Sustainability doesn’t end at the factory gate

With its second sustainability report in accordance with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the Optima Packaging Group provides transparency on how it fulfils its responsibilities throughout the entire value chain.

The report takes a holistic approach to environmental, social, and governance issues to assess the current status and identify opportunities for improvement. For Optima, long term competitiveness and sustainable practices are inextricably linked.

‘For us, sustainability is not just a trend or a reporting requirement. It means taking responsibility and striving for excellence in everything we do,’ said Dr Stefan König, CEO of the Optima Packaging Group. 

The fact that this commitment is bearing fruit is demonstrated by the company’s renewed award of the EcoVadis Platinum Medal. Optima is thus among the top 1% of companies worldwide in the mechanical and plant engineering sector. In 2025, its greenhouse gas footprint was also externally verified for the first time. This is an important step toward creating a robust foundation for the continued management of its emissions reduction targets.

The report highlights concrete progress in implementing the sustainability strategy. For example, the share of renewable energy used in total energy consumption rose to 71%, an increase of 15 percentage points compared to the previous year. Roofs at the German sites and in Brazil were equipped with photovoltaic systems to further expand the company’s self-sufficiency. In addition, the Schwäbisch Hall based company has joined the Baden-Württemberg Climate Alliance, an initiative by the state and the business community to promote sustainable transformation and climate protection measures.

With its mission ‘We care for people’, Optima pursues a clear goal: people are at the centre of all decisions. Accordingly, it not only supports its own employees – including through a wide range of training opportunities – but also sponsors around 60 social and charitable projects in the region and beyond.

Data protection and information security are addressed as a separate focus area in the report for the first time. Optima has a centralised data protection management system in place that ensures compliance with legal requirements. An ISO certified information security management system addresses key security risks through clearly defined safeguards and protects sensitive information from loss, tampering, or unauthorised access. In addition, a series of awareness raising measures regarding risks posed by artificial intelligence and cyberattacks has been implemented.

The company continues to pursue its emissions reduction targets, which have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), and is working continuously on their implementation. These efforts include the expansion of photovoltaic systems, the further development of the machine portfolio in terms of modularity, energy efficiency, and durability, the expansion of the service offering, as well as targeted digitisation and internationalisation measures. The long term goal is to achieve net zero emissions across the entire value chain by 2050. Optima is thus continuing on its path to assuming responsibility across the entire value chain.

‘Sustainability thrives on dialogue, clear responsibilities, and consistent implementation. We pursue this approach together with our employees, customers, and partners,’ added Stefan König.