Our Sustainability Activities

Responsibility,
that keeps growing.

As a modern producers’ cooperative, we are aware of our responsibility towards future generations. Sustainability is a matter close to our hearts and firmly embedded in our corporate vision.

Our Strategy
Sustainability at ELO
Ecological.
Economic.
Social.
Sustainability at ELO

Responsibility for Today and Tomorrow.

Our goal is to fulfil our economic, ecological and social responsibilities both today and in the future.

Our sustainability management team is responsible for planning and coordinating the measures in cooperation with the sustainability team.

Sustainability Team

The team consists of sustainability representatives from the various business divisions as well as members of the management team.

Sharing Knowledge

All employees complete sustainability training that provides knowledge on current topics in this field.

Our Approach

Our Sustainability Strategy at a Glance.

Where we want
to go

A holistic and actively practised approach to sustainability that protects our most important resource – the soil – for future generations and strengthens regional value creation.

This is our
commitment

Today, we operate in balance with ecological, economic and social responsibility in order to secure our long-term viability for tomorrow.

Corporate &
Quality Philosophy
Strategic Goal

Putting holistic sustainability into practice.

Guiding Principle

Sustainable ecological, economic and social action.

Soil &
Biodiversity
Strategic Goal

Preserving and promoting soil fertility for future generations.

Guiding Principle

We protect and promote our most important resource – the soil – as the basis of life.

Resources
& Climate
Strategic Goal

Continuous reduction of our ecological footprint.

Guiding Principle

We use resources responsibly, avoid waste and make use of renewable energy.

Regional Growers
& Partners
Strategic Goal

Fair, transparent and long-term partnerships in the region.

Guiding Principle

We strengthen regional value creation through close cooperation with our partners.

Employees
& Society
Strategic Goal

A fair, safe and appreciative working environment.

Guiding Principle

We are a responsible employer, support our employees and are committed to social issues in our region.

More Sustainable Business

Guided by the ZNU Standard.

Our work is guided by the ZNU Standard for Sustainable Management. In 2024, we successfully completed our first certification audit within this framework.

Measurable Sustainability

Making Progress Visible.

To track progress in implementing our sustainability programme precisely, we measure it. To do so, we define project goals, specific measures and key performance indicators covering economic, ecological, social and ethical criteria.

01 · Ecological
Climate and Environment

Responsibility Begins with Our Resources.

We not only want to grow and sell the finest fruit and vegetables, but also keep the impact on the climate and environment as low as possible.

Climate and environment at ELO
Climate.
Resources.
Future.
Our Goal
Climate Protection and Renewable Energy
SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production SDG 13 – Climate Action
Measures to Achieve the Goal
End of 2025

Expansion of the fleet by three more fuel-efficient trucks and two gigaliners, as well as evaluating a gradual transition to electric vehicles.

End of 2026

Installation of a photovoltaic system for on-site electricity generation on the roof of Plant II.

By 2027

Reduction of diesel consumption in our truck fleet by 5% compared with the 2024 baseline.

By 2027

Reduction of electricity consumption in our refrigeration system by 7% through more efficient refrigerants compared with the 2024 baseline.

02 · Economic
Quality & Supply Chain

We Focus on Quality.

We place great importance on the quality and safety of our products.

Production follows the QS and GLOBALG.A.P. guidelines and is supported by an intensive quality management system incorporating QS, IFS, organic certification and Regionalfenster. Regular independent audits confirm our high quality standards. We also place great value on honest communication with customers and business partners.

Quality and supply chain at ELO
Quality.
Trust.
Responsibility.
Our Goal
Responsibility in the Supply Chain
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Measures to Achieve the Goal
2024

100% of our grower businesses have signed our Code of Conduct and formally committed to our social and environmental standards.

End of 2025

78.3% of service providers in the areas of cleaning and maintenance have signed our Code of Conduct.

End of 2025

Among other strategic service providers, including laboratories and waste management companies, the rate had already reached 81%.

Ongoing

Outstanding service providers are contacted again. Responses are continuously documented in the continuous improvement list.

Transparent & Traceable

Our Sustainability Reports.

Our reports document goals, measures, key figures and progress in our sustainability activities.

Responsibility in Everyday Business

Code of Conduct.

To realize our vision, we integrate defined principles and guidelines into our daily actions. Our Code of Conduct provides a framework for this and reflects our values.

Act Sustainably

Responsibility Does Not End with the Product.

For us, sustainable business is an ongoing process – together with our employees, growers, partners and customers.

ZNU – Standard for Sustainable Management
EcoVadis
ISO 50001 – Energy Management