Sustainability in the SME sector: Henne Verpackung combines ecology and responsibility

The demands placed on companies in the packaging industry have changed significantly in recent years. Climate protection, resource responsibility, transparent supply chains and social standards are no longer voluntary guidelines, but key assessment criteria for customers, retailers and certification bodies. A look at Bremen shows how these expectations are reflected in the practice of a medium-sized company: The Henne Verpackung Group is increasingly aligning its value creation with internationally recognized sustainability and quality standards - combining ecological measures with social responsibility and technical modernization.

FSC (R) as a strategic basis for sustainable materials management

One key step was the introduction of the FSC (R) - C154919 certificate, which the company opted for as early as 2022.

The Forest Stewardship Council (R) stands for responsible forest management worldwide. The seal guarantees that wood and paper products come from controlled sources in which ecological sustainability, social fairness and economic stability are given equal consideration.

A special component of the FSC (R) requirements is compliance with the ILO core labor standards. These oblige companies to respect fundamental labor and social standards, including

* the abolition of forced and child labor,
* protection against discrimination,
* the right to freedom of association,
* as well as ensuring safe and healthy working conditions.

The FSC (R) system thus deliberately goes beyond purely environmental criteria. It defines a basic attitude of responsible corporate management that is now regarded as a benchmark in many industries. Henne Verpackung does not use the seal as a marketing feature, but as a structural principle: that sustainable supply chains must be verifiable - and that ecological responsibility is inseparably linked to social conditions.

ISO 9001 as a methodological framework

This approach is supported by a quality management system based on ISO 9001, which systematically anchors documentation, process optimization and risk assessment. The upcoming update of the standard in 2026, which will give greater weight to climate protection aspects, confirms the company's approach: sustainability is increasingly becoming a mandatory component of process-oriented quality work.

The combination of quality management and FSC (R) requirements creates clear documentation, ensures auditable processes and allows ecological and social criteria to be firmly anchored in day-to-day company decisions.

Energy and infrastructure: sustainability in everyday technical operations

The sustainability claim is also reflected in the operational infrastructure. The Group has modernized its energy supply and relies on:

* a photovoltaic system that generates part of its own electricity requirements,
* extensive LED technology,
* and internal monitoring of all energy consumption.

The aim is to make consumption patterns visible, reduce CO? emissions and continuously identify new savings potential. Sustainability thus becomes a measurable component of operational decisions.

Logistics and mobility: efficiency with reduced emissions

Logistics also follows this approach. The company's own fleet of trucks meets the EURO 6 emissions standard and undergoes regular technical inspections. Energy-efficient industrial trucks with lithium-ion technology are used in the warehouse. The combination of modern vehicle technology, predictive maintenance and efficient infrastructure ensures that transport and material movement can be made more reliable and with lower emissions - a key factor in the daily operations of a packaging company.

Occupational safety and duty of care

Alongside ecological measures, the Group has expanded its operational safety systems. External specialist companies provide support with occupational health care, suitability tests, risk assessments and safety training.

Fire protection plans, VdS inspections and internal fire protection assistants ensure additional safety - particularly relevant in storage and production areas with high throughput and a wide variety of materials.

Diversity as part of sustainable corporate practice

Sustainability is not only reflected in materials, technology and certifications, but also in the social fabric of a company. Like many medium-sized companies in Germany, Henne Verpackung today relies on employees with different cultural backgrounds and migration histories. They work in logistics, administration, development and order picking - and make a decisive contribution to the company's performance and stability.

This diversity is not an image factor, but an expression of a reality in the German SME sector: without qualified employees from abroad, many companies would no longer be able to perform their tasks reliably. For Henne Verpackung, this means creating working environments that are safe, respectful and health-oriented - values that are anchored in the ILO standards as well as in the company's own processes.

This creates an understanding of sustainability that sees ecological and social responsibility as interrelated dimensions. Value creation based on diversity becomes more resilient - and more sustainable in the long term.

Cybersecurity: responsibility in the digital space

Modern corporate management today also includes digital security. The Group therefore relies on practical online training, external specialist advice and supplementary insurance models. The aim is to identify risks at an early stage, raise employee awareness and continuously improve IT security standards.

A holistic self-image

Ecological responsibility, social standards, modern technology, qualified employees and transparent processes - it is the combination of these that creates a sustainable corporate approach that is not limited to individual measures.

Henne Verpackung thus provides an example of how sustainability can be implemented in practice in medium-sized companies: structured, process-oriented and closely interlinked with the working realities of a modern industrial company.

Henne Verpackung GmbH & CO. KG
Franz-Stickan-Strasse 1
28197 Bremen
Germany

https://www.henneverpackung.de

Herr Thomas Henne
0421 - 16940-0

info@henneverpackung.de

At Henne Verpackung you will find everything you need for perfect product marketing: from high-quality gift boxes to gift cartons, baskets, bags and a wide range of accessories. Our constantly updated and expanded range offers you comprehensive ideas for your individual gift and product presentation.

We have also been your competent partner in the field of professional packaging for over 25 years. Whether standard cardboard packaging, including for shipping bottles, hazardous goods and gifts, adhesive tape, packaging aids or individual cardboard packaging according to your requirements, we have the right solutions for your needs. With our own logistics center, we are always able to deliver the desired items promptly. Supported by our own fleet of vehicles, we guarantee you reliable and fast delivery.

This release was published on openPR.