The paper industry is sustainable. Great efforts have been made for decades to preserve an intact nature: Guarantee of origin, conservation of resources, recycling, renewable energy. Through new plant technologies, process optimisation and energy concepts, paper manufacturers are even playing a pioneering role in sustainable production. For us as a clothing supplier, this is both a challenge and an incentive.
As an international textile company, the Heimbach Group is aware of its high responsibility for people and the environment. Economy, ecology and social action are firmly anchored in our mission statement.
Defining goals, documenting process progress, reporting on results: With this triad we create the greatest possible commitment in the areas of ethics, labour and human rights as well as environment and sustainable procurement. We are committed to continuous improvement.
Quality management, which has been certified by DQS GmbH in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001 since 1990, is an integral part of our holistic management system. The quality of our products and services, with which we want to ensure the satisfaction of our customers, is the focus of our process design. Through clearly defined responsibilities, annual targets, process planning, control and evaluation as well as clear documentation requirements, we create the prerequisite for consistent quality. Regular reviews of the system and processes lead to continuous improvements. It goes without saying that we take the supply chain into account.
Lean Management is an essential part of our Heimbach Management System. A holistic approach helps us eliminating waste and thus to increase added value for our customers. Following topics are of particular importance:
CIP – Continuous Improvement process
CIP is the engine which drives our organisation continuously. An essential part is our idea management, in which we daily record and implement improvement suggestions of our employees.
Hoshin Kanri
Strategic goals will be visualised by the Hoshin-Kanri method and broken down into self-manageable targets in all divisions.
Shop Floor Management
Shop Floor Management (SFM) is a management tool based on communication, visualisation, standardisation and problem solving. For Heimbach this is a structured way to connect the management level with the operative processes and the employees. SFM comprises enabling and developing employees in problem solving as well as in implementing improvements.
5S
5S provides the necessary transparency to recognise and eliminate waste. 5S is the basis for all further improvement tools.
TPM - Total Productive Maintenance
Our machines are indispensable to fulfil our customer requests. Due to complexity it is important that we proactive have to face with maintenance. TPM ensures a long-term proper condition of our machinery, which is needed.
Heimbach GmbH, together with all the companies in the Heimbach Group, has committed itself to conducting its business in accordance with the highest ethical standards and to complying with the law. As a globally active textile company, we thus assume responsibility for employees, customers, society and the environment.
Heimbach stands equally for sustainable management and fair business. In addition to key economic figures, public perception is a decisive indicator for the success of our company. It is important to protect and further develop this reputation.
With our management system and the responsible actions of all employees, we ensure that these fundamental principles of conduct are adhered to.
Sustainability is deeply rooted in the paper industry. For many years, great efforts have been made to preserve an intact nature: Guarantee of origin, conservation of resources, recycling, renewable energy. For Heimbach as a clothing supplier, this is both a challenge and an incentive.
Heimbach complies with all legal requirements and ethical principles. We ensure that the high internal standards of probity, good governance, compliance and anti-corruption are maintained at all times. Respect for human rights and zero tolerance of child or forced labour is fundamental to us.
This basic attitude is anchored in our mission statement and in our management system. Our ethical principles are also laid down in the "Heimbach Code of Conduct" - drawn up according to the standards of the 10 principles of the UN Global Compact.
Labour and human rights / Health
It goes without saying that Heimbach complies with legal regulations and collective agreements. Training and further education of our employees is particularly important to us. The same applies to maintaining and promoting the health of our workforce. After all, our employees are our most important asset.
Hygiene
Compliance with the hygiene guidelines adapted to the processes is a decisive means of protecting people and preventing contamination of our products. For Heimbach, hygiene in the working environment is of particular importance, as any contamination could affect the subsequent manufacturing process. In addition, personal hygiene is very important and serves the well-being of the employees, product cleanliness and operational health protection.
Environment
Heimbach's economic and ecological sustainability is greatest when not only profit and growth are taken into account, but especially the requirements of future generations. We are particularly committed to the environment, nature and the conservation of resources. Our environmental policy is the basis for developing strategic environmental goals and implementing them in concrete projects. The principles of action are binding for all employees. They are reviewed annually and updated as necessary.
Sustainable procurement
For us, sustainable procurement means development that is ecologically compatible, socially just and economically efficient. Our voluntary standard is environmentally conscious and socially responsible corporate management. We expect the same from our business partners. When selecting suppliers, we pay attention to ecological and social conditions in addition to economic ones. An essential component of Heimbach's procurement strategy is a long-term business relationship. We want a living partnership and to develop together with our suppliers. Heimbach's approach to sustainability is holistic. Accordingly, we involve our business partners in the process - whether by motivating them to participate or by demanding internal and external audits. In this way, we manage to constantly improve the development process within the entire supply chain.