Our sustainability strategy is based on the three ESG pillars: environmental, social and governance. In addition, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a strategic framework. This holistic approach ensures that reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, operate in a more resource-efficient way, uphold fair working conditions and act responsibly.
Since the 2021 financial year, we have published a sustainability report for the HARTMANN Group in accordance with internationally recognized reporting standards. In line with new European requirements, in particular the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), we are preparing to publish an independently audited sustainability report that will be integrated into the annual report each year starting from 2028 (for the 2027 financial year). The European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) serve as the framework for this report’s content and structure, while helping to ensure transparency on our progress and challenges in the area of sustainability.
Our goal is to be climate neutral by 2050. That means reducing all greenhouse gas emissions across our value chain. By 2030, we want to reduce our CO2 emissions from direct operations (Scope 1) and purchased energy (Scope 2) by at least 50% (base year 2021). To achieve this, we are focusing on our own energy-saving measures, the expansion of renewable energies and the gradual conversion of our vehicle fleet to e-mobility. We are also developing a roadmap for recording and reducing Scope 3 emissions, which affect the entire value chain.
Water is an essential resource for HARTMANN, at individual production sites, especially at sites with textile production processes, and in some cases also for air humidification. In addition to our own water consumption, we have indirect effects throughout the life cycle due to the use of water-intensive raw materials in the upstream supply chain. HARTMANN pursues a risk-based approach to minimize water consumption locally and protect water resources through monitoring, site analyses, and technical improvements, as well as indirectly optimizing these resources through material efficiency. The goal is a continuous improvement process, which also includes our certified management systems.
Manufacturing disposable medical products involves strict hygiene, safety and regulatory requirements, which legally limit circular economy options, for example under the EU Medical Device Regulation. Nevertheless, we aim to reduce resource use and minimize waste. The group-wide “Environmental Outcomes” initiative provides the strategic framework. Target areas include:
To ensure sustainable resource use, we focus on improving the recyclability of our products and packaging while increasing the use of recycled and certified raw materials. The aim is to reduce the use of fossil-based plastics in our packaging and to continuously increase the proportion of sustainable materials. In order to identify the various sustainability levers throughout the product life cycle, we have been conducting life cycle assessments of our products for many years. The data sets obtained from these assessments provide our development departments with a solid basis for product optimization.
The employees of the HARTMANN Group are a key factor in our success. Their skills, motivation and well-being have a significant impact on the company’s innovative strength and long-term competitiveness. That is why we promote a safe and healthy working environment, remain committed to diversity and equal opportunities, and work to continuously improve employee satisfaction. With our regular global employee survey, VOICES of HARTMANN, we collect details on employee engagement and identify potential areas for improvement. Thanks to our programs for workplace safety, diversity as well as physical and mental health, we foster a working environment that attracts and retains talent.
People are at the heart of everything we do. This applies to our customers and patients, as well as our employees, suppliers and society. The HARTMANN Group is committed to the ethical, socially responsible and environmentally compliant behavior of our suppliers. We support compliance with international human rights and environmental standards in the supply chain through a multi-stage process of risk identification, preventive measures, controls and remedial procedures. We have laid this down in our Policy Statement on our Human Rights Strategy.
In line with a holistic ESG approach, HARTMANN values responsible corporate governance and social engagement. Our compliance management system helps us to combat corruption and bribery in a targeted manner and to promote a corporate culture of integrity. In addition, we are socially engaged via sponsorships, along with product and monetary donations to organizations in the fields of culture, health and education.
We want our products and business activities to make a positive contribution to society, the environment and future generations, true to our brand promise “Helps. Cares. Protects.”
A dedicated, cross-functional sustainability team manages the implementation of our sustainability strategy. This ensures that sustainability is not only strategically anchored, but also actively practiced and continuously developed.
The challenges in the area of sustainability are complex, but HARTMANN is actively addressing them. With targeted measures and a commitment to continuous improvement, we strive for economic success while promoting sustainable development. We cordially invite you to join us on this journey for a livable future that we can all shape together.
HARTMANN. Advancing healthcare responsibly.
