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In our daily processes and procedures, we have been endeavouring for years to reduce waste and to procure and use goods and operating materials in a resource-saving and sustainable manner. Where technically possible, we are constantly replacing consumables and packaging materials with environmentally friendly alternatives. Constant dialogue with suppliers, partners and customers on the subject of sustainability is part of our daily work and in line with our ecological responsibility.
Our products means that we are very positive about sustainability:
Preserving, fermenting, homemade products and baking in glass reduce packaging waste and lower global transport costs.
Jars and bottles are durable and reusable. If damaged, they can be simply and easily recycled.
The same applies to metal packaging, which has the highest recycling rate in Germany.
Commercially used plastic packaging is returned to the recycling cycle (keyword: Packaging Act). In addition, many of our suppliers already offer packaging made from reclaimed or recycled materials as well as "ocean plastic".
We supplement well-known "everyday items" such as 100% recyclable WECK preserving jars (with a recycled glass content of 40%) with stainless steel handles, for example, to turn them into sustainable cups and cocktail glasses, or by adding FSC-certified wooden lids to turn the jars into attractive storage containers for use at home or for "unpackaged shopping". This is also an active contribution to reducing disposable items and putting sustainable awareness into practice with concrete products.
In addition, the raw material (tinplate = tinned sheet steel) is sustainable and often recyclable. Most metal packaging can be recycled. A so-called secondary raw material becomes something new made of metal again - without any loss of quality, i.e. without downcycling. Metal packaging has the highest recycling rates of all packaging materials. In Germany, 92% of packaging steel is recycled (Gesellschaft für Verpackungsmarktforschung mbH) and in Europe 85.5% (APEA Press release 8th June 2022).
Glass is the oldest packaging known to mankind and has constantly evolved in line with modern requirements.
In terms of both economic and ecological aspects.
Conservation of resources during production
Recycling after use
Characteristics of glass as packaging
Recyclability
Today, almost 100% of household packaging is recycled in Germany. Of this, 56% is recycled and reprocessed as secondary raw materials. Just 20 years ago, the recycling rate was around 3%. According to the Federal Environment Agency (UBA), the recycling rate for plastic packaging waste was 46.2% in 2020.
Material efficiency
Compared to 1991, plastic packaging is a good 25% lighter today. At the same time, its performance has increased. To replace plastic with other packaging materials, four times as much material would have to be used.
Product protection
Optimised plastic packaging reduces food waste in the retail sector. Plastic packaging also reduces losses during transport and storage in the non-food sector, thus saving valuable environmental resources.
Consumer protection
Plastic packaging protects its contents from spoilage and damage. It ensures quality, shelf life and hygiene. Conversely, UN hazardous goods packaging can protect the environment from toxic or highly flammable contents. Tamper-evident seals on plastic packaging serve to protect against theft and counterfeiting.
Microplastics / macroplastics
According to a study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental Technology in Oberhausen, 446,000 tonnes of plastic emissions are produced every year. These consist of 26% macroplastics (larger plastic parts, such as plastic bags or other larger plastic waste) and 74% microplastics.
Causes/sources of microplastics
The complete study is available here: www.umsicht.fraunhofer.de/content/dam/umsicht/de/dokumente/publikationen/2018/kunststoffe-id-umwelt-konsortialstudie-mikroplastik.pdf Source: Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental Technology in Oberhausen
