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Change, together.

Change only works together. CWS wants to continuously improve its contribution to a clean, sustainable future.

Find out what we have already achieved and what we still have ahead of us in our Sustainability Report 2022/23.

 

CWS Group awarded EcoVadis Gold Rating

The CWS Group receives the EcoVadis Gold Rating, placing it in the top 5 percent of companies of comparable size and industry. Compared to last year, CWS rose from silver to gold. EcoVadis provides a platform where ESG criteria for companies are reviewed and evaluated and thus made comparable. ESG refers to environmental, social and corporate governance. ESG assessments examine and evaluate corporate social and environmental responsibility.

EcoVadis Gold 2022

The EcoVadis assessment process queries a large number of projects and their status, which is then converted into an evidence-based assessment with easy-to-read score cards. Based on the score, i.e. the final score achieved, the organisation then assigns its ratings. It identifies both strengths and areas for improvement within the organisation.

Read more

 

Der neue CWS Nachhaltigkeitsbericht 2022/2023

The CWS Sustainability Report 2022/2023

Változás, együtt

For CWS, sustainability is a future vision, a business model and a guiding framework for responsible action. To achieve this, the company primarily focuses on sustainable products and decarbonisation. Read our new sustainability report to find out how we are doing this in the areas of Hygiene, Workwear, Cleanrooms and Fire safety.

 

Hier können Sie den Nachhaltigkeitsbericht runterladen

We live circularity 

What does circular economy look like at CWS and what does circularity mean for us? Find out in our Think Circular clip.  

 Enkelfähig - tomorrow always starts today

At CWS, we act enkelfähig. As part of our parent company Haniel's enkelfähig initiative, our circular business model contributes to a healthier and safer future. 

At CWS, we act enkelfähig through our overarching sustainability strategy Think Circular and create value for generations by linking economic success to value-oriented action. For us, sustainability and profitability are closely linked. We do business in a way that is generation-friendly and thus enkelfähig.

For a healthier and safer future. Starting today. 

Enkelfaehig Label

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our sustainability strategy

Sustainable products

We want our sustainable products to account for more than 90 percent of our new business by 2025. By the same year, we also want to have converted our supply chains to sustainability and transparency; among other things, 100% of our suppliers from risk countries are to be audited.

Decarbonising our business

By 2030, we aim to reduce CO2e by 50% in our logistics and laundry operations.

Closing the loop

We offer our products in a service cycle and continue to use them sensibly even after their useful service life.

Responsible supply chain

We are reducing our environmental and social footprint in all our processes.

Best in class working environment

The health of our employees is our top priority along with the professional development and inclusion of all talents and perspectives.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)

Sustainability for tomorrow

At CWS, we work every day for a healthier and safer future. In doing so, we are guided by the official sustainability goals of the United Nations, also known as Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Sustainability Clean Water and Sanitation
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Sustainability Responsible Consumption and Production

 

 

 

The UN formulates a total of 17 political development goals, which are divided into the three areas of economy, ecology and social affairs. This division is intended to ensure that all relevant levels of sustainability are taken into account. At CWS, we support this holistic approach with a wide range of activities.

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

At CWS, we believe that diversity is a critical component of a vibrant, productive company culture and enriches each and every one of our teams. That's why we work strategically with our Diversity Board to strengthen diversity throughout the company.

Sustainability Gender Equality

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

Clean water is indispensable for the health of people and nature. That is why we take a variety of measures to reduce the use of environmentally harmful chemicals in washing processes and minimise our fresh water consumption by all means. For example by:

  • Harmonising our detergent suppliers
  • Investing in water treatment
  • Resource-saving washing programmes
  • Product innovations (for example SmartWash)
  • Microplastic-free products
Sustainability Clean Water and Sanitation

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

For us, the focus is always on people. That is why we work on the satisfaction of our employees as well as that of our customers. We check that social standards in the supply chain and compliance rules are adhered to. We favour the diversity of our workforce and promote the talent, health and safety of all the people who work for us.

  • QESH activities within CWS (Quality, Environment, Safety & Health)
  • Diversity Board within CWS
  • Use of Fairtrade cotton
  • BSCI partnership (Business Social Compliance Initiative)
  • United Nations Global Compact membership (UNGC)
Decent Work and Economic Growth

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns​​​​​​​

Our business model is based on the idea of a continuous and consistent circular economy. We are continuously working on making our products more and more sustainable while maintaining the same performance and extending their service life with constant quality. Following the Circular Economy approach, we already think about the entire life cycle during development. 

  • Rental service at the core of our business model
  • Repair of garments, recycling of our donors
  • Activity in the wear2wear™ initiative.
  • Ecodesign
  • Use of Fairtrade cotton and FSC paper
  • Organic certifications
  • Cradle2Cradle certifications
Sustainability Responsible Consumption and Production

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

We are actively involved in the fight against climate change. We are continuously reducing our CO2 emissions and energy consumption. With our circular business model, we also help to conserve other resources.

  • Cooperation with ClimatePartner (climate-neutral certification of print material, reforestation projects with customers)
  • Innovative products (such as SmartWash)
  • Resource-saving washing processes
  • Optimisation tool for our delivery routes "Optimize My Day
  • Expansion of e-mobility
Sustainability Climate Action

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

The health of our environment depends on intact ecosystems. With our sustainable products and diverse efforts along the value chain, we contribute to protecting our land ecosystem.

  • Cooperation with ClimatePartner (climate-neutral certification of print material, reforestation projects with customers).
  • Organic certifications
  • FSC certifications (over 90% of our paper is FSC certified or comes from sustainable resources)
  • Fairtrade
Sustainability Life on Land

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development

At CWS, we always have the big picture in mind. With sustainable products, we can create added value for the customer and at the same time drive positive development for people and the environment. We also look at our supply chains and work to achieve fair working conditions and minimal environmental impact.

  • Membership of the UN Global Compact
  • Fairtrade
  • Membership of the Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI)
  • Cooperation with World Toilet Organization
  • Cooperation with Made Blue
Sustainability Partnerships for the Goals