Sustainability has become a megatrend. Consumers are demanding environmentally friendly and fairly produced products and manufacturing companies are meeting the demand. There are various labels to help customers recognise products at a glance.
These certificates and seals recognise companies that comply with certain binding regulations on a voluntary basis. The seals show the company's commitment and convey its sustainable image to the outside world. Particular attention is paid here to energy savings, the environmentally friendly use of raw materials or sustainable forestry, which emissions are released into the environment by products and whether the environment is protected by the shortest possible transport routes.
The seals also provide information on how environmentally friendly or sustainable products are manufactured. Each label stands for different standards. Independent inspection bodies and regular checks are the basis for trustworthiness.
We present the most common seals in Germany.
Responsible forest management with the FSC® seal
Environmentally friendly, socially responsible and economically managed forests - this is what the FSC® seal stands for. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) sets the standards for this seal and ensures that certified companies are inspected by independent experts. The FSC® aims to manage the forest ecosystem more sustainably.
The sustainable use of wood and forestry are central to PRÜM's corporate policy. We are also FSC®-certified and attach great importance to sustainability in the procurement of our raw materials.
How can carpenters and fabricators practise more sustainability in their everyday work? You can find our best sustainability tips here.
"Forest TÜV" with the PEFC seal
From the raw material to the end product: products with PEFC-seal are inspected by independent experts throughout the entire product manufacturing process. The focus here is on sustainable forest management and good treatment of forest managers.
Statistics show just how popular the seal is in Germany: over eight million hectares of forest in Germany bear the PEFC seal. (source) PRÜM's products are also PEFC-certified and contribute to sustainable forest utilisation.
Eco-certified for the best possible health protection
For over 30 years, the eco-INSTITUT has been one of the most renowned laboratories for indoor air analysis in Germany. The associated eco-INSTITUT label tests building products, furnishings and bedding according to various criteria. Emissions, odour and ingredients play a decisive role in this test.
From the cradle to the cradle
If a company receives the label, certification is limited to two years. This means that every company must repeatedly demonstrate compliance with the emission values of its products. An eco certificate is only awarded to manufacturers who regularly undergo these checks and whose products are low in emissions. PRÜM's products have also been able to prove themselves and carry the eco certificate.
What strategies are there for companies to produce even more sustainably? The cradle-to-cradle principle offers a sustainable approach for a consistent circular economy, reusing raw materials and avoiding waste and rubbish. Read more about the cradle-to-cradle principle here
ISO 50001 - Efficient energy management for companies
ISO 50001 certification is one of the most common seals for assessing and documenting a company's energy policy. The central criterion: companies undertake to constantly improve their energy-related performance. Specifically, certified companies must work continuously to reduce their energy consumption year on year.
PRÜM is also certified in accordance with the ISO 50001 energy management system. Using energy efficiently, saving valuable resources and expenditure, reducing emissions - these are the key objectives here. PRÜM works on saving energy every day. A nice side effect: we can also reduce CO2 emissions through our energy-saving measures.
From PRÜM's energy policy
Sustainability is firmly anchored in PRÜM's corporate philosophy. We endeavour to reduce the emissions of our production and improve the carbon footprint of our products. You can find out more about our energy policy here.
