Sustainability at WEICON

Chemicals and sustainability –
is that even possible?

Our internationally operating family business has been producing chemical products for more than 70 years. We keep the world’s industries running with our adhesives and sealants, which are used in production, repair, maintenance and servicing. But inevitably and rightly the question arises: can we as a chemical company act sustainably at all?

Our answer to that is definitely yes. Every company today has the responsibility to address the issue of sustainability in depth. And every company can take measures within its means to enable future generations to have a future worth living.

On this page we explain how we deal with the topic of sustainability at WEICON. We reveal which small and large measures we have taken to live in a sensible way today and how we initiate new developments to help shape a future full of hope.

„Any company which in this day and age still believes that the issue of sustainability is of no concern to them has not understood what it’s all about.“

ANN-KATRIN WEIDLING, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF WEICON

What we do

CO2-Kreislauf-Kompensieren-Reduzieren-Vermeiden

Sustainability: a holistic view

Action must be guided by the principle of sustainability and a holistic approach. What does that mean? Sustainability is based on three equally important pillars: the environmental, economic and social impact. With these pillars, companies can specify guidelines for sustainable action. Their aim is to ensure and improve the environmental, economic and social performance of societies.

The 3 pillars of sustainability

Diversity and equal opportunities

At WEICON, we rely on the strength of a diverse team. People from over 20 nations work with us, reflecting our open company culture. Our goal is to actively promote equal opportunities – regardless of origin, gender or life choices. We promote flexible working time models, support a healthy work-life balance and are committed to strengthening the role of women in leadership positions. For seven years in a row (2019 to 2025), we have been honoured by Focus-Business as a Top Employer in the mid-sized business sector and ranked among the best industrial companies in Germany.

Well-being and safety

The well-being of our employees is a central component of our corporate culture. With a focus on EAT, MOVE, MIND and SAFETY, we have developed a holistic health concept that promotes both physical and mental health equally.

EAT: In our urban bistro, we offer healthy, varied vegetarian meals – tasty, nourishing and affordable.

MOVE: We encourage physical activity with fitness classes, running and peloton groups, an in-house physiotherapy practice and an affordable Hansefit membership.

MIND: Through nilo, all employees receive digital access to coaching, mindfulness exercises and stress management programmes.

SAFETY: Ergonomic equipment, fire safety training and courses ensure safety and well-being in the workplace.

Training and career management

WEICON places great importance on continuous learning and personal development. We pass on knowledge effectively through internal workshops, specialised training sessions and our Training on the Job programme. We actively support young talents on their career path – through comprehensive training, dual study programmes and the opportunity to gain practical experience internationally. We promote open communication, a strong culture of feedback and a dynamic environment for continuous learning.

Social commitment

As a family-run business, we embrace responsibility – both within our company and in the broader community. Since 2017, we have supported 17 non-profit organisations with 34 social projects around the world – from education programmes in Uganda and initiatives to empower girls in Tanzania to support for the elderly in Germany. We are also involved in local sports clubs, environmental campaigns and cultural initiatives. Our employees are an active part of this commitment – because sustainable action is a team effort for us.

Improving resource efficiency

Conserving resources starts with our everyday actions. Since 2018, we have been certified to ISO 14001 and actively implement environmental management. By using green electricity, our photovoltaic system, LED lighting, smart heating and cooling systems, and modern water treatment, we reduce our consumption of fossil resources. By digitising our internal processes – such as paperless invoice storage and automated warehouse management – we are taking another step towards greater sustainability.

Ecological footprint

We have calculated our carbon footprint at our Münster headquarters and reduced it through targeted measures. We are aware of our special responsibility as a company towards future generations and have acted accordingly. Our long-term goal: accounting for and offsetting emissions at all our global branches.

Promoting sustainable practices

For us, sustainability means: changing everyday practices. That’s why we focus on many small changes with a big impact – from switching to rechargeable batteries for input devices and using FSC-certified paper products to consciously avoiding traditional promotional gifts. Our Urban Bistro offers mostly vegetarian dishes that are healthy, affordable and made from local products. This is how we support sustainable eating in our everyday work life.

Zwei Männer stehen vor einem E-Auto und laden es auf, der linke hält ein Fahrrad in der Hand

Promoting sustainable mobility

Our corporate mobility management aims to reduce traffic flows and lower CO₂ emissions. To this end, we offer our employees company bikes, flexible remote work options, free electric charging stations and many other benefits. The number of our electric vehicles is steadily increasing – and so is the enthusiasm for sustainable travel. By offering comprehensive advisory services on electric mobility, we make the transition easier and actively contribute together to climate protection.

Ein Mann im blauen T-shirt steht im Lager und schaut auf ein Tablet

Corporate ethics and responsibility

For us, responsible behaviour starts with clear values. Our Code of Conduct sets out ethical standards for our interactions with customers, partners and colleagues. As a certified Fair Company, we lead the way when it comes to fair working conditions. Our internal control system and active risk management ensure that we always act sustainably, in compliance with the law and with entrepreneurial foresight. Many of our actions and ideas are drawn from the nationwide Ökoprofit project, which we completed successfully in 2020. The project supports companies with expertise in reducing costs through environmental and climate protection, conserving resources and cutting CO₂ emissions.

Customer satisfaction and relationships

We communicate closely with our customers and develop solutions tailored precisely to their needs. Our adhesive testing laboratory services, hands-on product training and tailored consulting – available on-site or digitally – are integral to our sustainable service portfolio. Our aim is to build long-term relationships based on trust, transparency and shared values.

Ein Mann isoliert an einer Hauswand ein Kabel mit der Green Line Abisolierzange No. 5 ab

Innovative development of our product portfolio

We are constantly reviewing our products and packaging. The Green Line tools are made from up to 97 % renewable raw materials and are produced using photovoltaic energy. Production waste is recycled during the manufacturing process. Since 2020, we have been using recyclable cardboard packaging instead of plastic blister packs, saving over 6 tonnes of plastic every year. In the production of the Green Tube cartridge, 80% less plastic is used compared to conventional cartridges. The cartridge casing is made from 100% hardened cardboard. The production generates 53% less CO₂ emissions than the manufacturing of a PE cartridge Our repair and maintenance solutions help extend the service life of machines. In this way, we actively promote resource conservation, a circular economy and a more sustainable use of materials.

Mehrere Menschen sind in einem Schulungslabor und stehen um einen Tisch mit Produkten herum

Knowledge transfer

Sustainability is driven by open exchange and dialogue. That’s why we are involved in industry networks, support local initiatives and share our knowledge through expert forums and events. Within the company, we encourage knowledge exchange through training, keynote talks and team-based formats. Together with our employees, partners and customers, we actively shape the transformation towards a more sustainable industrial sector.

Sustainability in action – products and processes

WE Care Sustainability Report

We are pleased to present our Sustainability Report 2024.

Download here

Green Tube – the new packaging solution

Reduces plastic by 80 % while maintaining the same product quality.

Visit the landing page

Green Line stripping tools

A more sustainable choice without compromising quality.

Visit the landing page

Carbon neutrality

Our headquarters in Germany are carbon neutral – but what exactly does that mean?

In general, a company is considered carbon neutral if all the climate-damaging emissions or greenhouse gases it produces are offset by a certified carbon offsetting company.

We understand that the voluntary offsetting of unavoidable emissions is essential to tackling climate change. For this reason, Fokus Zukunft GmbH & Co KG has calculated the climate impact of our headquarters in Germany according to the GHG Standard. We provided the necessary data for the calculation in advance. By purchasing climate protection certificates for the years 2022 and 2023, we offset the greenhouse gas emissions that we produce. With these certificates, we support a hydropower project in Türkiye that was certified under the leadership of VERRA based on the Verified Carbon Standard.

Regular checks

In the future, we would like to have regular recertifications carried out in order to fulfil our responsibility permanently. In the long-term, we aim to record our worldwide CO₂ emissions and offset them for all our subsidiaries as well.

Additional details on certification

Anyone who wishes to know what exactly a carbon footprint is, which greenhouse gases are included in the calculation or what happens to the CO₂ certificates after they have been purchased will receive answers to these questions in this detailed explanation.

More details about WEICON’s carbon neutrality

The hydropower project provides affordable and clean energy, creates decent jobs and economic growth, and contributes to climate protection by eliminating the use of fossil fuels. We chose Türkiye as a location for “personal reasons”, as we have our own branch here.

What does the future hold in store

Sustainable action is not an item on a to-do list that you can tick off at some point. Sustainable action is a never-ending process.

We know that we are not perfect. There are still many challenges that we need to tackle to create an even “greener” business.

We cannot work miracles and turn glue into candy, but we are constantly reviewing the implementation of various sustainability issues and processes. For example, we are currently examining further energy efficiency measures in existing buildings. This includes the use of new technology in terms of lighting, air conditioning, heating, etc. or the expansion of our photovoltaic systems.

Sustainability and environmental management are complex and time-consuming. That is why WEICON has a colleague, Henning Voß, who, as a member of our EHSC (Environment + Health + Safety + Compliance) management team, is in charge of this topic.

At WEICON, we’re always moving ahead and looking for new ideas and solutions to keep improving our sustainable actions. Are there any other ideas you think we should pursue?

A-Z of sustainability

If you would like to know out more about sustainability – whether in general or in relation to WEICON – you will find lots of information in our A-Z of sustainability. Here we explain, for example, what a corporate carbon footprint is or what is meant by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Anfangen (starting)

Just start! Can you do anything wrong when it comes to climate protection? For fear of being accused of greenwashing, some companies seem paralysed and remain hesitant regarding sustainability measures despite good intentions. But if you do nothing at all for fear of doing something wrong, you are definitely doing something wrong!

Balance

Our consumption (such as energy or fuel consumption) is converted to the CO2 equivalent using emission factors. This figure is the result of the emissions balance on which our climate protection strategy is based. One tonne of methane, for example, represents 25 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

Corporate Carbon Footprint

Together with Fokus Zukunft GmbH & Co. KG, we measured our corporate carbon footprint in Germany in 2022 based on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. The carbon footprint is divided into Scope 1, 2 and 3. Scope 1 includes all self-generated emissions (for example, emissions generated by combustion in one’s own facilities). Scope 2 includes emissions associated with purchased energy (for example electricity). Scope 3 includes emissions from services provided by third parties and purchased preliminary services (for example business travel, paper consumption, etc.). We have tried to calculate our carbon footprint in Germany as comprehensively as possible – Scope 3 emissions can only be partially accounted for, however, as not all processes along the entire value chain are known to us or can be influenced by us.

Chemicals

Many of our products are based on chemical substances that give them their specific properties, such as high adhesive strength or an especially high resistance to weathering. We pay close attention to the numerous legal requirements for our products and analyse and evaluate them further according to our own strict standards – also with regard to environmental compatibility.

Digitalisation

Many companies have now realised that the digitalisation of processes can significantly reduce C02 emissions in many areas. We have already taken several measures to digitalise our processes. For example, we have made our invoice filing or personnel administration paperless. We have also digitised processes in the warehouse and in the shipping process and replaced many face-to-face events with digital meetings.

Employer branding

Voluntarily reducing emissions and offsetting unavoidable emissions increases awareness among our employees, suppliers and customers for the way we use resources. Positioning ourselves as a sustainable employer is an integral part of our employer branding strategy.

Fahrrad (bike)

Thanks to our bike leasing offer, our employees can make their way to work pollution-free. Of course, colleagues who live far away are still dependent on their car, but many people from Münster arrive by bike – as befits our bicycle-friendly city.

International climate protection

Climate change is global, so it does not matter where in the world CO2 is offset. The Kyoto Protocol, which is binding under international law, stipulates that climate protection projects that avoid or store greenhouse gas emissions should be located where they are most economical. Many projects are therefore carried out in emerging and developing countries, where they are also intended to contribute to improving the economic, social and environmental situation.

Junges (young) team

Many young people work at WEICON. The average age at our headquarters in Germany is 37. It is no secret that sustainability is becoming increasingly important, especially for the younger generations, and often plays a role in the choice of employer. All the more reason for a company to address this issue.

Kommunikation (communication)

Do good and talk about it. Many companies do not dare to speak openly about their sustainability measures for fear of greenwashing accusations. But honest and transparent communication can help inspire other companies and encourage them to take action themselves.

Long-term

We do not purchase our carbon neutrality for marketing purposes. By means of additional C02 reduction and avoidance measures, we wish to show that we are making a long-term and serious contribution to climate protection and to a world worth living in tomorrow.

Messen (trade fairs)

We have reduced our participation in trade fairs, thus saving many flights, nights in hotels and kilometres driven by car. We have currently scaled down our presence at domestic fairs to the most important four or five ones.

Nachhaltigkeitsziele der Vereinten Nationen (United Nations Sustainable Development Goals)

The United Nations has set 17 sustainable development goals. The goals take into account all three pillars of sustainability (environmental, economic and social) and include the fight against climate change. Here you can find more information on the 17 goals With our certification as a carbon-neutral company, we support a compensation project in Türkiye that includes three of the sustainability goals.

Quality

We attach the utmost importance to quality. This means that we pay attention to both high-quality materials and the usefulness of our products. We don’t include products that are especially harmful to the environment nor products that offer no additional technical benefit in our product range.

Reducing

We are reducing our CO2 impact in many areas along the value chain. Our specific measures for CO2 reduction are explained on this page.

Spenden (donations)

We have been supporting charitable organisations around the world since 2017. Among them are associations that campaign for the environment and the welfare of people and animals. Our employees decide on which organisations to support with our donations.

Treibstoff (fuel)

Our vehicle fleet requires a large amount of petrol and diesel. That is why we are gradually converting our vehicle fleet in Germany to regenerative drives.

Umverpackungen (repackaging)

We banned plastic blister packs from our tool range at the beginning of 2020. Since then, we have been packaging our WEICON TOOLS in recyclable cardboard boxes, thus saving around six tonnes of plastic every year. Read more

Corporate values

As a company, we hold certain values that guide our everyday actions. In addition to respect, openness, solidarity, communication and reliability, we also count responsibility and sustainability among our corporate values. Responsible and sustainable action is very important to us, which is why we continue to focus our actions on sustainability in addition to the measures we have taken so far.

Vermeiden (saving)

Saving CO2 should be part of any sustainability strategy. Because even if we offset a tonne of CO2 elsewhere in the world, it remains a tonne of CO2. That is why we regularly examine and evaluate existing processes at our company to find out whether they can be optimised further in terms of sustainability.

Ganzheitlich (holistic)

Those who are serious about the fight against climate change do not merely rely on offsetting CO2 through climate certificates. Only companies who take a holistic view of the three main pillars of carbon neutrality – i.e. saving, reducing and offsetting CO2 – achieve more than mere damage limitation.

Home office (remote work)

Working from home makes it unnecessary for many of our employees to travel to work by car, thus reducing the burden on the environment and, additionally, on the wallet.

ÖPNV (public transport)

Despite our location in an industrial area, we are directly connected to the public transport system via a nearby bus stop. In various industry associations, we repeatedly advocate, for example, that the frequency of buses be further expanded to make public transport even more attractive.

People – Planet – Profit

These terms refer to the three pillars of sustainability. With these three, equally-important pillars, companies can specify guidelines for sustainable action. The aim is to ensure and improve the environmental, economic and social performance of societies in this way.

Work-life balance

For us, sustainability also means consciously paying attention to people (human resources), starting with the people in our company. For example, we ensure that our employees benefit from a good work-life balance.

X, Y, Z

Generation X, Y and Z

When WEICON was founded in 1947, environmental issues played a minor role for many companies. We were no exception in that respect. But for the following generations Y and Z, the topic of sustainability is increasingly gaining in importance – also at WEICON. Being a millennial herself, Managing Director Ann-Katrin Weidling represents the fourth generation of our family business. It is extremely important to her that WEICON makes its own significant contribution to climate protection.

Ziele (targets)

Sustainable action is not an item on a to-do list that you can tick off at some point, but a continuous process. We never stop setting ourselves new targets to reduce our CO2 emissions wherever we can.