The Brückner Group, market leader in the engineering and construction of machines and lines for processing polymers and alternative materials, has published its latest sustainability report. The voluntary report provides a comprehensive overview of environmental, social and governance activities in the 2023 fiscal year.
Among other things, the sustainability report highlights how the Brückner Group's innovative packaging technologies and energy-efficient machine solutions contribute to environmental protection, particularly in the area of the circular economy. Additionally, it presents forward-looking initiatives and technologies that create the basis for a sustainable packaging industry: closed material cycles and recyclable packaging films reduce waste and increase resource efficiency. For example, a recent research result shows a 20% reduction in the CO₂ footprint when using 30% recyclate.
“Our commitment to sustainability guides us in these turbulent times by reviewing our actions on a daily basis, improving our environmental footprint and achieving concrete improvements along the entire value chain through innovation, especially for the packaging industry. We are proud to make a decisive contribution with our line and machine solutions,” says Dr Axel von Wiedersperg, CEO of the Brückner Group.
By introducing a special software, the Group is recording its own CO₂ emissions and other non-financial key figures, resulting in a more comprehensive database for 2023. In addition, digital platforms and AI-based solutions optimise production processes, increase efficiency and reduce the material consumption of customer companies.
“Our latest sustainability report not only shows our progress and achievements in the area of sustainable packaging technologies and environmental protection but also emphasises our ongoing commitment to responsible corporate governance,” Adina Mittmannsgruber, Lead Group Sustainability, explains. “Our initiatives and innovations reflect our endeavours to make a positive impact, both environmentally and socially. This report provides transparency for our stakeholders and shows that we, as the market leader, are setting the standards for a sustainable future.”
The report follows the standards of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and provides an initial insight into future reporting obligations in accordance with the CSRD/ESRS. From 2025, this information will be integrated in the Group Annual Report. The full sustainability report is available for download in English and German on the Brückner Group website.
Ecological site management and resource conservation
The Brückner Group pays particular attention to ecologically responsible site management. Solar power is already being produced at four locations, covering up to 70% of daily electricity requirements in some cases. Group-wide natural gas consumption was reduced by 8% between 2022 and 2023. In addition, the locations utilise or recycle a high proportion of the waste generated on site: 61% without incineration, 97% including incineration, only 3% remains as landfill waste. In addition, the large company sites generously expanded their infrastructure for charging electric cars.
Climate protection
The Brückner Group has set itself ambitious climate targets: a 50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050. The targets are “Managed Targets,” which are achieved through specific measures for each company. These include the expansion of photovoltaic capacities and the purchase of certified green energy. Another focus is on the energy efficiency of the machines and systems produced, which will have a positive impact on future emissions.
The Brückner Group also demonstrates social responsibility through its commitment to employees and society as well as respect for human rights along the supply chain. It supports charitable organisations, associations and educational institutions with donations and scholarships.
The globally active group of companies has been nominated for the German Sustainability Award in the ‘Company’ category for the second time in a row this year. Last year, the specialist business magazine “Wirtschaftswoche” recognised the Group as one of Germany's most sustainable medium-sized companies.