ISO 14001 in Small and Medium-Sized Businesses: Environmental Management with Passion and Responsibility
by Birgit Kraus
Rainer Ströbel, Managing Director at Ströbel CEO,
puts it in a nutshell:
„We see not only quality and reliability, but also awareness and sensitivity towards the environment as our responsibility! Not least out of responsibility towards future generations.“
And it is precisely according to this principle that we operate as an owner-managed company – with conviction, responsibility and a clear goal: to systematically integrate environmental aspects into our daily business activities and continuously develop our environmental management.
Climate change, environmental pollution, forest dieback and the ongoing deforestation of rainforests are serious challenges that affect us as a society. As a medium-sized company in particular, we see it as our responsibility to continuously develop our environmental management and integrate environmental aspects into our business processes. This is not only about regulations or key figures, but about genuine commitment and values that are put into practice. An important step on this path was our certification according to ISO 14001, as it systematically supports our environmental management and promotes continuous improvement.
What does ISO 14001 mean for us?
The ISO 14001 is an internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems. For us, it is much more than a certification: it helps us permanently integrate environmental aspects into our everyday business activities. With clearly defined processes, measurable targets and regular evaluations, we continuously improve our environmental management – from more efficient use of resources and the reduction of emissions to the optimization of our production processes.
WHAT WE ACTUALLY DO
LED-Lighting
Our conversion at the Wasenmühlweg site saves at least 25,000 kWh of electricity per year, which corresponds to a CO₂ reduction of 9.25 tonnes.
Photovoltaic power plants
Our plants at the Wasenmühlweg and Mühlsteig sites produce around a third of our own electricity consumption.
Pellet heating
At the Mühlsteig site, we use pellet heating, which emits significantly less CO₂ than fossil fuels.
Heat recovery
In our production halls and warehouses, we use waste heat efficiently to supply warm air in winter.
Paperless office
Since 2012, we have been working paperlessly as far as possible, thereby reducing our paper consumption.
Optimisation of shipping cartons
We save around 21,500 cartons per year.
MONO-Line – externally assessed recyclability
Our MONO-Line is based on a single-material construction using PE. Depending on the version, its recyclability has been independently assessed by Interzero or cyclos-HTP.
WWF membership
As an active member, we support the protection of nature and the preservation of valuable habitats.
Bicycle leasing for employees
We encourage cycling and provide our staff with modern company e-bikes.
Water dispensers
By providing water dispensers, we reduce the consumption of reusable and PET water bottles.
Why ISO 14001 is particularly important for SMEs
Small and medium-sized enterprises often face the challenge of combining economic efficiency with environmental management. ISO 14001 supports us in this and offers tangible benefits:
- Efficient use of resources – A systematic environmental management system helps ensure that energy and materials are used efficiently on an ongoing basis.
- Legal compliance – Environmental legal requirements are systematically identified, implemented and documented.
- Trust among customers and partners – Certification creates transparency and strengthens long-term business relationships.
- Motivated employees – Our team identifies with our values and actively contributes to improvement processes.
A major step - and a conscious decision
It is no secret: For small and medium-sized enterprises, certification in accordance with ISO 14001 involves considerable personnel and financial effort. Processes must be analyzed, structures adapted and measures implemented consistently.
For us, however, it was clear from the outset: this path is worthwhile. We see certification as an investment in structured processes and the continuous improvement of our environmental management. It helps us clearly define our environmental objectives and position our company for long-term sustainability and competitiveness.
Responsibility does not end at the factory gate
For us, what we do within our own company is not the only thing that matters. Together with our suppliers, we work towards a responsible value chain. Long-term partnerships and the continuous development of environmental standards are important elements of this cooperation.
Where are we heading?
We are continuously developing our environmental management. For the coming years, we have set ourselves the following goals, among others:
- increasing the use of renewable energy,
- increasing the proportion of recycled materials in our production,
- using innovative technologies to further improve resource efficiency.
Our goal is clear: We want to continuously improve our environmental performance and take responsibility together with our employees, customers and partners. We are convinced that many small steps can make an important contribution.
Our Conclusion
For us, sustainability is not a one-off project, but a continuous improvement process. With ISO 14001 , we have a clear framework for systematically integrating environmental aspects into our business processes and continuously developing our environmental management. What matters most to us, however, is that we do this out of conviction and with genuine commitment. As a family-owned company, we think long term – for our employees, our customers and the generations that follow us.
More about Sustainability at Ströbel
Do you have any questions?
Would you like to learn more about our environmental management in accordance with ISO 14001, our measures or our packaging solutions? Please feel free to contact us.
Your contact: