Our path to a circular future
For Jungheinrich, circular business models are the path of the future. They combine resource and energy efficiency and offer great potential for sustainability in ecological, social and economic terms. Here, too, we strive to be a pioneer for sustainable material handling.
Why we commit to the circular economy model
Everyone talks about it – we show why circular economy is more than just a trend topic for Jungheinrich.
Circular economy saves resources and reduces emissions
The principle of the circular economy aims to decouple economic growth from resource consumption. Because this consumption has far-reaching consequences. Not only are our natural resources limited and difficult to obtain, but currently 90 per cent of biodiversity loss is caused by the extraction and processing of resources. Added to that is the reduced energy demand when products and materials can be kept in their original state within the cycle for as long as possible. On our path to net-zero emissions, circular economy and climate management therefore go hand in hand.
Medium and long-term benefits for companies
A more circular economy offers companies the opportunity to increase their competitiveness, stimulate innovation, boost economic growth and, of course, create jobs. Several factors play into this. The use of secondary materials can lead to cost reductions. It also minimises risks in the supply of materials by reducing dependence on primary materials and disruptions in global supply chains. And last but not least, high-quality remanufactured products can reach new customer groups and thus lead to an increase in sales and profits.
Fulfilling regulations and customer demands
The many new laws, regulations, and directives introduced in recent years present a challenge for companies. But not only that – they also drive progress and enable greater transparency and comparability. From the Circular Economy Act to REACH and RoHS, the Packaging Directive, the EU Taxonomy, the Battery and Ecodesign Regulations, and of course the new CSRD – there is a lot to consider, adapt, and track. This applies to us just as much as to our customers – whose expectations of us as a supplier are also rising as a result.
Jungheinrich has been working on many of these issues for many years. Corresponding measures can be found in our continuous sustainability reporting. In addition, the more recent regulations are incorporated into the development of our circular economy strategy and thus provide us with excellent guidelines.
How we define circular economy
The numerous definitions of the term ‘circular economy’ have large overlaps and recurring themes. With a view to maximising comparability and transparency, we are guided by the definition according to the CSRD (ESRS-E5):
„Circular economy means an economic system whereby the value of products, materials and other resources in the economy is maintained for as long as possible, enhancing their efficient use in production and consumption, thereby reducing the environmental impact of their use, minimising waste and the release of hazardous substances at all stages of their life cycle, including through the application of the waste hierarchy. The goal is to maximise and maintain the value of the resources, products and materials by creating a system that allows for renewability, long life optimal use or re-use, refurbishment, remanufacturing, recycling and biodegradation.“
Important terms
Reconditioning of Jungheinrich used forklift trucks at the Dresden Used Equipment Centre
From Practice: Refurbishment at Jungheinrich
