Environment
Responsibility for planetary boundaries
As a food company, nature and its resources form the basis of our success. We aim to reduce the negative impact of our business activities on the environment and the climate.
As a company in the food industry, the KRÜGER GROUP relies on stable climate conditions, functioning ecosystems, and access to natural resources. At the same time, our business activities have environmental impacts that we systematically record and manage.
Climate change
Climate change is a key issue for the KRÜGER GROUP, as it can affect both our own production processes and supply chains. In addition, requirements arise from regulatory developments and changing market conditions.
Read our latest report to find out which climate protection measures we have implemented and what progress we have been able to achieve.
Categories of emission reduction measures
Energy efficiency
Replacement of boiling pans with more efficient models at Ludwig Schokolade
Optimization of processes and buildings
Installation of insulated gates at Wilhelm Reuss in Winsen
Heat recovery
Installation of a recuperator in a spray tower to utilize waste heat at the "Mittelelbe" dairy plants
Logistics
Relocation of two warehouse sites to optimize routes at Ludwig Schokolade leads to 13% fewer transport kilometers
Mobility and fleet
Switching to electric instead of gas-powered forklifts at K-fee System
EXCURSUS
Wilhelm Reuss relies on power-to-heat system
Just last year, a PV system with 1.5 MWp was installed at the Winsen site. To achieve greater independence in energy supply, the next step was taken in February 2025 with a power-to-heat system. The system makes it possible to convert excess PV electricity into heat, thereby increasing the self-consumption rate of the PV system. This saves gas and reduces CO2 emissions by an estimated 60 tons per year.
EXCURSUS
Fuchs & Hoffmann tests alternative to thermal oxidation
Since fall 2025, our cocoa processor Fuchs & Hoffmann has been testing an alternative to the highly energy-intensive afterburning of exhaust air using natural gas. So-called thermal oxidation is a process for exhaust gas purification that is only necessary due to the odorous substances produced in the process.
A system is now being tested that purifies the exhaust gases using UV radiation and plasma, thus neutralizing the odorous substances. This requires no gas or additional fuel. As a result, the UV/plasma system can help reduce current energy consumption and save emissions. The test is intended to determine whether the system offers the promised benefits and whether a conversion is possible.
Resources and circular economy
Resource use and the circular economy are of essential importance to the KRÜGER GROUP, as business operations depend on the use of natural raw materials and packaging materials. At the same time, there are requirements regarding resource efficiency and regulatory developments.
We want to increase the use of recycled materials in our packaging, with a focus on secondary and tertiary packaging. For primary packaging in contact with food, the use of recycled materials is very limited due to regulations. Therefore, the use of recycled materials in primary food-contact packaging is restricted to recycled PET. For critical raw materials such as cocoa, coffee, milk, palm oil, soy, and hazelnuts, the KRÜGER GROUP increasingly relies on recognized certification labels. For example, since 2020, only RSPO-certified palm oil has been used. For coffee and cocoa, increasing attention is paid to the Fairtrade or Rainforest Alliance labels.
Read our latest report to find out which measures we have implemented in the area of resources and packaging and what progress we have been able to achieve.
Measures in the area of resources and packaging
Recyclate
Use of 80% recycled aluminum in Nespresso-compatible capsules by 2026
Recyclability
By replacing a PP-PET composite and using a mono-PP material, the recyclability of the K-fee coffee capsule was increased to 96%
Circular economy
By switching from tray shrink-wrapping to paper bands during the reporting period, 70% material and 90% energy savings were achieved in this process
Recyclate
Use of 80% recycled aluminum in Nespresso-compatible capsules by 2026
Recyclability
By replacing a PP-PET composite and using a mono-PP material, the recyclability of the
K-fee coffee capsule was increased to
96%
Circular economy
By switching from tray shrink-wrapping to paper bands during the reporting period, 70% material and 90% energy savings were achieved in this process
EXCURSUS
Ludwig Schokolade: Conversion of the Edle Tropfen in Nuss advent calendar
By using polypropylene thermoformed trays, the recyclability of the packaging component was increased from 0% to 100% in 2024. Furthermore, the weight was reduced from 55.4 g to 42.5 g. This represents a saving of 23%. It is also gratifying that the conversion was completed smoothly within a single season.
Our Packaging Strategy
The KRÜGER GROUP’s packaging strategy aims to reduce material usage, increase the recyclability of packaging, expand the use of recycled materials, and utilize certified, paper-based materials.
Numerous measures were taken during the reporting year to implement the packaging strategy. For instance, since the end of 2025, only certified paper-based packaging has been purchased. Consequently, this goal can be considered achieved.
Download
Sustainability Report 2025
Our Sustainability Report 2025 provides an overview of measures and developments and is available for download here.