M.H.: Klüber Lubrication was already the first site in Munich with a certified environmental management system 26 years ago. As our annual Corporate Social Responsibility report shows, we have maintained this commitment, and in 2011 we developed new products taking into account sustainability aspects throughout the product life cycle. This methodology is now applied to all products in our portfolio and is constantly being improved. Like us, our customers want to use products that are as environmentally friendly as possible.
L.P.: This is why we are vigilant about our own choice of raw material suppliers. They must be in line with this approach, by using as few solvents as possible, for example. In addition, we have also developed a range of hydro lubricants, for which water is used as the base product instead of refined mineral oil. With a well-chosen lubricant, the effects are positive for the company, but also for the environment.
In addition to our product work, sustainability and nature are always at the heart of our concerns. This is demonstrated by our team building action in 2019. We chose to replant trees in the unused land behind the company in Valence. This operation has been multiplied in other countries throughout the group. In addition, we are making our teams aware of their transport-related consumption, and we avoid printing documents as much as possible. Our work in favour of sustainable development is therefore part of a global approach, and our meetings always start with this theme.
M.H.: Moreover, 2022 is also the first year in which Klüber Lubrication achieves carbon neutrality for its production and sales sites. In 2019, we set a target of reducing our CO2 emissions by up to 75% by 2025. In three years, we have already managed to reduce them by 49%. In order to reach our final target, we are preparing to finance sustainable development projects so that our business activity is climate neutral.