‘We really care’ with a clear goal in mind
In 1993, he was honoured by the WWF as Eco-Manager of the Year for his pioneering work and tireless commitment to sustainability. Today, more than 30 years later, Sedus continues to pursue ambitious sustainability goals.
By 2025, Sedus’ administrative and production sites in Dogern and Geseke will be CO2-neutral. To achieve this goal, the company plans to reduce 30% of its direct emissions by the end of 2025 and a further 20% by 2030. Important milestones by 2025 also include reducing emissions from the vehicle fleet by 20%, revising the energy concept to reduce primary energy consumption by 60%, optimising packaging by 15% and using 80% sustainably managed wood for furniture production.
People, planet, profit: three core aspects of sustainability
Sustainability has many facets. For Sedus, three cornerstones form the basis of all actions: People, Planet, Profit. This guideline makes it clear that economic, ecological and social values must be considered and promoted in equal measure. Sedus ensures that all decisions always have a positive impact on at least two of these aspects, without neglecting the third.
Sedus’ economic principles include sustainable corporate management and comprehensive employee participation. Co-determination and company partnership are of great importance. As early as 1952, Christof Stoll introduced a profit-sharing scheme for his employees. This participation statute still exists today and has been continuously expanded with further variants and individual options. For Sedus, it is essential to show colleagues the recognition and gratitude they deserve and to involve them firmly in the sustainable management of the company.
Focus on the entire product life cycle
Sedus follows the Sedus Green Codex in the development, manufacture and marketing of its products. The entire process is viewed as part of a well thought-out circular economy, which is handled responsibly and constantly developed. This includes the choice of materials for sustainable office furniture, their processing, packaging, reuse and recycling. Sedus organises this entire process clearly, transparently and comprehensibly for its customers.
Through numerous certificates such as EcoVadis in ‘Gold’ and SA8000, as well as the high transparency of product components, Sedus ensures that all aspects of a closed product life cycle are taken into account. In addition to the outlet, where products with minimal signs of use are resold at a reduced price, the company takes back chairs that have been heavily used and reupholsters them. If refurbishment is no longer possible, Sedus offers to dismantle the old products for recycling for large projects. This is only possible because the entire recycling process is already taken into account during product development.
Visible social commitment to people and the environment
Sedus is part of the Stoll VITA Foundation and the Karl Bröcker Foundation. These two foundations not only ensure the entrepreneurial independence of Sedus Stoll AG, but also pursue charitable, philanthropic purposes. As a result, around two thirds of the profits go to charitable causes. In addition to nature conservation, the company supports public health projects, educational projects and preventative and therapeutic facilities for children in need and young people in Germany and abroad.
Sedus’ social commitment is firmly anchored in many projects in Germany and internationally through the work of the two foundations. One example of this is Pro Uganda, a German non-profit organisation that gives amputees or physically impaired people in Uganda a new quality of life through prostheses. Another example is the sailing camp organised by Transplant-Kids e. V. from Wiesmoor. Through such projects, Sedus gives something back to society – and that fills everyone involved with great joy.
At Sedus, sustainability is not just a goal, but a fundamental principle that has been anchored in the company’s DNA for 150 years. At Sedus, we stand by our slogan, ‘We really care,’ and are committed to making a positive change for people, the planet and profit every day.
