Sustainability is firmly anchored in the strategy of GELITA, one of the world's leading manufacturers of gelatine, collagen, and collagen peptides. As Dr. Franz Josef Konert, CEO of GELITA AG, puts it: "At GELITA, sustainable action and economic success are closely linked and mutually dependent. We see sustainability as a key competitive factor, and continue to work hard to consolidate our leading position in the industry in this area."
Investments in production
Reducing energy consumption and thus improving the CO2 balance is one of the company's top priorities. In order to produce as resource-saving as possible at more than 20 locations, GELITA relies on state-of-the-art technical equipment, innovative processes, and new manufacturing technologies. Among other things, the company invested in the installation of modern spray towers. In the past, spray drying - a processing step in the production of collagen peptides - was often outsourced to external suppliers. By relocating this process to its own plants, GELITA reduced the energy requirement for this step of the process by up to ten percent; at the same time, the environmental impact of transports decreased. Other projects included measures to reduce water consumption and wastewater treatment, to prevent waste, and to reduce air pollution.
Positive development continues
On the basis of the environmental indicators, GELITA can once again draw a positive balance for 2018. In addition to a reduction in energy consumption and CO2 emissions, the company succeeded in significantly reducing water consumption, the volume of waste and wastewater, and other climate-damaging emissions. As a manufacturing company, work safety and employee health are top priorities for GELITA. Despite a moderate increase in the number of employees, the number of work-related accidents decreased in 2018.
Commitment to animal welfare
All products manufactured by GELITA are made from natural animal raw materials obtained from the by-products of meat production. The company has been supporting the Tierwohl animal welfare initiative as a supporting member since 2018. The aim of the initiative is to anchor animal welfare in agriculture, the meat industry, and food retailing. As a processor of animal products, sustainability along the entire value chain is particularly important to GELITA. As Michael Teppner, Head of Marketing and Communication at GELITA AG, explains: "On account of our ethical and social responsibility, we ensure that as much as possible of the slaughtered animal that is fit for human consumption is used meaningfully. By processing animal raw materials into high-quality, natural foods, GELITA makes a significant contribution to a sustainable value creation chain." As a member of the European Gelatine Association GME, GELITA is also committed to animal welfare in livestock farming. The association represents about 98% of the European, and roughly one third of global gelatine production.
Increasing quality of life
The company also invests in the research and development of innovative products. One focus is on collagen peptides. In nutritional supplements, foods, and beverages, they promote the development of powerful muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and bones. Collagen peptides therefore support an active lifestyle and promote quality of life. International awards and clinical studies attesting to the effectiveness of GELITA products confirm the success of this work and the manufacturer's innovative strength.
Promoting equal opportunities
Social commitment is an essential part of GELITA's sustainability activities, and benefits people at the company's sites. Among other things, GELITA promotes educational measures and thus equal opportunities for socially disadvantaged children and adolescents. In 2018, GELITA supported more than 100 projects and initiatives financially or with the help of its employees.
Note for editorial offices
The Sustainability Report is available in English at www.gelita.com/de/gelita-csr as an
e-paper and as a PDF download.
Caption: GELITA's recently published 2018 Sustainability Report provides information on the international company's commitment, presents some of its projects, and shows the progress made in the past year. The Sustainability Report is available in English at www.gelita.com/de/gelita-csr.