Gebr. Heinemann has made significant strides toward its 2030 sustainability goals, emphasizing that shaping a green future for its industry hinges on the combined efforts of employees, suppliers, partners, and customers.
Reduced emissions, green business partnerships, a sustainable governance structure, and a green product category: Gebr. Heinemann is well on its way to advancing all four dimensions of its global sustainability strategy, which are Environment, Social, Governance, and Responsible Value Chain. As a result, the company has become more specific in individual action fields and is working to establish key performance indicators and targets for each department.
“As a family business, Gebr. Heinemann feels a special responsibility to secure the future for generations to come,” says Saskia Möller, Director Legal, Compliance & Sustainability. “That is why our 2030 sustainability goals are the most ambitious in global travel retail. To achieve them, we rely on collaboration along the value chain, and we are proud of our progress in 2024.”
Raising Awareness Within and Outside the Company
To sensitize and empower its internal and external stakeholders, and to develop innovative approaches together, Gebr. Heinemann took the opportunity to position its 2030 strategy in round tables with banks, partners, and customers, and as a speaker and panelist at sustainability and industry conferences.
In addition, Gebr. Heinemann adopted new internal formats to integrate sustainability within the group of companies. It established an internal network called Sustainable Minds, which consists of around 50 employees from the Hamburg headquarters and locations worldwide. They regularly meet in virtual sessions to share best practices in social and ecological commitment, and to develop ideas for advancing the sustainability strategy.
In the late summer of 2024, vice presidents, directors, and heads of departments from Germany were invited to the Sustainable Leaders Academy to gain insights from leading sustainable suppliers, customers, influencers, academics, and consultants. In 2025, the Sustainable Leaders Academy will further expand to include international managers and integrate members of the Sustainable Minds network.
“We see clear signs that our initiatives are bearing fruit and that awareness of our sustainability measures is growing,” says Saskia Möller. “The Executive Board, employees, and representatives from all locations are involved and contribute to achieving our sustainability goals in the interest of a successful future for the company.”
