German Sustainability Award 2024 for Steinbeis Papier

24.11.2023 - Sustainable business involves the responsible use of resources for future generations and requires innovation and new technologies. The German Sustainability Award recognises companies from various industries and promotes sustainable practices, with companies such as Steinbeis Papier serving as role models for the successful integration of sustainability into business operations and demonstrating that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.

Sustainable business practices have become a key topic in the global economic debate in recent years. In a world facing environmental challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity and pollution, it is crucial that companies and governments promote sustainable practices in their business models and policy decisions. Sustainable business means sustainable use of resources to ensure that they are available for future generations. This is crucial as the world's population continues to grow and the demand for natural resources continues to increase.

This goes beyond environmental protection and takes social aspects into account. Companies and governments that act sustainably help to create jobs and strengthen communities. They support fair labour practices, safe working conditions and social justice. And sustainable business requires innovation and the development of new technologies and business models. Companies that implement sustainable practices are often able to reduce costs, increase efficiency and tap into new markets. This contributes to long-term competitiveness and promotes economic stability.

The German Sustainability Award: A driving force for sustainable action in German companies

In cooperation with the DIHK, the Federal Ministry for the Environment and other partners, the German Sustainability Award (DNP) is honouring companies from 100 sectors for the first time this year. This initiative is of immense importance for the promotion of sustainable action in German companies and the recognition of outstanding achievements in sustainability.

The fact that the DNP honours companies from 100 different sectors underlines its diversity and relevance. In every industry, there are unique challenges that need to be overcome in order to operate more sustainably. Whether it's reducing _CO₂ emissions, using resources responsibly or being socially responsible, recognising pioneers in all industries is an important step towards promoting sustainable practices. This shows that sustainability is not a niche issue, but one that permeates and affects the entire economy.

The winners are selected on the basis of intensive research of publicly available information and with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) and applications. A 150-member jury of experts from research, associations, consulting and civil society is tasked with evaluating the best contributions to transformation in their respective sectors. The use of AI makes it possible to conduct a comprehensive and objective analysis of data to identify companies with particularly effective and successful sustainability efforts.

The award-winning companies are honoured not only for their achievements to date, but also for their potential to become role models for other companies in their sectors. These companies have proven that sustainability is not only possible, but can also bring economic success and a positive impact on the environment and society. By developing and implementing innovative solutions aimed at sustainability, they set standards and encourage others to follow their example.

Steinbeis Papier as a pioneer in corporate sustainability

All Steinbeis Papier products are made from 100 per cent recycled paper, which means that the focus is on conserving resources and protecting the environment. The combination of quality awareness with economic and ecological thinking and action is a central element of the corporate philosophy. Steinbeis Papier has established itself in the industry as a pioneer for recycled paper and has significantly influenced the development of the recycled graphic paper market in Germany and Europe. The company has taken innovative steps towards digitalisation to enable sustainable paper production. To this end, over 25,000 sensors in Steinbeis Papier's mills have been connected to a central SAP HANA database.

Steinbeis Papier's purchasing processes were rationalised with the help of artificial intelligence, resulting in clear data transparency, sustainable product group structures and reliable data quality in the company's supply chain. In addition, an automated and AI-driven tendering process was introduced to reduce manual labour costs.

Another key focus for Steinbeis Papier is climate protection. The company records all greenhouse gas emissions on a transaction basis in order to recognise reduction potential and set clear targets for reducing emissions. Compared to virgin fibre production, the company achieves the highest savings values in the industry: 100 per cent wood, 73 per cent energy, 79 per cent water and 42 per cent CO₂-equ. emissions.

And the company follows the principle of the circular economy, which means that all products are 100 per cent recyclable.