Project SPHERE: Increasing efficiency in the global supply chain
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.
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.”
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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