Sustainability Report 2024

In 2024, we took further steps on our sustainability journey — improving emissions, circularity, and workplace safety.

As the world faced ongoing pressure to deliver on climate, resource, and social expectations, Hartmann turned commitments into results — proving once again that performance and sustainability go hand in hand.

Our foundation remained strong: we maintained a 97% share of recycled paper in our raw materials — an industry record — and continued to invest in clean technology and circular product development. 2024 was a year of tangible environmental and social improvements across our operations.

Hartmann’s environmental work in 2024 was guided by one clear ambition: to reduce emissions, optimise energy use, and improve resource circularity — not in theory, but in practice.

• CO2e emissions were reduced by 3% (Scopes 1–3) compared to 2023 — despite higher production in regions with carbon-intensive electricity grids.
• We installed a new machine at one of our largest factories to reduce energy consumption. Initial results show 35% less gas consumption.
• We rolled out digital tools, equipping machines with AI-powered sensors to monitor and improve energy performance in real time.
• We phased out the deinking process at one of our major sites — a move that will reduce freshwater intake and wastewater discharge.
  

And most importantly, the market spoke for itself. In 2024, we sold more biodegradable moulded fibre packaging than ever before — accelerating the replacement of single-use plastic packaging across our customer base.

Sustainability doesn’t stop with climate. At Hartmann, we continued to work towards safe, fair, and inclusive workplaces for people — both inside and outside our operations.

Our injury rate (LTI-FR) improved by 35% from 2023 — and by 61% from 2018 — thanks to strong safety governance and renewed ISO 45001 certification.

We maintained 33% female representation on our Board of Directors — upholding our commitment to diversity and gender balance in leadership.

Through our involvement in the “ESG in the Value Chain” project by the Confederation of Danish Industry, we support safer and more dignified work for informal waste collectors in key supply regions.

Our Hungarian factory won an HR Oscar for outstanding team cohesion, employee well-being, and communication initiatives. Read the full story here.

While new equipment, smarter systems, and upgraded processes mark our operational success, the true change is cultural. It’s the way sustainability is now part of our DNA — from procurement and engineering to production and customer collaboration.

Hartmann’s 2024 Sustainability Report tells a story: when sustainability is part of your DNA, every investment becomes an opportunity to perform better — for the business, for the people, and for the planet.

Our biggest progress this year wasn’t in projects we completed — it was in the mindset we created across Hartmann. From engineering and procurement to supplier engagement and ESG leadership, 2024 showed we can align operational excellence with environmental and social responsibility. That’s the future we’re building — one moulded fibre at a time.