Our Commitment to Our Planet
We are actively committed to reducing our emissions.
Our emission reduction targets follow a science-based net-zero climate transition plan. In this way, we are doing our part to meet the 1.5°C target. The climate targets of the entire Heinzel Group have been reviewed and confirmed by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) to ensure that we are effectively contributing to a sustainable future. Through the use of renewable energies, efficient water management, and the protection of biodiversity, we are making our value chain more environmentally friendly.
We are increasingly focusing on circular products in order to close the raw material cycle.
Our commitment to sustainability is guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals are our compass for a sustainable and fairer future—for our planet and future generations.
Climate Change & Renewable Energy
We contribute to achieving global climate targets. We maximize the generation and use of renewable energy at our sites and minimize the energy consumption of our products.
Our commitment to climate neutrality includes evaluating and integrating new technologies for capturing, storing, or utilizing CO2. In addition, we are increasingly focusing on alternative biogenic fuels and are continuously working on energy efficiency projects and process optimizations to further reduce our carbon footprint.
The expansion of renewable energies and the procurement of green electricity play a central role in this.
Our efforts at the Pöls site
Reduction of CO2e emissions by 28% (Scope 1 & 2) compared to 2021
The following targets have been externally validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative
- -42% CO2 by 2030 compared to 2021 Scope 1 & 2
- -25% CO2 by 2030 compared to 2021 Scope 3
- Net-zero by 2050 Scope 1, 2 & 3
- 75% of our suppliers, measured by emissions covering Scope 3, Category 1, will have science-based targets by 2028
Learn more about the Heinzel Group's sustainability goals.
Renewable Energy
We maximize the generation and use of renewable energy at our sites and minimize the energy consumption of our products.
We consistently rely on renewable energies to minimize our environmental impact and maximize energy efficiency. We produce our energy with two steam turbines, two of our own hydroelectric power plants, and photovoltaic systems covering an area of 11,600m2 on the roofs of our factory buildings. In addition to our own plant, we also supply thousands of households in the Murtal region through our partners.
Our efforts at the Pöls site
92% of the energy required for pulp and paper production comes from renewable energy sources
Our goal is to further optimize the generation and use of renewable energies. Through continuous improvements in energy efficiency, we are reducing the specific energy consumption in pulp and paper production.
In addition, we maximize the use of residual materials and biogenic fuels for energy production, both for our production processes and for the surrounding communities.
Learn more about the Heinzel Group's sustainability goals.
Responsible Water Use
We use water efficiently and ensure that wastewater flows are harmless.
Water is a valuable resource – that is why we rely on closed cycles wherever technically possible. By using state-of-the-art technologies and ongoing optimizations, we are continuously reducing our water consumption and ensuring environmentally friendly wastewater treatment.
Our efforts at the Pöls site
Thanks to our targeted water conservation measures, we have reduced water consumption per ton of pulp and paper by around 16% since 2020.
Under the name Reinhalteverband Pöls, we treat not only our own wastewater but also that of the surrounding communities in a modern biological wastewater treatment plant..
Our goal is to continuously optimize water use, further improve monitoring, and close the water cycle as far as technically possible.
Learn more about the Heinzel Group's sustainability goals.
Biodiversity
We use certified wood from sustainably managed forests.
We place particular emphasis on regional sources in order to minimize our ecological footprint and support the local economy. Our commitment to sustainable practices begins with the selection of our raw materials. We use wood from certified and controlled forestry to ensure that all materials come from responsibly managed forests. The short-fiber pulp we purchase is also certified. For pulp production, we specifically use sawmill waste wood (approx. 50%), a waste product from sawmills, and wood chips from thinning wood (approx. 50%) to minimize waste and optimize resource use.
Our efforts at the Pöls site
100% of the wood procured is certified with FSC® and PEFC Chain of Custody standards
100% of the short fiber pulp procured for paper production is FSC® certified.
Learn more about the Heinzel Group's sustainability goals.
Sustainable and Circular Products
We manufacture products from renewable or recycled materials that are recyclable. We minimize waste volumes and use residual materials and by-products for material and energy recovery.
Sustainability and circular economy are at the heart of our product development. Our products are based on renewable raw materials, are recyclable and biodegradable, and help to replace fossil-based materials. Through continuous process optimisation, we reduce resource consumption and waste. We use our by-products efficiently to manage resources optimally and reduce our environmental impact.
Our efforts at the Pöls site
Production by-products such as tall oil, turpentine, and lignin are used as sustainable raw materials for bioenergy.
96% of the input materials for our products consist of renewable materials.
Our products are almost 100% recyclable and biodegradable
Production of unbleached pulp (UKP) reduces the consumption of resources such as water, auxiliary and operating materials, and chemicals used.
Learn more about the Heinzel Group's sustainability goals.
