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FAQ enkelfähig

FAQ

What methods is the Enkelfähig score based on?

With the Enkelfähig Rating Tool, we have created an instrument that enables us to measure the impact of our products and services on the environment. The tool is based on the method of life cycle assessment and takes into account the entire life cycle of our products and services. The assessment matrix ranges from raw material to recycling/reuse and includes internal and external partners (suppliers). The evaluation is based on the orientation of the benchmark.

How are the information for the evaluations consolidated?

Both supplier-specific and product-specific data are collected. This is done through existing product data sheets and dedicated questionnaires. The evaluation is always based on the product and its components, or a service.

How many products have already been evaluated?

Currently, we have been able to evaluate approximately 90% of our core range in our two largest divisions Hygiene and Workwear. The next step is to expand to country-specific portfolios. For our Fire Safety division, we have already been able to evaluate the main categories. For the Cleanrooms area, we already have an evaluation of the service offerings and academy, as well as the evaluation of the main categories of textile products. The expansion to consumables is planned for 2023.

How often are products and services evaluated and how often are they reviewed?

More than 90% of our core portfolio has already been evaluated across CWS divisions. Processes have been established to ensure that every product development or service offering undergoes an Enkelfähig check. In the interest of transparency and credibility, our entire portfolio is reviewed annually and updated as necessary after considering any new internal or external factors.

Does Enkelfähig influence the product development of the CWS product portfolio?

In addition to the influences of the market and customers, the tool serves as an indicator of the sustainability of our products and has been integrated into the product development processes of our divisions. It serves as a sustainability benchmark for the future direction of our portfolio.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the "Enkelfähig" classification? What advantage does the customer have?

Advantages:

  • Provides quick and transparent orientation for customers interested in sustainability.
  • Motivates customers and manufacturers towards truly sustainable solutions. Makes products from different categories easily comparable.
  • Supports our customers in reaching their own sustainability ambitions and targets.

 

Disadvantages:

  • The Enkelfähig score is only the beginning and is based on the experience of our experts and suppliers.
  • The scoring is of course continuously sharpened in its meaningfulness. The evaluation is primarily for orientation and cannot reflect every customer perspective.
  • Production processes, raw material procurement, and delivery conditions are only limitedly available due to the trade secrets of our partners.

What happens to products that score "less than 3" and are therefore not Enkelfähig?

What happens to products that score "less than 3" and are therefore not Enkelfähig? In this case, the products are included in a review process: "What measures are planned in the future to make the product more sustainable and reduce its impact on the environment? Is there the possibility of alternative materials or suppliers?

If no solution is found in this way, the product will be removed from the portfolio. By 2025, we aim to achieve 90% of our new business from sustainable products.

What is not taken into account?

Due to the business secrets of our suppliers, we have limited insights into the entire supply chain - even though we would like to include this in the evaluation. However, the Supply Chain Act will at least partially help us in this regard. The entire production process of the product (Tier 2, etc.) Procurement of raw materials and delivery conditions (Tier 1, etc.)

How are the criteria weighted?

The evaluation is based on the following weighting:

  • Circularity weighting: 30%
  • Climate change weighting: 20%
  • Biodiversity weighting: 20%
  • Profitability weighting: 10%
  • Innovation weighting: 10%
  • Health & safety weighting: 10%

Why a scaling from 1.0 to 5.0?

The scaling serves as a reversed grading system and enables the gradations of certificates, measures or product properties. Through this rating scale, comparability is possible within the different portfolios and provides consistency. Through specific rules that form the foundation of the evaluation, we ensure that each division applies the same scaling for certificates, material properties, or further measures.

Is it possible to achieve a score of 5 and if so, what does a product have to meet?

The goal of the Enkelfähig rating is the continuous improvement of our products and services. For this reason, we have decided that a score of 5 can only be achieved when there are no risks and negative environmental impacts from the product or service. The following properties meet the above-mentioned requirements for the highest score:

  • Use of recyclable raw materials or already recycled materials (Post-Consumer-Recycling is better than Post-Industrial-Recycling)
  • Repair properties and reuse
  • Use of renewable raw materials from sustainable management
  • Optimized transport routes and reduction of packaging materials
  • Calculation and demonstrable reduction of CO2 emissions from products and the company itself
  • Certifications and/or measures regarding sustainability.

Do Enkelfähig products cost more?

"Enkelfähig" serves as an instrument to carry out a portfolio transformation and is mainly intended to align our portfolio services in a future-oriented way. It has no direct influence on the price of a product. A highly rated product does not necessarily have to be more expensive than a low rated product.

How is the Enkelfähig Score displayed?

Currently, the scoring model serves exclusively for internal strategic processes. In the near future, public communication of the Enkelfähig scores on the product pages of the CWS divisions is planned.

Will there be an external partnership or cooperation to evaluate and certify the Enkelfähig rating further?

Together with our Shareholder Haniel the portfolio companies looking for cooperations to evaluate and develop the Enkelfähig rating further, to make sure that an external validation can be available in the near future.

How do you train your employees on sustainability topics?

We offer dedicated sustainability trainings to our employees, to educated and communicate the upcoming topics (regulations etc.) and the transformation further into our organization. Furthermore, the Haniel Academy offers holistic training content on sustainability and the Enkelfähig approach.