KURZ Releases its 2021 Sustainability Report
16 February 2022: LEONHARD KURZ, one of the world’s leading companies in thin-film and finishing technology, has released its 2021 sustainability report. The Communication on Progress (COP) report provides information on developments in the implementation of the ten principles of UN Global Compact. These include promoting environmental awareness, developing and disseminating environmentally friendly technologies, and respecting international human rights. KURZ joined the Deutsche Global Compact Network last year, thus reaching another important milestone in its sustainability activities. In addition, the Group was able to consolidate its position as an industry pioneer in sustainable finishing.
KURZ Group bundles expertise across disciplines with tailored solutions for various industries. Its brand encompasses innovations for plastics, printed materials, product protection, banknote security, mechanical engineering, sensor technology, and much more, all from a single source. ““KURZ’s progress report presents the company’s sustainability performance to date in detail and also discusses its goals and planned measures. KURZ’s activities are driven by the motto ‘Be a green leader, ’ which not only reflects the standard KURZ has set for itself but also the company’s offering to its customers.
KURZ pursues a ‘360° Lifecycle Thinking’ approach throughout all areas of the company, taking into account the entire product life cycle – from the manufacture of the components to their return to the recycling cycle at the end of their useful life. Care is taken that all raw materials are used efficiently and PET carrier materials with recycled ingredients are used within the scope of the technical possibilities. While around 30 percent of the raw materials used in KURZ decorations is currently of organic origin, the company is working to increase this share to up to 80 percent.
The corporate carbon footprint is another pillar in KURZ’s sustainability strategy. On the path to climate neutrality, the focus is currently on determining Scope 1 to 3 emissions, on the basis of which the next climate goals will then be defined and pursued.
At the Sulzbach-Rosenberg site, an open-area photovoltaic system will soon be put into operation to increase the share of CO2-neutral energy supply with a savings potential of 6,000 to/a, which can cover 20 to 25 percent of the site’s electricity requirements. In the company’s own vehicle fleet, more emphasis is already being placed on e-mobility and hybrid technology, and the lighting is being switched to LED. The company also pushes the reduction of specific energy consumption and the associated CO2 emissions.
KURZ’s CEO Walter Kurz stated “We want to become the most sustainable company in our industry and help shape product cycles along the entire value chain as environmentally friendly as possible to make our customers leaders in sustainability.”
