Sustainability to not exhaust more resources than can regrow, regenerate or be resupplied in the future has been defining our strategy for many years, but with ever-increasing speed.
The Federation of German Industries (Bundesverband der deutschen Industrie e.V. – BDI) points out on its website that economy, ecology and social responsibility are closely linked and must not be used against each other. This has been a key experience of environmental policy in recent years. A sustainable economic development is not possible without an intact environment. Without a high-performance industry and prospering economy, the necessary transformation cannot succeed. Without tolerance and mutual respect, the society will not be able to implement the difficult and costly process of change.
VPF started this process more than 10 years ago with the initial certification of its environmental management system according to ISO 14001.
To date, the three pillars of sustainability: economy, ecology and social responsibility have been implemented at VPF with the measures described below.
EcoVadis recognizes VPF’s intensive commitment to sustainability with a silver rating. This places VPF among the top 25 percent in its industry.
Since its founding in 2007, EcoVadis has become the world’s largest and most reliable provider of corporate sustainability ratings, building an international network of more than 100,000 rated companies.
Our activities were classified in the categories of environment, ethics, labor and human rights, and sustainable procurement.
This analysis took into account a comprehensive set of criteria based on international sustainability standards such as the Global Compact Principles, the conventions of the International Labor Organization (ILO), the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standard and the ISO 26000 standard (guidelines on the social responsibility of organizations).
ECONOMY
RESOURCE CONSERVATION
Resource efficiency increase through systematic waste prevention in production as a consulting project funded by the NRW State Ministry for the Environment in 2012 and following years
ENERGY AUDIT
Implementation of an energy audit according to EN 16247-1 in 2017 and optimisation of energy efficiency through subsequent technology improvements: Installation of a 100 kWp photovoltaic system on the company roof, replacement of thermal dryers and UV power supply units on the coating machines, facade refurbishment, conversion of the lighting to LED.
CARBON FOOTPRINT
(CO2 IMPACT)
Continuous portfolio expansion through product innovations with reduced carbon footprint.
EMISSIONS
Internal balancing of CO2 emissions with the software “ecocockpit” to identify CO2 factors since 2020.
100 % GREEN ELECTRICITY
Use of 100 % certified green electricity from renewable energy sources and 100 % natural gas since 2023 to avoid approx. 600 tonnes of CO2 annually in the area of energy use in accordance with Scope 1* and Scope 2*.
MEMBERSHIPS
Memberships in a variety of organisations working to develop solutions to “sustainability issues”, such as liner recycling for example.
JOBRAD
(JOB BIKE)
We have been providing our employees with mobility and getting them on their bikes (JobRad – bicycle or pedelec leasing concept) since 2021.
2. ENERGY AUDIT
Second energy audit according to EN 16247-1 in 2022 to identify environmental investments for the following years.
Over the period 2017 to 2022, we have succeeded in significantly reducing our primary energy requirements for gas and electricity and reducing CO2 emissions for the production of 1.000 m² of adhesive laminate by over 40 %.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Our Code of Conduct aims to deliver socially responsible business practices as defined in the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Core Labour Standards and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
VALUES
Environmental and climate protection are laid down in the Code of Conduct and are practised by our employees.
All ethical values are also required of suppliers and other service providers.
HEALTH, SAFETY AND FAIR PAY
Health and safety at work as well as fair payment with collective agreements are a matter of principle for us.
LEGAL COMPLIANCE
We do not permit corruption, money laundering, human rights violations, child labour or forced labour.
TRAINING AND FURTHER EDUCATION
Lifelong learning – this is one of the most significant challenges. We train and support the professional development of our employees.
CODE OF CONDUCT
COMMITMENT TO FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS
The VPF undertakes to comply with all applicable laws and social expectations. In doing so, we not only focus on our employees, but we generally oppose child labor, corruption, violence and discrimination. We expect our partners and suppliers to subscribe to our Code of Conduct, which fully documents our positioning.
DATA PROTECTION
The privacy and integrity of all employees and business partners must be respected without exception. This maintains strict standards in the collection and processing of personal data of our employees and business partners. All personal data that is collected and stored by VPF GmbH & Co. KG are processed exclusively earmarked, traceable, carefully and in accordance with the applicable data protection laws according to DSGVO and BDSG.
