German Locations – Scope 1 and 2
Our German locations account for more than 80% of total Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Therefore, our primary focus has been on reducing and avoiding emissions at our German sites.
We have successfully avoided a significant portion of our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions in Germany under the market-based approach by purchasing "green" electricity certificates with guarantees of origin for all our sites and climate-friendly district heating for our logistics center in Gelsenkirchen.
In the coming years, we will expand our measures to our subsidiaries worldwide.
*Scope 1: includes the direct release of climate-damaging gases within the company and its production processes.
Scope 2: includes the indirect release of climate-damaging gases by energy suppliers.
Indirect Greenhouse Gas Emissions – Scope 3
To better understand how our indirect business activities and supply chain impact climate change, we have decided to conduct a systematic assessment of Scope 3 emissions using the GHG Protocol guidelines.
For the calculation, we used secondary data and emission factors from reliable databases. However, we found that these data are often imprecise and lack specific information for our industry. Therefore, we plan to collect primary carbon emissions data directly from our suppliers and explore further ways to reduce Scope 3 emissions.
Less Packaging - More Environmental Protection
When it comes to packaging, the bilstein group is also taking important steps towards more sustainability. For example, since 2022, the logistics at HQ in Ennepetal has refrained from packing small parts for repair kits in a neutral plastic bag. This saves about two tonnes of plastic per year. A significant reduction was also achieved in bubble wrap, which is used to protect goods.
In 2020, the general consumption of bubble wrap was analysed and put to the test. The result was clear: since then, we have been using around 24.5 tonnes less bubble wrap per year. Through the system partnership with PARTSLIFE, the environmental management service provider for the automotive industry, the bilstein group makes an active contribution to waste avoidance and disposal.
Recycled Plastic Wrap
In 2022 our logistics in Germany switched to bubble wrap that consists of up to 50 percent recycled plastic.
But isn't 100 percent also possible? For the air cushions to form, parts of the material are welded together. To be able to control these processes, a sheet consists of different layers. The different properties of these layers require a certain proportion of virgin material, as the melting temperatures are known and uniform for this type.
Small Ideas, Big Impact
In 2018 Ali Serttekin, who has been working in bilstein group logistics since 1994, had the idea to use A5 stickers larger packages instead of A4 stickers. A simple idea thanks to which a lot of paper can be saved. In addition, combi-packaging (packaging made of a combination of cardboard and plastic) was completely eliminated in the company.
Thanks to this simple but efficient measure, the materials can be separated more easily and recycled accordingly.
Let There Be LED!
A large part of our logistics in Germany is now equipped with energy-saving LED lights. In logistics in Ennepetal alone, well over two kilometres of lighting have been newly installed in recent years and connected to the existing intelligent building management system so that it can be controlled entirely according to need.
Thanks to this solution, 294 tonnes of CO2 can be saved per year.
The bilstein group has been using paper padding machines at its locations in Ennepetal, Gelsenkirchen and Wuppertal for a long time. The company has had good experiences with the machines from the manufacturer Sprick, which are provided by Paul Hildebrandt in Bergkamen.
