'We care about people, society and the environment,' is GELITA's guiding principle, which is expressed in the company's corporate value: 'Care.'
In recent years, the company has consistently invested in efficient processes and modern technologies at every location, and supported numerous social projects. GELITA's Sustainability Report 2015 documents their progress, and is available in English here.
As one of the leading global manufacturers of natural collagen proteins, GELITA is particularly committed to the environment and to society. 'Sustainability is not just a part of our strategy, a healthy environment and society are the prerequisite for GELITA's success in the market. I consider managing and developing the company from an environmental, social and economic point of view as important tasks for the future,' says Dr Franz Josef Konert, CEO of GELITA AG. 'As we process natural raw materials, the sustainable use of natural resources is of vital importance for us. We are aware of this responsibility and act accordingly.'
GELITA continually strives to improve the existing processes at all 21 production plants and to reduce the consequences of its activities on the environment. The Sustainability Report 2015 presents some selected projects. The measures range from converting to LED lighting, optimising production processes and transport routes, to recycling production waste.
The report shows the development of important environmental issues from 2013 to 2015: energy consumption per kilogram of product sank by 15.6%, the amount of fresh water required decreased by 17.3%, waste water volume declined by 12.7% and waste material dropped by 32.2%. The company's production volume increased in the same period from around 251,000 to approx. 259,000 tonnes.
Focus on employees and society
With a view to sustainable corporate management, GELITA invested in modern work environments and measures for the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases, as well as work-related illnesses. The number of workplace accidents decreased from 103 in 2014 to 58 in 2015. With its own gyms or vouchers for external offers, the company also encourages a healthy lifestyle.
In addition, all of the employees participate in GELITA's success. As part of its social commitment, GELITA AG supported 66 projects worldwide in 2015.
Contribution to sustainable business operations
GELITA produces gelatin and collagen peptides from natural animal raw materials that are obtained from the by-products of meat production, such as bovine hide, pig skin and bones. We only process raw materials from animals that have been approved for human consumption.
Gelatin is used in foodstuffs, and pharmaceutical and industrial applications. GELITA collagen peptides stimulate certain cells in the human body to produce collagen, thus promoting resilient joints, strong bones and firm skin. Collagen is the most common protein in the body (30%).
When treating raw animal materials for gelatin, minerals, fat and functional proteins remain after processing. GELITA has developed complex processes to produce quality products out of these residual leftovers. Among others, they are very popular in the agricultural industry as animal feed or fertiliser. 'We utilise 100% of the raw materials,' says Michael Teppner, Head of Marketing and Communications. 'This is in line with our ethical responsibilities. This is one of our contributions to sustainable operations in agriculture and the food industry.'
