Sustainability at BHS tabletop
What Sustainability Means to Us
The world is facing complex challenges: climate change, resource scarcity, social inequality, and fragile supply chains affect us all — as a society, as a company, and as individuals. Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have” — it is essential for staying future-ready. Those who take responsibility today are the ones shaping tomorrow — with innovation, resilience, and purpose.
At BHS tabletop, we don’t just talk about sustainability — we anchor it in clear structures and measurable standards. Our certifications under ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 provide transparent proof of our commitment and create a reliable foundation for continuous improvement.
ISO 50001- Energy Management
BHS tabletop was the first company in the global porcelain industry to be certified under ISO 50001. Since then, we’ve operated a systematic energy management system that goes beyond legal requirements and enables ongoing improvements. By closely monitoring our energy use, we identify efficiency opportunities — from optimizing compressor systems to analyzing the energy consumption of every single machine. This reduces our overall energy use and actively contributes to climate protection.
ISO 14001- Environmental Management
Since 2011, BHS tabletop has been certified under ISO 14001, demonstrating our long-term commitment to effective environmental management. Clear processes, defined responsibilities, and regular training ensure that production remains resource-efficient, safe, and legally compliant. We also play an active role in industry committees and associations, helping us to anticipate new requirements early and implement them sustainably.
Sustainability Is a Journey, Not a Destination
We embrace responsibility on every level — economic, social, and ecological. Sustainability, for us, means looking beyond the present and ensuring future generations inherit a world worth living in. The path is not easy, but it is essential — and we are committed to walking it.
Those who think ahead act sustainably.
Our Sustainability Principles
Customer focus
We design long-lasting, tailor-made solutions around our customers’ needs.
Sustainable growth
Innovation and efficiency drive economic growth in harmony with ecological and social goals.
Ethical business practices
Integrity, transparency, and fairness define how we lead and act.
Resource conservation
Efficient use of energy and raw materials is firmly embedded in our production processes.
Social responsibility
As a reliable employer, we care for our people and engage regularly in our communities.
Respectful collaboration
Appreciation, diversity, and open communication shape our corporate culture.
Minimizing environmental impact
We act responsibly to prevent pollution and protect resources.
Our compass for responsible action
Environmental
- Energy efficiency
- Climate protection
- Pollution prevention
- Climate adaption
- Biodiversity and Ecosystems
- Resource use and circular economy
Social
- Health & saftey
- Equal opportunities & diversity
- Fair working conditions & human rights
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Engagement in education & society
Governance
- Clear sustainability strategy & goals
- Compliance and risk management
- Supply chain transparency
- Integrity and ethical leadership
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Solar power: In 2023, we installed a 600 kWp photovoltaic system across 3,000 m² of roof space at our Schönwald site — now covering around 10 % of its annual electricity needs.
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Material recycling: About 75 % of porcelain mass waste is reused directly in production or through partners.
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Waste heat utilization: Since 2024, around half of the heating needs at Schönwald have been met by reusing waste heat from porcelain kilns — saving 720,000 kWh of natural gas annually. Similar projects are already underway in Weiden.
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Water recycling: Our treatment system keeps around 39,000 m³ of water in circulation each year, significantly reducing fresh water demand.
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Decarbonization: Since 2024, we’ve systematically measured CO₂e emissions (Scopes 1–3) with the goal of fully decarbonizing our processes. A milestone was achieved in 2023 with our first successful hydrogen-firing trial.
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Investments: Since 2016, we’ve invested about €8 million in energy efficiency measures — from advanced firing technology to company-wide LED lighting.
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Employee health: Through our company health management program, we actively support physical and mental well-being. From skin screenings to ergonomic checks and mental health workshops, we help employees stay healthy and capable.
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Collaboration with employee representation: A constructive dialogue with works councils is integral to our culture — shaping fair conditions, further training, and employee development.
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Safety management: Our occupational health and safety system, certified under AMS (NLF/ILO-OSH 2001), reflects our commitment to the highest safety standards.
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Recognition: In 2022, we were awarded the VBG Prevention Prize in the category “Organize and motivate – safety”.
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EcoVadis Silver: In 2025, our holistic sustainability management was awarded the EcoVadis Silver Medal — placing us in the top 7 % of companies in our industry worldwide.
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ISO Certifications: Long-standing certifications in ISO 14001 (since 2011) and ISO 50001 (since 2012) show that sustainability is an integral part of our processes.
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Ethics and compliance: Our Code of Conduct, Supplier Code of Conduct, and human rights and environmental policies guide responsible business conduct.
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Grievance mechanism: An independent reporting channel allows employees and stakeholders to raise concerns about human rights or environmental risks.
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Supply chain responsibility: We systematically assess risks and enforce standards, positioning ourselves clearly against practices such as child labor while promoting fair and ecological supply chains.
Rethinking Sustainability: Our Plans for Tomorrow
Our sustainability strategy is based on three central action fields: Planet, Product and People. These are complemented by Governance, which ensures clear structures, transparent processes and responsible decisions.
For each action field, we have defined concrete goals, measures and key performance indicators (KPIs) to make our progress traceable and measurable. We align ourselves with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): in this way we ensure that we meet global demands while acting locally.
Planet:
Our contribution to climate protection
– Decarbonization
– Resource conservation
Product:
Sustainable offering
– Circular economy
– Sustainable products
People:
Promote and empower people
– Competence development
– Health and safety
– Diversity
Governance:
Responsible guidance
– Ethical business practices
– Risk management
– Communication and transparency
Greenhouse Gas Neutrality
Green energy — clear future.
The decarbonization of our activities has highest priority. Over the course of 2026, we will develop a clear roadmap toward CO₂ neutrality by 2045 and define concrete measures.
Since 2023, we have been preparing a comprehensive greenhouse gas balance according to the GHG Protocol (Scopes 1–3), which serves as a basis for our climate transition plan toward CO₂ neutrality.
By researching hydrogen firing, we are already investing specifically in climate-friendly technologies.
BHS Sustainability Report
Sustainability matters — and we make it visible. We are working on our own BHS sustainability report to transparently present our measures, goals and progress in a measurable way. Currently, we plan to publish a report in 2026.
Circular Economy
Thought to last — preserved sustainably. Porcelain is a product with very long durability. Therefore, it makes sense to keep our products out of disposal as long as possible. We analyze possible offerings to extend the service life of our products and thus save resources.
Our policies embody our values and serve as a compass for responsible action. They ensure transparency and consistent standards across all our global activities. Our Code of Conduct affirms our commitment to integrity and sustainable business practices. The Supplier Code of Conduct sets binding minimum requirements for our partners — covering workplace safety, environmental protection, human rights, and ethical conduct.
In line with our commitment to continuous improvement and responsible business conduct, we have established an online tool for our grievance procedure. This secure and confidential platform enables all stakeholders of BHS tabletop AG to report potential violations of human rights and environmental standards. Incoming reports are handled by a trained case officer and monitored by the Human Rights Officer of the Serafin Group. We encourage anyone with concerns or who observes irregularities to use our whistleblower tool. Your voice is essential for safeguarding our corporate integrity and putting our values into practice.
Details on the grievance procedure can be found here.
The online tool for the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG) is available here.
BHS TABLETOP AG has earned a Silver Medal, a recognition awarded to the Top 15% of companies assessed by EcoVadis in the 12 months prior to the medal issue date. It reflects the quality of the company's sustainability management system and demonstrates a commitment to promoting transparency throughout the value chain.
Learn more about EcoVadis Medals & Badges.
EcoVadis is recognized globally for trusted business sustainability ratings.
