The German paper producer Progroup remains clearly on track when it comes to sustainability, even in economically challenging times. The Sustainability Report 2024 that is now being published not only outlines the latest developments, measures and successes, but also clearly illustrates the ongoing commitment of the family-run company, which is based in Landau.
“2024 – just like 2023 before it – was a year that presented us with many challenges from an economic perspective. It is all the more positive and valuable that, despite the economic adversities we have faced, we have remained clearly on track when it comes to sustainability. We have made significant progress in a number of areas. At the same time, it’s clear that there’s still plenty of work for us to do to achieve our ambitious targets,” explains CEO Maximilian Heindl with a clear focus.
Aim to reduce fresh water use almost achieved
The family-run company has been implementing a number of measures and projects to save resources successfully for many years. It benefits from its consistently adopted strategy of always embracing the very latest technologies in production, for example in the form of closed water cycles at two of the company’s three paper factories. In 2024, the company managed to achieve further successes in this area: For example, within one year, Progroup reduced its specific consumption of fresh water, measured in m³ per tonne of total production (containerboard and corrugated board sheets), from 2.18 to 1.98 m3. Compared to 2012, the reduction in 2024 was therefore 39 per cent. The Landau-based company has set itself the goal of reducing the specific amount of fresh water it uses – relative to one tonne of total output – by 40 per cent by 2030. Progroup was almost able to achieve this ambitious goal in the reporting year.
Absolute and specific CO2 emissions reduced
There was also a pleasing trend in CO2 emissions in the reporting period: The family company was able to reduce its Scope 1 and 2 emissions from 702,751 tonnes to 654,689 tonnes of CO2 equivalents. The company also continuously optimises its facilities and processes to make even more efficient use of energy in all areas and so continue to reduce CO₂ emissions. At the same time, the specific emissions for the most important product, corrugated board, also fell, with the figure of 0.160 tonnes of CO₂e per 1,000 square metres being around 34 per cent below the 2012 figure. This means that in the reporting year Progroup also almost achieved the target figure set for 2025 in this area.
Attractive employer and committed to social causes
Sustainable business development with a focus on growth can only be achieved with committed, well-trained employees. Progroup does everything it can to recruit employees, train them and retain them over the long term. In return, the company offers attractive jobs with international career prospects and numerous opportunities for further training and development. In 2024, the company also made progress in promoting equal opportunities and diversity, for example by appointing more female managers. The percentage among salaried employees, for instance, rose by three per cent.
Progroup cooperates with regional organisations at all its sites and as a “corporate citizen” it supports charitable projects – especially with children and young people. The institutions it supports include Wi-Wa-Wunderland e. V. in Eisenhüttenstadt, the St. Josef youth welfare institution in Offenbach an der Queich and a number of voluntary and junior fire brigades.
The full report containing all the company’s facts and figures is available here: https://www.progroup.ag/en/sustainability
Photo/Progroup
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