materialfluss: In your opinion, what significance does the topic of sustainability currently have in the industry?

Heid: It has a high priority. Ecological responsibility reduces theCO2 footprint through energy efficiency and environmentally friendly materials. Cost savings through lower operating costs and compliance with stricter environmental legislation are further driving forces. Customers are becoming increasingly aware of environmental issues. Many are demanding that their suppliers and service providers adopt sustainable practices. This can also be a competitive advantage for intralogistics companies. Sustainability strengthens a company's reputation and ensures the long-term availability of resources. The intralogistics sector is key to shaping sustainable supply chains.

materialfluss: To what extent does your company promote the issue of sustainability?

Heid: Our Group has anchored the topic in its strategic corporate orientation. A milestone was reached in 2022 when all of our production facilities were powered by 100% renewable electricity. Other activities included reducing gas and fuel consumption in the AME region. In 2023, we further reduced emissions, resulting in an overall reduction of 53% compared to 2019. We recently published our first Environmental Product Declaration for the Athlo chain pole-changing chain hoist with manual trolley in size AB for load capacities up to 500 kg. This analysis has been thoroughly and critically reviewed by a leading and independent R&D organization, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd. Our Group is aiming for climate neutrality by 2030 and is investing in energy efficiency, renewable energy and electrification of the vehicle fleet. Unavoidable emissions are to be offset in the final step.