Much of what is taken for granted in most regions of Europe is a scarce commodity elsewhere in the world. This applies to simple basic foodstuffs such as water as well as access to education or work. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda are aimed at governments, the private sector, academia and, not least, civil society. The SDGs are also of central importance for CWS – after all, sustainability is at the core of its business model.
Circularity forms the basis of the company's sustainability strategy. Projects, cooperations and products that follow the circular idea find a common umbrella under Think Circular, the principle of our action. And for CWS, circularity is nothing new, but long established. The company offers its products and solutions as a rental service. How does this pay off for the SDGs? The example of workwear quickly makes this clear. If a person is equipped with purchased work clothes for a year, this causes about 72 kg of CO2. If the workwear is rented instead, the greenhouse gas emissions are reduced to 36 kg – and that includes transport! The rental includes cleaning as well as repairs, which also saves valuable resources.
Speaking of resources: In accordance with SDG 17 "Partnership for the goals", CWS relies on fair trade for cotton for workwear. This starts with the farmers who grow and harvest the cotton. With CWS as a partner, they get planning security, because the company has made a long-term commitment to increase the share of fair trade cotton in the workwear sector – and has agreed on fixed purchase quantities.
SDG 12 "Responsible consumption and production" is also central to CWS: in accordance with the triad "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle", processes are geared towards resource conservation and products towards durability. In addition, cycles are to be closed through reuse. In our laundries, we address SDG 6 "Clean water and sanitation". Washing processes there are constantly being optimised, and 80% of the wash water is already treated for reuse.
As a holistic system provider, CWS contributes to a healthier and safer tomorrow in many areas. The range is divided into products and services from the areas of hygiene, mats, workwear, fire protection, cleanrooms and health and care.