We are transforming product protection. For a future worth living in.

An employee in blue work clothes is standing next to a machine and operating it

As a manufacturer of plastic packaging and technical films, we take responsibility for the impact of our activities. To this end, we implement concrete measures for environmental and climate protection.

When developing films and packaging, we consider environmental aspects alongside functionality, quality and cost-effectiveness. We systematically monitor and document key environmental parameters of our activities. We publish the results transparently in our annual sustainability report.

Plastic – a valued raw material

Two hands are pouring out white plastic granules in the shape of a heart. They are used to produce flexible plastic packaging

We do not regard plastic as an expendable material, but as a valuable raw material which we handle equally as circumspectly and responsibly as all other resources.

Voluntary commitment: advancing product protection.

We take responsibility for the environmental impact of our activities. Legal requirements are the minimum standard for us. In addition, we define our own focus areas and implement environmental protection measures. We continuously develop our products and processes and assess the relevant technical possibilities. We voluntarily assess the environmental impact of our activities at an early stage. Our self-defined focus areas include:

Further development of our products and processes with a view to future requirements
Consideration of environmental, social and economic aspects along the supply chain – from raw materials and manufacturing through to the end of the use phase
Management of environmentally relevant processes within our environmental management system
Systematic consideration of the use of raw materials and energy
Assessment of options for substituting fossil-based raw materials
Development of recyclable product variants – depending on the material and configuration

Environmental management: Setting goals. Implementing measures.

Active environmental protection requires systematic environmental management. We are convinced of this. Since 1985, we have pursued a consistent environmental policy and continuously developed our operational organization. Investments in modern technology and the ongoing improvement of our processes form the basis of this approach.

By analyzing environmental impacts, we create important decision-making foundations for our actions. Our environmental performance is reviewed annually by independent environmental verifiers in accordance with EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme, the European Union’s environmental management seal). To this end, we have introduced environmental management systems at our Lengerich and Konzell sites, which were first audited under EMAS in 1996 and 1999, respectively.

Our environmental management systems include, among other things:

systematic identification and assessment of all environmentally relevant aspects
measurement of environmental performance using verifiable indicators
transparency and traceability through active communication
involvement of our employees and relevant interested parties
regular analysis of environmental protection requirements
verifiable compliance with environmental legal obligations
definition of responsibilities and control mechanisms at departmental and company level
implementation in concrete and binding commitments

The systematic determination and evaluation of all environmentally-relevant aspects
The measurement of our environmental performance using verifiable key figures
Transparency and credibility thanks to active communication
The active involvement of employees and relevant, interested parties
Continuous, systematic analysis of environmental protection requirements
Traceable compliance with environmental law obligations
The definition of responsibilities and control mechanisms at departmental and corporate level
Implementation in specific, binding obligations

Energy + emission in focus.

Energy consumption and emissions are key criteria in the further development of our production processes and workflows. To this end, we implement measures designed to:

... reduce energy consumption,
... improve energy efficiency in production,
... reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
... reduce the use of solvents and other chemicals,
... minimize noise emissions, and
... reduce transport-related emissions.

Keeping material cycles in focus. Advancing product protection.

We develop and manufacture films and packaging for a wide range of requirements. Our portfolio covers packaging for consumer and industrial applications as well as technical films.

We produce individually to customer requirements. Many solutions are developed together with the customer, from the initial requirement through development and samples to series production. In doing so, we consider the application, processing, machine technology and the properties desired for the product.

Our product families provide a framework for recurring applications. Depending on the product, we describe them by version, material and properties, but in some cases also as a solution approach that is tailored to the customer. The respective product pages provide information on the field of application and the route to a suitable solution.

In development and material selection, we work on material use, recyclate, renewable raw materials and recyclable structures. Whether and to what extent a property is possible for a specific solution depends on the application and the requirements.

We actively promote the use of recyclate. It is used where the requirements of the application allow it. Whether this is technically feasible is clarified in the project. We provide information on the recyclate content of a specific version based on testing.

We develop recyclable structures, in particular multi-layer structures, on customer request. We assess recyclability according to the evaluation method of cyclos-HTP ([link to evaluation method]). The statement applies only to the version tested in the project.

We develop and manufacture films and packaging for a wide range of requirements. Our portfolio covers packaging for consumer and industrial applications as well as technical films.

We develop recyclable structures, in particular multi-layer structures, on customer request. We assess recyclability according to the evaluation method of cyclos-HTP. The statement applies only to the version tested in the project.

Reducing film thickness has been part of our development work since the 1990s. In doing so, we take into account the requirements of the respective product.

We also develop recyclable and recyclate-based solutions in customer projects where the application allows it.

Our development and implementation priorities

Reviewing where material use can be reduced for the same requirement
Actively promoting the use of recyclate, where the application allows it
Use of renewable raw materials, where available and suitable for the application
Production of recyclable multi-layer structures
Internal recycling of production waste
Reduction of production waste
Separate collection of waste
Continuous improvement of recyclability as an ongoing task

Reduction of raw material use
Reduction of film thicknesses
Internal recycling of production waste
Increasing recyclate contents
Processing of renewable raw materials
Production of recyclable laminates
Improvement of recyclability
Reduction of production waste
Extensive separate collection of waste

Ecological commitment: we work in collaboration on our future.

Bischof+Klein is an active member of the German Association for Plastics Packaging and Films’ (IK) Executive Committee Environment and Sustainability. Our company is also a member of CEFLEX (Circular Economy for Flexible Packaging). The latter, which is an alliance of over 180 European companies, associations, and organizations, represents the entire flexible packaging value chain. As a member of the German

Association for Plastics Packaging and Films’ “Eco Design” round table, we have brought our know-how to bear in developing guidelines for the eco-design of packaging. We additionally support environmental protection organizations such as “I Plant A Tree” at both local and national level.