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 raw material to finished product: products bearing the PEFC label are monitored by independent auditors throughout the entire manufacturing process. The focus here is on sustainable forest management and fair treatment of forest managers.
Statistics show just how popular the label is in Germany: over eight million hectares of forest in Germany bear the PEFC label. (Source) PRÜM’s products are also PEFC-certified and contribute to sustainable forest management.
Eco-certified for the best possible health protection
For over 30 years, the eco-INSTITUT has been one of Germany’s most renowned laboratories for indoor air quality analysis. The associated eco-INSTITUT label tests building products, furnishings and bedding against various criteria. Emissions, odour and ingredients play a decisive role in this testing.
From the cradle to the cradle
If a company is awarded the label, the certification is valid for two years. This means that every company must continually demonstrate that its products comply with the specified emission limits. An eco-certificate is only awarded to manufacturers who undergo these checks regularly and whose products are low-emission. PRÜM’s products have also proven themselves and bear the eco-certificate.
What strategies are available to companies to produce even more sustainably? The cradle-to-cradle principle offers a sustainable approach to a consistent circular economy, reusing raw materials and avoiding waste. Read more about the cradle-to-cradle principle here
ISO 50001 – Efficient energy management for businesses
ISO 50001 certification is one of the most common standards for assessing and documenting a company’s energy policy. The key criterion is that companies commit to constantly improving their energy performance. In practical terms, this means that certified companies must work continuously to reduce their energy consumption year on year.
PRÜM is also certified under the ISO 50001 energy management system. Using energy efficiently, saving precious resources and costs, and reducing emissions – these are the key objectives here. PRÜM works every day to save energy. A welcome side effect: through these energy-saving measures, we can also reduce CO2 emissions.
Our energy policy
Sustainability is firmly embedded in our corporate philosophy. We are committed to reducing emissions from our production processes and improving the carbon footprint of our products. You can find out more about our energy policy here.
