance sustainability performance
  • Increase supply chain transparency
  • Drive improvements in the areas of environment, ethics and social responsibility

4. ISO 45001 – Occupational health and safety management system

The health and safety of employees is a top priority at HARTMANN. With ISO 45001 certification, the company has established an occupational health and safety management system that systematically identifies and minimizes risks. From preventing accidents at work to promoting the well-being of employees, the standard helps to create a culture of safety and increase productivity.

Goals:

  • Minimize occupational accidents and risks
  • Promote employee health
  • Improve occupational health and safety, including integration in the corporate culture

5. ISO 50001 – Energy management system

The ISO 50001 certification underscores HARTMANN’s commitment to a sustainable energy policy. A structured approach is used to monitor energy data, identify inefficiencies and implement measures to reduce energy consumption. The benefits are both ecological and financial. In Germany, the certification saves HARTMANN several hundred thousand euros in energy surcharges and taxes every year.

Goals:

  • Increase energy efficiency
  • Lower energy costs
  • Support environmental protection

6. Supply chain certification according to FSC® and PEFC

With FSC® and PEFC certifications, HARTMANN underscores its commitment to sustainable forestry in its supply chain. Certified end products offer customers who value sustainability an additional choice and can be marketed specifically. At the same time, HARTMANN also uses raw materials such as cardboard boxes that do not require certification. We also attach great importance to a documented supply chain for our “normal,” non-certified raw materials and know, for example, that the cellulose in our incontinence products comes from plantations in Scandinavia, North, and/or South America.

Goals:

  • Enhance supply chain transparency
  • Promote sustainable resource use

7. ISO 14064 – Greenhouse gas management

ISO 14064 enables HARTMANN to accurately measure and report its greenhouse gas emissions. This transparency builds stakeholder trust and enables targeted emission-reduction strategies, actively contributing to global climate goals.

Goals:

  • Increase transparency and credibility
  • Identify and implement CO₂ reduction measures
  • Facilitate participation in carbon trading schemes

8. ISO 13485 – Quality management for medical devices

ISO 13485 is the international gold standard for quality management in medical technology. It ensures that companies such as HARTMANN meet the strict regulatory requirements for the development, manufacture and distribution of medical devices. ISO 13485 certification ensures that processes are controlled and continuously optimized with a risk-based approach, ensuring product safety and effectiveness.

Goals:

  • Ensure high quality standards for medical products
  • Minimize production and supply chain risks
  • Comply with international regulatory requirements
  • Contribute to sustainable production through efficiency gains

9. DIN ISO 9001 – General quality management

DIN ISO 9001 is the world’s most widely adopted standard for quality management systems. It drives ongoing process improvements and supports customer satisfaction. For HARTMANN, the certification is a cornerstone of efficient, sustainable and customer-focused operations. It helps optimize resource use and supports sustainable business practices that deliver economic and environmental value.

Goals:

  • Strengthen process quality and customer orientation
  • Increase efficiency and conserve resources
  • Increase competitiveness through systematic improvement

Certifications are part of HARTMANN’s DNA

Certifications are far more than mere proof of compliance – they are an essential part of PAUL HARTMANN AG’s strategic orientation. They build trust, improve efficiency and help to minimize risks. At the same time, they illustrate the Company’s commitment to quality, sustainability and safety. In a world in which standards and requirements are constantly evolving, HARTMANN’s robust certification portfolio ensures it remains a reliable partner to customers, business partners and employees.