Creating sustainable value

Parcels were delivered in 2022 in Germany alone. This equates to about 50 parcels per capita. 
Source: Statista

of emissions are caused by material handling within warehouses themselves – a relatively small proportion. However, material handling products and solutions have an impact on key emissions-intensive sectors – including transportation, logistics, manufacturing, retail, and agriculture.

Source: Fraunhofer 2022, GILA-Study 2022

of global emissions are caused by the transport industry.

Source: Statista 2022

CO₂e are emitted globally each year.
Source: Global Carbon Project 2022

Taking action to preserve the rainforest

Jungheinrich has set itself the goal of promoting green material handling in Brazil, while also contributing to the reforestation of the Atlantic rainforest. For every electric forklift truck sold in Brazil that replaces a diesel or gas-powered truck, 30 trees are planted in the ‘Mata Atlântica’. The Mata Atlântica is a unique tropical forest, one of the most species-rich and biologically diverse in the world. However, it is also one of the most endangered tropical forests in the world. As one of the largest ecosystems in South America, the Mata Atlântica plays an important role in global climate management as a CO₂ reservoir. In collaboration with the NGO Associação Copaíba, we have purchased land for the planting of over 20,000 trees and have already planted over 5,500 tree seedlings. The objective of the campaign is to reduce the still very high proportion of combustion engines (52 per cent), contribute to reforestation and, at the same time, promote environmental awareness locally.

As a sustainability enabler, we are using this project to promote SDG 13 – Climate action.

Together for sustainable education

One of Jungheinrich Brazil's sustainability initiatives is to raise awareness among children about the importance of conserving the Atlantic Forest and nature. In collaboration with Editora Mol, a publishing house specialising in social projects, and educational staff from the NGO Copaíba, which is committed to nature conservation and environmental education locally, an educational and entertaining book has been created. The objective is to distribute 10,000 copies of the book, which includes puzzles, games and colourful illustrations, to schoolchildren and their families and friends. To date, almost 3,200 books have been distributed for use in schools. In addition, the books are also utilised in social projects. What’s more, a portion of the proceeds from the sale is donated to Copaíba to further support their projects.

As a sustainability enabler, we are using this project to promote SDG 4 – Quality education.

How 100,000 new employees in Bensheim ensure sustainability

Three years ago, a permanent flowering meadow was created at the Bensheim site. Since 2023, Jochen Seitz, Head of the Sales Centre, has been working with the company beefuture to enrich it with 100,000 buzzing employees. The two beehives not only provide an additional service for the environment and biodiversity, but also deliver a sweet treat for selected customers. Each season, approximately 400 jars of the finest Jungheinrich honey are produced. It is encouraging to note that the project is already being replicated by customers and other companies in the region.

As a sustainability enabler, we are using this project to promote SDG 15 – Life on land.

Taking responsibility for people and the environment

Jungheinrich Ecuador provides a prime example of how a local company can successfully integrate social and ecological sustainability into its operations. Awards such as the ‘Sello Empresa Inclusiva’ seal of inclusion for the inclusive employment of refugees and certification by SICMA Ecuador for environmentally friendly practices and the endeavour to reduce the ecological footprint are proof of the company’s diverse commitment. Furthermore, the Guayaquil Chamber of Industry has acknowledged the promotion of gender equality in the industrial sector through the ‘Red Victoria Project – Forklift’. This initiative challenges traditional job profiles, thereby creating new career opportunities for women.

As a sustainability enabler, we are using these projects to promote SDG 17 – Partnerships to achieve the goals.

Bringing sustainability from company to school

Jungheinrich was the first company to raise awareness of sustainability in Romanian schools during the ‘Green Week’. The presentations included practical discussions about sustainable innovations, their potential applications and effects, as well as topics such as life cycle assessments, lithium-ion batteries and recycling. The presentations were designed to be interactive, resulting in productive discussions with the Jungheinrich team, teachers and pupils. The campaign has left a lasting impression, with the planting of trees that now green the schoolyards.

As a sustainability enabler, we are using this project to promote SDG 4 – Quality education.

On the road to energy independence

A project in Switzerland demonstrates how energy security, cost efficiency and a reduction in emissions can be achieved simultaneously. Solar cells have been installed on the entire roof area of the sales unit, with the result that up to 405,000 kilowatt hours of electricity are generated each year. There are numerous solar cells on Jungheinrich's roofs, but this is the largest of our solar parks to date. This will result in a reduction in the volume of energy purchased externally and an increase in the use of renewable electricity produced in-house. In addition, the energy generated will be used to power newly installed charging stations that supply the company fleet's electric vehicles with electricity. Further optimisation of the energy usage potential of the solar installation is planned for 2024, including the integration of a new heating system, the switch to a more energy-efficient heat pump and the implementation of an energy storage system.

As a sustainability enabler, we are using this project to promote SDG 7 – Affordable and clean energy.

A social and ecological partnership

In celebration of its 70th anniversary in 2023, Jungheinrich Thailand organised an event in Nakorn Nayok with over 100 customers. The event, themed ‘Building Relationships and Creating Sustainability in the World’, included a series of nature-based activities and was concluded with a joint tree-planting campaign. These activities served to promote dialogue on the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitments and Jungheinrich's sustainable orientation.

In a further initiative, the APAC Account Management and Marketing team and the Sales Directors collaborated to leverage the momentum of a conference visit to Thailand in order to launch a project supporting a local social enterprise. The Asia Centre Foundation (ACF) in Phuket, which provides educational opportunities for disadvantaged and at-risk Thai children, was selected as the recipient of the initiative. The equivalent of almost EUR 2,550 was donated to ACF; Jungheinrich employees provided numerous donations in kind.

As a sustainability enabler, we are using these projects to promote SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals and SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being.

Sustainable site transformation in Biatorbágy

At the Hungarian site in Biatorbágy near Budapest, site manager Zoltán Horváth and his team have successfully implemented innovative projects that have improved operational efficiency, while also making a sustainable commitment to the well-being of employees and the environment. Projects such as ‘Green Car Parks’, ‘Green Commute’, ‘2nd Life Cycle for Tyres’ and ‘Cool Workspace’ support biodiversity, sustainable mobility, the circular economy and the creation of energy-efficient and pleasant workspaces. These examples demonstrate how the sustainable transformation of locations can contribute equally to social, ecological and economic aspects.

As a sustainability enabler, we are using this project to promote SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.