Our approach
Think sustainably, act responsibly
Sustainability is part of our daily work and our thinking.
With our strategy, we pursue the goal of combining economic, ecological, and social responsibility. This applies to the entire value chain: from the purchase of ingredients to production to the people who work for us and live in the region where our sites are located. Accordingly, our sustainability strategy is based on the areas of Planet, People, and Product.
Planet
Taking responsibility for the environment and resources
We are actively committed to reducing our environmental footprint. Through targeted measures in our plants and along our value chain, we are doing our part to protect the climate, conserve resources, and prevent waste.
We are continuously increasing our energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Our climate targets are scientifically based and confirmed by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). All our sites are certified according to ISO 50001, the standard in energy management. Around 85 percent of our electricity already comes from renewable sources – we will switch completely to green electricity by 2028. Our product development team is researching more sustainable raw materials and testing their potential use in our products. In this way, we are gradually improving the carbon footprint of our food products.
Water is indispensable in our production process, both for making dough and for cleaning and cooling, and is therefore a precious commodity. We record and analyze our consumption and reduce it wherever possible. Efficient and optimized cleaning procedures are standard practice for us.
We consistently reduce food waste—from procurement to delivery. Our production planning is designed to use raw materials in a targeted manner and make optimal use of them. We return excess dough scraps to the cycle in accordance with strict quality standards. Anything that cannot be reused is recycled in a targeted manner, for example as animal feed.
PEOPLE
For security, diversity, and cohesion
At Freiberger, sustainability is also evident in how we treat each other. We promote diversity, ensure safety in the workplace, and foster a respectful, collegial atmosphere—across all locations.
The safety and mental and physical health of our employees are our top priority. Through targeted measures based on the STOP principle—i.e., substitution, technical and organizational measures, and personal protective equipment—and our safety culture, we create safe working conditions, reduce accident risks, and promote awareness of healthy working practices. Our occupational health and safety management system is certified according to ISO 45001.
Our teams bring together different experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives—and that is precisely what makes us strong. We promote a working environment characterized by respect, fairness, and openness, regardless of origin, gender, age, or religion. Since 2005, we have been a member of SEDEX—a platform that enables greater transparency for our customers.
Product
Sustainable from origin to enjoyment
Sustainability begins with the selection of our raw materials and shapes every step of the way to the finished product. We develop and produce in a way that combines quality, resource conservation, and conscious consumption.
We are reducing packaging material and increasingly using packaging that is made partly or entirely from recycled materials. In addition, we are increasing the recyclability of our packaging, e.g., by using mono-materials. Modern facilities help us to save resources without compromising product safety.
Our products should taste good, and you should feel good about eating them. That's why, in addition to our high product quality, we also place great importance on transparent labeling and clear communication, which makes it easier for consumers to make informed purchasing decisions.
Where possible, our ingredients are sourced locally. Our flour comes from mills located within a maximum radius of 200 kilometers from our factories. We source meat and cheese from European producers, and tomatoes mainly from long-standing partner cooperatives in Europe. We not only pay attention to quality and short transport distances, but also to fair working conditions and high social standards at our supplier partners. In this way, we ensure product quality, strengthen regional economic cycles, and reduce transport emissions.
Our contribution to sustainability in the Südzucker Group
Südzucker Group Sustainability Program
The Freiberger Group supports the sustainability goals of the Südzucker Group with its own goals and measures. We pay particular attention to the issues that are most relevant to our business and over which we have direct influence. We strive to achieve a good balance between people, the environment, and profit. The visualization of the group-wide sustainability program provides a clear overview of these areas of impact.
Sustainability Report 2024/25
in accordance with Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) guidelines