We act sustainably
Sustainability Report 2023
We firmly believe that it is crucial to fulfil the needs of today's generation without jeopardising the opportunities and possibilities of future generations. That is why we strive to achieve a harmonious balance between the environment, society and the economy.
Three pillars of sustainability
The goal of sustainable development is achieved by harmonising the three pillars of sustainability (commitment/ecology/economy).
A sustainability team was set up specifically for this purpose, which comprises the areas of marketing, human resources and energy/environment and reports directly to the management.
The sustainability report for the respective calendar year is prepared in collaboration between the sustainability team and the departments involved.
Disposal
The waste generated in our own plants should be avoided as a matter of principle, but at least minimised. Managers are required to take this into account when planning products and production processes, as well as when planning packaging. Any waste that does occur is separated and collected using a waste management system. It is then disposed of properly by selected specialised companies.
Absolute waste generation increased in 2023 compared to 2022, after initially being reduced in 2022 compared to 2021. This is due to an increase in both hazardous and non-hazardous waste in 2023. In the case of hazardous waste, this is due to machine cleaning activities. In the case of non-hazardous waste, this is due to significantly higher values for iron parts, iron filings and non-ferrous filings, while at the same time iron and steel waste.
A reduction in both categories is targeted and expected for 2024.
| Financial year | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
| Total waste | 341,2 | 302,2 | 494,1 |
| Hazardous waste | 92,2 | 76,2 | 134,4 |
| Non-hazardous waste | 249,0 | 226,0 | 359,7 |
| Hazardous waste/turnover (t/Mio €) | 16,9 | 11,2 | 2,5 |
| Non-hazardous waste/turnover (t/Mio €) | 3,5 | 2,1 | 6,6 |
CO2-Emissions
Franke GmbH is aiming for CO2 neutrality by 2025. Initially for Scope 1 (direct emissions) and Scope 2 (indirect emissions from purchased energy), but not for Scope 3 (indirect emissions within the value chain), in accordance with the GHG Protocol.
With the new CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) published in 2022, Franke GmbH will probably be obliged to prepare a sustainability report from 2025. This will then probably also have to include Scope 3. As a result, the analysis of Scope 3 will begin in 2024. The individual plants will also be analysed in detail with regard to sustainability.
Quantified balance of greenhouse gas emissions:
| Financial year | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
| CO2-Emissions (t) | 901 | 670 | 650 | 67 | 0 |
| Scope 1 | 367 | 172 | 164 | 43 | 46 |
| Natural gas | 282,5 | 147,6 | 121 | 0 | 0 |
| Heating oil | 84,1 | 24,7 | 42,9 | 42,9 | 46,4 |
| Fugitive emissions (greenhouse gases) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Scope 2 | 535 | 498 | 487 | 24 | 26 |
| Electricity | 514,2 | 481,9 | 463 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuels (vehicle fleet) | 20,6 | 15,6 | 23,6 | 24,4 | 26,4 |
| CO2-Emissions/Turnover (t/Mio €) | 17 | 11,2 | 11,9 | 1,2 | 0 |
| CO2-Emissions/Employees (t/Mio €) | 3,5 | 2,1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| CO2 offsetting (t) | 0 | 94,5 | 0 | 0 | 73 |
(The greenhouse gas balance sheet is made available to interested parties by arrangement)
Resource consumption and
Resource extraction
Thanks to the consistent implementation of optimisation and savings measures with regard to resource consumption, water consumption at Franke GmbH was reduced by 38% in 2023 compared to the previous year.
The savings in heating energy consumed through heat recovery from waste heat and process heat were also significantly increased.
The energy yield from the photovoltaic system in 2023 was slightly lower than in 2022 due to weather conditions.
Heat recovery from the compressors at Plant 6, which is currently under construction, and the expansion of the PV system are expected to lead to a significant increase in heat recovery and photovoltaic yield in 2024/25.
In addition, the implementation of a consumption data measurement strategy to detect further efficiency measures is currently being realised.
Perspective 2024+
Franke GmbH is already implementing a number of measures for 2024 and beyond, which should help to achieve the environmental targets set for the coming years:
Energy efficiency measures
Relocation of production to an energy-efficient plant
Lower capacity utilisation and consumption in plants 1 & 4
Heat recovery for the compressors in plant 6
Optimisation of the compressed air network
Installation of a consumption data measurement strategy to detect new efficiency measures
Climate neutrality measures
Conversion to green electricity
Introduction of bio natural gas
Installation of PV systems in plant 6
New construction plant 6
The new Plant 6 is currently being built at the Aalen site.
This new building comprises usable space totalling approx. 6,700 m², including hall space of approx. 6,000 m², as well as office space and, in future, a company restaurant open to the public.
After intensive research, the decision was made in favour of a sustainable efficiency house level 40 EE. The key figure 40 indicates that the efficiency house only requires 40% primary energy compared to a reference building in accordance with the Building Energy Act.) In addition, the transmission heat loss is only 55% of the reference building. The structural thermal insulation is therefore 45% better.
This is achieved with structural measures (e.g. thermal insulation), but also with modern infrastructure (e.g. heating technology). A photovoltaic system is also planned. In total, this should save 60,000 kWh per year in the annual primary requirement compared to a reference building (which roughly corresponds to the annual consumption of around 5,400 German citizens).
The first production facilities are to be relocated to the new building starting in 2024.
Sustainability Report 2023
In order to meet the needs of today's generation without compromising the opportunities of future generations, we strive for sustainable development.
In our sustainability report, we take a detailed look at the various aspects of these activities.