Sustainability at Biesterfeld
As a family-run business, we think in terms of generations, not quarters. Sustainability is what drives us – for people, the environment and our business. That is why we combine economic success with responsibility: we use resources carefully, foster fair and long-term partnerships, and work with our customers to develop solutions that will still be viable tomorrow.
Focus on sustainability
Expertise that makes the difference: We create genuine added value for all partners in the value chain. Sustainability is not merely a goal, but our daily driving force to make a real difference.
We advise our partners on all aspects of sustainability and compliance with chemical regulations. You can find out exactly how we are shaping a more sustainable future together with our team, our customers and our suppliers here, as well as in our Sustainability Report 2025.
Sustainability as part of our corporate strategy
Sustainability is an integral part of our business operations. Our strategy sets the direction and helps us to focus on what matters most. This is based on a comprehensive materiality analysis: we assess our impact on the environment and society, as well as the influence of environmental and social factors on our business. This results in concrete, forward-looking goals across five pillars – always with the customer at the centre.
Environment
Our clear goal is net zero, based on scientific evidence, both within our own operations and throughout the supply chain. We aim to achieve this by 2040 for Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and by 2045 for Scope 3 emissions that we can directly influence. From 2026, we will source 100 per cent renewable electricity, where available at our sites, and are committed to science-based climate targets by the end of 2026.
People & Values
Our employees are crucial to our goals and values. As an attractive employer, we attract highly qualified people and foster a culture of trust, respect and integrity in which everyone can develop and take on responsibility. This is underpinned by inclusive leadership, fair business practices and the protection of whistleblowers both within and outside the company.
Products & Supply Chain
We drive sustainable innovation across our entire portfolio and support our partners on sustainability and regulatory issues. To this end, we focus on reducing harmful substances, using more sustainable alternatives and promoting the circular economy. We maintain responsible relationships with our suppliers and adhere to the highest standards in human rights, health and safety, environmental protection and ethics.
Our sustainability targets: specific, measurable and with a clear timetable
Together with our partners and staff, we have translated our sustainability goals into concrete actions, ranging from climate protection and more sustainable products to further training and equality within the team. We report regularly on our progress.
40%
Women in leadership roles by 2030
100%
Product portfolio assessed by 2026
2040
Net zero for Scope 1 and 2
Climate
Following on from Scope 1 and 2, we aim to achieve net-zero for Scope 3 emissions – over which we have direct influence – by 2045. From 2026, we will source 100 per cent renewable electricity, provided it is available at the site. Otherwise, we will purchase guarantees of origin. By the end of 2026, we are committing to science-based climate targets. By the end of 2028, we will set targets in collaboration with suppliers and customers to reduce all Scope 3 emissions.
Products and Innovation
Since 2025, sustainability has been a key factor in every innovation assessment. By 2026, we will have assessed our entire product portfolio against sustainability criteria. We are also setting new targets for the share of turnover and volume accounted for by more sustainable products.
Staff
From 2026, we will offer every member of staff an average of 50 hours of further training per year. We are analysing the gender pay gap and implementing an appropriate action plan. The proportion of women in management roles is set to reach 40 per cent by 2030, and in senior management by 2035. Since 2025, we have been encouraging voluntary involvement in sustainability projects by allocating one day per year to each employee.