COMPANY STATEMENT

A long tradition in sustainability. Driven by conviction

We have been doing everything in our power to promote the recovery and recycling of raw materials for over 50 years now. For us, acting sustainably also means finding ways to recycle substances that at first glance would appear to be impossible. Which means that our operations are geared towards innovation. Many of the recycling systems that we have developed in-house have been patented. These, in turn, act as a springboard for further progress and pioneering solutions, enabling us to advance both recycling and other sectors. For example, by supporting the green transition and helping industry and commerce to achieve their net-zero goals.

We are driven by our determination to close more and more material life cycles as well as to continuously improve the material life cycles that have already been established.

Paving the way for the Green Deal. At all levels

The EU has made it its goal to be completely climate-neutral by 2050. If this is to be achieved, then a wide range of sectors will need to reduce their consumption of natural resources and cut their carbon emissions. What is exceptional about REMONDIS is that we are able to promote sustainability in all these areas – from the construction industry, to transport and energy, all the way through to the agricultural sector. This not only makes us a very relevant player, it also means we have a responsibility to do this. We are happy to take on this responsibility. Every day. Always looking to the future.

REMONDIS’ Code of Ethics. Sustainability is one of our company values 

There can be no greater commitment to sustainability than to write it into our company’s Code of Ethics in black and white. And this is precisely what we have done. And not just the environmental aspects of sustainability but the economic and social ones as well. A few extracts from our Code of Ethics can be found below.

The full version of our Code of Ethics can also be downloaded here

Environmental sustainability

We are committed to conserving natural resources and protecting the environment across all of our business divisions. We fully back the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and do everything in our power to contribute towards all of these 17 goals. It goes without saying that we comply with all environmental protection standards. With recycling being one of our key activities, protecting natural resources and preventing carbon emissions and pollution are at the very core of our company philosophy. In addition to this, we take every step possible to reduce emissions across all of our business divisions. To achieve this goal, we operate both an environmental management programme and an energy management programme. Moreover, we also provide information and training courses for our employees to raise awareness of environmental and climate issues and promote an environmentally conscious workplace.

Respect for human rights

The REMONDIS Group respects human rights and adheres strictly to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). We do not tolerate any form of forced labour or any form of child labour. We comply with the legal minimum working age determined by each country or set out in collective wage agreements provided that this age is not below the minimum working age prescribed by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). No matter where in the world we operate, we ensure that the statutory labour laws of the country in question form the basis for the minimum working standards for our employees – for example regarding working conditions, health & safety, remuneration and employer contributions. One of our fundamental aspirations is to establish German and European standards, even if these are not necessarily guaranteed by local laws.

Non-discrimination

Any decision made by the company to recruit or promote members of staff is based solely on their qualifications and job performance. We promote equal opportunities and the equal treatment of employees. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination for reasons of race or ethnic origins, sex, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. Discriminatory measures that may undermine the premise of interactions being free of distinction, exclusion, preference or harassment are forbidden without exception, no matter how minimal their impact may be.

Legally compliant working hours

We always respect and comply with all working time regulations. The permitted maximum working time set out in legislation and work regulations is never exceeded. Overtime is limited to the statutory and/or contractual conventions applicable at the respective location. We ensure that all required rest breaks are adhered to and attach the greatest importance to the health, safety and satisfaction of our employees. It goes without saying that there is an unrestricted right to freedom of association and collective bargaining at our company.

Health & Safety

Comprehensive measures are taken to protect and safeguard the health and safety of our employees. Besides adhering to all country and industry-specific health and safety regulations, we also have our own dedicated health and safety programmes that our managers must promote and monitor. These programmes focus on the health and safety aspects of our work processes and working conditions as well as the safety behaviours of individuals and the work safety culture at the company as a whole. People from all levels of the business are continuously sharing information as part of our zero accidents culture, so that even better results can be achieved when it comes to preventing accidents and work-related illnesses.

Fair competition

The REMONDIS Group is fully committed to free markets. Breaches of competition law – no matter where, for what reason or to what extent – are absolutely forbidden at our company. This standpoint is reflected and adhered to across all of our business processes. When working with our suppliers and customers, we prohibit any action that could even remotely promote illegitimate influence on competition. This includes agreements made regarding prices, market shares, capacities and the allocation of customers and regional markets as well as any other form of influence that may be problematic under competition law. Any company disposals, acquisitions and joint ventures are subject without fail to merger control by the antitrust authorities responsible for the relevant country.

Financial responsibility

Handling company assets and company property responsibly is the economic basis for our successful operations. Any decisions we make are always aimed at safeguarding and growing our company assets. Our ethical and moral guidelines apply to our financial decisions and investments as well. We never speculate on raw materials or on rising or falling prices. Moreover, we never participate in fields of business that involve short-term gains or put the company at risk. We handle our company’s resources in an appropriate, responsible, sustainable and legitimate way. Moreover, we protect our company against misuse, damage, ruin, loss and theft. Any form of fraud, disloyalty, theft, embezzlement and tax evasion is forbidden, regardless of whether such action damages the assets of the company or of a third party.


REMONDIS – working for the future all around the globe

Being one of the world’s leading recycling, service and water companies with a workforce of 40,000+ employees, everything we do revolves around the subject of sustainability. We help make sure that the environment is protected and natural resources conserved in more than 30 countries across 4 continents. The starting point for all our activities is our German head office in the town of Lünen. This is where we spend every day working on developing new ideas and recycling systems.

Find out more about our company at remondis.de/en/

REMONDIS’ commitment to sustainability has also been recognised by the German Sustainability Award which has already named our company one of the TOP 3 most sustainable large businesses three times 

REMONDIS: a few facts & figures


Sustainability in a PDF

Everything we do to promote sustainability and to overcome global challenges can also be downloaded and printed out. Find out what sets us apart from others by reading our brochure Our Environmental Commitment