Looking at the future from the roots of tradition
The term “sustainability” comes from forestry. It means that forests need to be managed in such a way that future generations will also get to enjoy them. And this is a core philosophy that has been part of our DNA from the very beginning of our long history.
What We Do
Using scrap
responsibly
Whatever is left after our production operations, such as trimmings from beverage coasters, is fed back into our pulpers to produce new material. And with a recycling rate of over 98%, almost all our production waste stays in our raw material loop.
Using heat
optimally
Our production process generates heat, and we take that heat and feed it back into our production loop with heat exchangers. By using this kind of efficiency-boosting measure, we’ve been able to lower the amount of power we need to generate heat by six percent over the last few years.
Reducing power
consumption
We’ve reduced the amount of electric power we need for our production operations by twelve percent since 2010. Moreover, we cover 51% of our total power consumption with energy from renewable sources. To this end, we invested nearly four million euros to upgrade our hydroelectric power stations on the Murg river, all while incorporating fish ladders into the upgrades.
Reusing water
We use a closed-loop water system, which means that wastewater is only produced when production operations are stopped or systems are undergoing maintenance. As a result, we only need a fraction of the fresh water volume that comparable production operations require. Not only that, but we’ve also been able to cut this extremely small volume by half in the last five years, reducing our wastewater output as a result. But we’re not done yet: We’re still looking at other ways to reduce our water consumption.
Sustainably
managing forests
In addition to water, wood is our primary raw material. That’s why we take great pains make sure that our local forests are used in a sustainable manner and that the many ways in which they are valuable are maintained and boosted. As part of these endeavors, we use wood from thinning activities in our region.
Strengthening our
regional economy
Creating value and procuring raw materials is something we do quickly and right at home: We need wood and water, and our home – the Black Forest – is the perfect supplier of both.
Sustainability as a corporate strategy
While other companies are still deliberating on their next steps, the Koehler Group is already implementing. Ambitious goals and visionary projects that were already set in motion some years ago make the group a pioneer in its industry.
Always optimizing
We’re always striving for more, and that’s why we’re continuously improving our environmental practices. This is why we’re certified in conformity with environmental management standards DIN EN ISO 14001 and DIN EN ISO 50001 and are doing everything within our power to fulfill our responsibility to future generations.
Let’s make your ideas a reality together
Get in touch with us so we can talk about it.