SUSTAINABILITY AS A DRIVER FOR THE FUTURE
Environment, ecology and social issues: these are the three pillars of the sustainability strategy at ABUS.
In this interview, Sustainability Officer Lisa Behrens explains how ABUS is tackling the challenges and opportunities in implementing this strategy in order to gradually lead the group of companies towards a more sustainable future.
How did you come to be a sustainability officer?
Lisa Behrens: "Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in our society. We have also noticed this in the company, in that suppliers and customers are increasingly inquiring about our position in the context of sustainability. As a result, we set up an interdisciplinary project team that focuses on the topic of sustainability. It's not about changing everything immediately, but about taking holistic measures that work together."
What does it mean to be a sustainability officer and what are your responsibilities?
Lisa Behrens: "As Sustainability Officer, it is my job to translate the complex issue of sustainability into concrete actions. Sustainability at ABUS should not only be created top-down, but also bottom-up. For us, this means creating awareness in the workforce and actively involving them as part of an ideas management system. I also support the sustainability reporting obligation, for example."
How are the ABUS "Made in Germany" approach and the topic of sustainability connected?
Lisa Behrens: "For us, 'Made in Germany' means having control over the entire value chain. This starts with the purchase of raw materials, covers the entire supply and production chain, and extends to packaging in the store. With our products, we focus on quality and durability - a form of sustainability that counteracts a throwaway society and, of course, also benefits the customer. But sustainability is not a purely material issue for us. Social responsibility, such as caring for our employees and their health, is also part of our holistic strategy. The customer not only experiences high-quality products, but also a company that takes responsibility."
What challenges and opportunities do you experience in the context of sustainability?
Lisa Behrens: "Sustainability is a balancing act. Security and quality must remain our top priority. A long-lasting product is safer and more sustainable than one that has to be replaced after a short time - we have to take this into account when selecting materials, which is why we cannot always prioritize recycling, for example. In turn, there are opportunities to be found in a stronger integration of the cradle-to-cradle approach. We want to incorporate this principle of a consistent circular economy more strongly into product development - for example, when it comes to the reusability and replacement of components."
WHAT'S NEXT?
