Implemented and practiced sustainability

KLINGER Kempchen has always been committed to sustainability. This commitment is anchored, among other things, in the company’s mission statement and corporate purpose, which reads:

“Through the development and production of sealing elements, we make an indispensable contribution to our customers and environmentally responsible technology.”

This commitment is reflected in many ecological, social, and business aspects, which the company aims to harmonize for the benefit of the company, its employees, its owners, and society as a whole.

With this CSR policy, we aim to clearly demonstrate our commitment to sustainable development and responsible action. It represents a pledge to integrity, transparency, and dedication—values that form the core of our company and serve as the foundation for sustainable and responsible corporate management.

To underscore our commitment to sustainable and responsible corporate management, we have been a signatory of the UN Global Compact since 2024. We are dedicated to upholding the 10 principles of the UN Global Compact and strive, through responsible corporate governance, to contribute to their implementation and promotion.

The collaboration with EcoVadis, in place since 2020, provides a detailed and objective assessment of our sustainability practices in the areas of environment, social responsibility, ethics, and procurement. The EcoVadis assessment is not a one-time measure but a continuous process.

Through regular assessments, we receive valuable feedback that helps us continuously optimize our sustainability strategies and demonstrates our commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). KLINGER Kempchen actively contributes to addressing social and environmental challenges and creating a positive impact on society and the environment. This strengthens the trust of our stakeholders, customers, and partners.

Since 2019, KLINGER Kempchen has been measuring its CO₂ emissions for Scope 1 (direct emissions – company vehicles) and Scope 2 (emissions from purchased energy – electricity and gas at our sites). With the long-term goal of permanently reducing CO₂ emissions, we are actively committed to climate protection.

Our environmental and energy management systems are certified according to DIN ISO EN 14001 and DIN ISO EN 50001. They are regularly reviewed, providing us with the opportunity to continuously identify areas for improvement and implement appropriate measures.

Although we do not generate process water, we strive to optimize and reduce our water consumption within our operations.

Furthermore, we commit to complying in the future with all necessary measures under the EU Deforestation Regulation in order to support the protection and restoration of natural habitats and biodiversity. We firmly believe that safeguarding biodiversity not only protects our environment but also strengthens the long-term resilience of our company and contributes to the creation of a more sustainable future.

In addition, we are committed to optimizing our supply chains and making our products and services more environmentally friendly in order to minimize indirect impacts on air quality. Through ongoing reporting, we strive to maximize our contribution to reducing air pollution and creating a healthier environment for future generations.

Additionally, we conduct regular noise level measurements in all operational areas and implement targeted measures to reduce noise. Employees wear hearing protection in areas where exposure limits are exceeded on a daily or weekly basis and are informed about the risks of noise, available protective measures, and the proper use and maintenance of such equipment.

Furthermore, we are committed to the continuous improvement of our waste management, including promoting recycling and reuse, as well as the safe disposal of waste in accordance with applicable environmental regulations (Packaging Act, Waste Oil Ordinance, Battery Ordinance, Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act, etc.). Waste is disposed of by certified disposal companies, ensuring that it is managed in an environmentally responsible and proper manner.

In addition, we strive at all times to handle hazardous substances safely in order to minimize potential risks to people and the environment. An internal work instruction governs the identification, substitution, and storage of hazardous substances, as well as the responsibilities within KLINGER Kempchen. We invest in training and instruction for our employees to ensure they are fully prepared to handle hazardous substances safely. Furthermore, we work closely with suppliers, contractors, and regulatory authorities to exchange best practices and jointly contribute to improving safety and environmental performance. Our goal is to ensure the safe and responsible management of hazardous substances while protecting the health and well-being of our employees and the community. This commitment is confirmed by our ISO 14001 certification.

Our goal is to develop products and services that are functional and of high quality, exceeding the requirements of the Water Resources Act and the Packaging Ordinance, thereby contributing further to environmental protection. To achieve this, we have established processes that ensure the quality and safety of our products. These processes are part of our quality management system, certified according to DIN ISO EN 14001.

Our collaboration with EcoVadis, in place since 2020, provides a detailed and objective assessment of our sustainability practices in the areas of environment, social responsibility, ethics, and procurement. The EcoVadis assessment is not a one-time measure but a continuous process.

To maximize plant safety, KLINGER Kempchen offers basic sealing training according to DIN EN 1591-4, as well as additional training modules for installers, at its in-house training centers.

Internal work instructions and a safety guidelines leaflet ensure that, during visits by external companies to our site in Oberhausen and our service centers, all requirements regarding safety and health protection are properly implemented.

We support the right to freedom of expression, the integrity and safety of every individual, as well as protection against discrimination, exploitation, and injustice.

KLINGER Kempchen sources the majority of its goods from Germany or other European countries, where the risk of human rights violations is low. We ask our suppliers from non-European countries to regularly ensure that none of their suppliers or business partners tolerate or support practices that are inconsistent with our corporate values.

KLINGER Kempchen also has an occupational reintegration management system to provide all necessary support for employees who are unable to work due to illness. Psychological stress is assessed through employee surveys.

Four meetings of the Occupational Safety Committee are held each year. An annual report is prepared by the safety officer, the company physician, and the fire safety officer, detailing the activities and achievements of our ongoing safety efforts.

With our occupational health and safety management system certified according to DIN ISO 45001, we ensure within the company that risks to employee well-being are minimized.

These evaluations provide continuous feedback and targeted support to promote strengths and identify areas for improvement. Offering training opportunities is also a significant component of our human resources strategy.

KLINGER Kempchen is a member of the Chemical Employers’ Association of Rhineland and the industrial union IG BCE. Many employee matters, such as fair compensation for overtime or atypical working hours, flexible working hours, and various flexible work models, are regulated by collective agreements and internal company agreements. We place great value on employee participation and support the work of our works council to ensure a transparent and fair working environment.

To strengthen the integration and support of people with disabilities, we have appointed a dedicated contact person for employees with severe disabilities. We tailor the workstations of our employees with disabilities individually to ensure they can perform their tasks optimally and without barriers. For its outstanding commitment to people with disabilities, KLINGER Kempchen has been recognized by the Landschaftsverband Rheinland as a “disability-friendly employer.”

KLINGER Kempchen sources the majority of its goods from Germany or other European countries, where the risk of inadequate social and environmental practices is low. Suppliers from non-European countries are required to ensure that neither they nor their business partners tolerate or support practices that could harm people or the environment.

In our Supplier Code of Conduct, we have established our expectations and requirements for suppliers regarding social and environmental responsibility. We expect our suppliers to acknowledge and comply with this code.