Climate and environmental protection: part of ZWILLING's value creation
The global impact of global warming and resource scarcity is increasing the pressure on all of us to take action. This gives rise to our obligation to systematically reduce our ecological footprint and continuously improve the climate and resource balance of our entire product range. We start where our actions have the greatest impact – along our production processes and supply chains.
Our areas of action in the field of the environment
Energy Efficiency and Environmental Protection
With the ZWILLING climate strategy "We care for climate," we have committed ourselves to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in our own business area (Scope 1 and Scope 2) by 42 percent by 2030 compared to the base year 2021. We also want to gradually reduce indirect CO₂emissions along the supply chain (Scope 3). We have made a conscious decision not to offset CO₂ emissions in order to achieve real progress and a noticeable reduction in our environmental impact.
more solar power will be generated by ZWILLING's production and logistics sites in 2024 compared to the previous year.
less CO₂emissions in Scope 1 and Scope 2 by 2030 compared to the base year 2021. The decarbonization target was set in line with the Science Based Targets Initiative's net-zero standard.
of ZWILLING's electricity requirements at its headquarters in Solingen are covered by energy from renewable sources.
Whether in production, procurement, or logistics, resources are consumed and emissions are generated at every stage of our value chain. In order to substantially minimize this environmental impact both in our own operations and in our supply chain, we are committed to clear reduction targets and data-driven solutions.
CO₂ offsetting is not an option for us; we focus on actual emissions reductions. Based on the net-zero standard of the internationally recognized Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), we aim to reduce direct (Scope 1) and indirect (Scope 2) greenhouse gas emissions by 42 percent by 2030 compared to the base year 2021.
Key levers for reducing emissions are:
- reducing process-related emissions,
- improving energy efficiency,
- the procurement of green electricity, and
- expanding our own solar energy generation.
Our production sites consume considerable amounts of energy – for example, for thermal processes such as melting and annealing, operating machinery, and heating and lighting the plants. As part of our reduction strategy, we first systematically recorded energy consumption at each individual site. Based on this, site-specific reduction potential was determined and concrete reduction targets were derived – in line with the overarching goal of reducing emissions by 42% by 2030 compared to the base year 2021.
The focus is particularly on energy-intensive plants. Local roadmaps have been developed for these plants and backed up with concrete investment plans. Initial measures with significant ecological and economic benefits – such as the expansion of photovoltaic systems – have already been implemented. All roadmaps are regularly reviewed, updated, and supplemented with additional programs. Plant managers are responsible for implementing the measures on site, coordinated by the Action Field Leader for Energy Efficiency and Environmental Protection and the ZWILLING Sustainability Officer.
A transparent, reliable database is a crucial factor in achieving our decarbonization goal. We have implemented a measurement infrastructure at all European sites that automatically records energy consumption. In addition, our production sites worldwide report their monthly consumption data – ensuring an up-to-date, consistent, and comparable data basis.
The values determined are fed into a central ESG software tool that enables cross-location evaluation. It maps the relevant ESRS requirements and supports legally compliant sustainability reporting.
To facilitate the use of the system, we offer regular training courses and consultation hours and support employees with data collection on site.
Looking at our carbon footprint, it becomes clear that the majority of emissions do not originate in our own operations, but in the upstream value chain (Scope 3). Around 60 percent (2023) is attributable to purchased raw materials and merchandise. In the absence of detailed primary data, the first Scope 3 accounting was carried out using the spend-based approach. This involves determining the CO₂emissions for individual product groups on the basis of procurement volume and database-supported emission factors per euro of purchase value.
In order to improve the quality of the emissions data, we then defined so-called signature products that are representative of entire product categories. For these products, specific information on materials, weight, and manufacturing processes was collected from the respective suppliers. This enabled us to calculate product-related emission factors for the first time using an activity-based approach and to determine a carbon footprint light for the respective product group—an important step toward greater transparency in Scope 3.
In the future, we want to further expand the collection of relevant data from our suppliers, systematically tap into reduction potential, and take effective measures along the supply chain. One result of the analyses conducted to date is that aluminum is one of the biggest drivers of emissions. It is used both in our own production and in purchased products – and has a significantly higher carbon footprint than other materials such as steel.
This results in important levers for reducing emissions – such as increasing the proportion of recycled aluminum or CO₂-optimized manufacturing processes with lower energy consumption.
The insights gained help ZWILLING to address the key levers in the supply chain, derive a concrete Scope 3 reduction target, and thus resolutely drive forward decarbonization along the value chain.
Since 2024, ZWILLING has been using low-emission steel in its knife production in Solingen for the first time – initially for the high-selling ZWILLING PRO knife series and now also for the new SPECTRUM premium line. This not only reduces our Scope 3 carbon footprint, but also strengthens the circular economy.
In collaboration with the Solingen-based companies Stahl Krebs and Scalabrin Recycling GmbH, as well as steel producer Outokumpu, we have established an effective take-back system. Steel scrap from ZWILLING knife production is collected, processed, and fed back into steel production—without any loss of quality due to mixing.
In the future, the metal dust produced during grinding—known as grinding sludge—will also be recycled and remelted. This creates a closed production cycle that saves CO₂ and conserves valuable primary resources.
"In recent years, we have reorganized our European logistics. Today, we already supply many European markets from a single logistics center. This enables us to control the flow of goods more efficiently, bundle transports, and reduce energy and space requirements – an important contribution to conserving resources and reducing emissions. Our new logistics partner, Rhenus, also consistently uses solar power, geothermal energy, and energy-efficient building technology at its Wesel site, thus supporting the sustainable orientation of our distribution."
Dr Alexander Gulden, COO of ZWILLING J.A. Henckels AG
On the way to low-carbon production
ZWILLING is increasingly generating its own solar power directly at its locations—decentralized and climate-friendly.
With ISO 50001, ZWILLING is improving energy efficiency at its Solingen site – systematically, measurably, and in compliance with regulations.
ZWILLING uses waste heat and LED technology at its locations – for greater energy efficiency and lower resource consumption.
ZWILLING participates in the CDP – for greater transparency on emissions and reliable data in dialogue with partners.
Sustainable products and packaging
Timeless design, durable materials, first-class quality—that's what ZWILLING has stood for for almost 300 years. Today, we are taking this commitment one step further: we are working to reduce the carbonfootprint of our products, improve reparability, and use wood exclusively from certified sources. At the same time, we are continuously improving the environmental performance of our packaging. In this way, we are promoting sustainable consumption – without any compensation payments, but with real, measurable savings.
CO₂ is saved by the new ZWILLING PRO knife made of low-emission steel compared to the previous model. Greenhouse gas emissions are reduced by 50% for the steel alone.
of the wood used in ZWILLING FSC® Multisite is FSC® certified and comes from sustainably certified sources. By 2030, we want to increase this proportion to 100 percent and use only wood from responsibly managed forests.
of the packaging for our globally available product series is now environmentally optimized—primarily by largely eliminating plastic in favor of paper and cardboard and by using recyclable materials.
At ZWILLING, sustainability does not begin in the production plant, but rather with the initial concept. We have designed our innovation processes to incorporate ecological criteria from the outset – from the concept phase to series production. Extended producer responsibility criteria are also incorporated into product development at an early stage. Specifically, this means that we
- focusing on genuine CO₂reduction instead of compensation,
- continuously reducing CO₂ emissions in the life cycle of knives, cutlery, cookware, and electrical appliances,
- developing products in such a way that they are manufactured in a resource-efficient manner, are durable and repairable, and remain in the value creation cycle for as long as possible,
- to reduce packaging to the minimum necessary for product and transport protection and to switch to recyclable materials.
This approach is an integral part of our "Idea to Market" process and puts sustainability exactly where it has the greatest leverage: in the development of new products.
The example of ZWILLING PRO shows how we are specifically improving the carbon footprint of our products. In a project lasting several years, we have succeeded in reducing the carbon footprint of this successful knife series by more than half. First, we used carbon footprint analysis to identify the production steps that generate particularly high levels of greenhouse gases.
This revealed that over 50% of emissions are caused by raw materials – primarily steel. Each ton of raw steel produces an average of around 7 tons ofCO₂emissions, mainly during steel production by suppliers. To reduce this impact, we entered into a partnership with our steel supplier Stahl Krebs and steel manufacturer Outokumpu.
The Finnish company Outokumpu has developed a low-emission stainless steel under the Circle Green brand and further optimized it for ZWILLING knife production. Circle Green steel generates only 1.19 tons of CO₂e per ton of steel produced—around 80 percent less than the industry average and around 50 percent less than the special melt previously used.
This is made possible by improvements in the manufacturing process: predominantly single-grade steel scrap is used, with a recycling rate of more than 80 percent. ZWILLING collects the punching residues and offcuts from knife production and returns them to Outokumpu as high-quality secondary raw materials. This creates a closed material cycle that saves primary raw materials and significantly increases resource efficiency.
Another advantage: the calculation method certified by TÜV Süd ensures that the specified CO₂ emission values apply to each individual batch of steel. The quality-tested, emission-reduced stainless steel has the same mechanical, chemical, and physical properties as the material used previously – but with a significantly lower environmental impact.
We have currently switched two knife series to the new Circle Green stainless steel: in addition to the ZWILLING PRO series, we have also introduced the new premium knife ZWILLING SPECTRUM. They can be recognized by the engraving "RC" or "RCF" on the blade – which stands for "Reduced Carbon Footprint" and makes the lower CO₂ emissions transparent.
With ZWILLING FRESH & SAVE, we have worked with consumers to develop a system that combines high-tech, contemporary design, and ecological benefits. Vacuum technology keeps food fresh up to five times longer than conventional storage methods, reducing food waste and contributing to sustainable consumption. Reusable containers are used instead of disposable packaging. The accompanying app digitizes food organization, making it easier to keep track of expiration dates and reminding users when it's time to consume food.
The continuing high demand shows that we have struck a chord with ZWILLING FRESH & SAVE. And we are constantly developing our freshness system further – with new functions and practical accessories. The result is a sustainable ecosystem that adapts flexibly to the everyday lives of users. Because every piece of food that doesn't end up in the trash counts.
Wood is a natural and durable material that is used in the ZWILLING range primarily for knife blocks, cutting boards, and knife handles. It is important to us that it comes from responsibly managed forests. That is why we are working to continuously increase the proportion of FSC(®)certified products – with the aim of offering only wood-based items with the FSC(®)seal in our range by 2030.
All knife blocks newly launched on the German market already carry this certification. The wood comes from controlled sources that meet ecological, social, and economic standards. In addition to sustainable sourcing, the supply chain is also checked according to the Forest Stewardship Council's guidelines through what is known as chain of custody certification. ZWILLING J.A. Henckels AG and its subsidiaries in Germany, the UK, the US, and Canada are already certified according to FSC(®)standards. The Chinese company is currently preparing for certification.
To further increase transparency along the supply chain, the Forest Stewardship Council has developed FSC® Trace, an innovative digital solution. The blockchain-based program enables the seamless tracking of FSC® -certified wood throughout the entire supply chain and strengthens confidence in the sustainable origin of products.
ZWILLING is one of the first companies to introduce the system. FSC® Trace is connected to the ZWILLING SAP system via an interface. This allows all relevant data to be automatically exchanged, recorded, and processed. FSC® Trace also supports ZWILLING in complying with new EU regulations. From 2026, the Regulation on the prevention of deforestation (EUDR) will require proof that wood products used do not originate from illegal logging. FSC(®)Trace provides the digital basis for this: it enables ZWILLING to provide the necessary proof of origin in a transparent, efficient, and audit-proof manner.
Our packaging fulfills important protective, storage, and transport functions – it ensures that our premium products arrive safely and intact at our retail partners and consumers. At the same time, we are working to minimize negative environmental impacts. Wherever possible and ecologically sensible, we avoid plastic, reduce the use of materials, and dispense with unnecessary packaging. By 2030, we want to convert 100 percent of our packaging to recyclable materials to enable a longer retention time in the value chain.
We are also looking into the use of reusable solutions. Ecological packaging optimization is now an integral part of our product design and plays an important role, especially when launching new products and redesigning existing ones. In this way, we have already sustainably improved the vast majority of our global product range and switched to more environmentally friendly packaging alternatives.
Making packaging more sustainable requires a valid database. In recent years, we have worked intensively to centrally collect all relevant packaging information for our wide-ranging, globally distributed product range. We now have detailed packaging-related data for around 85 percent of our global product range. We use this data to analyze our packaging according to an evaluation grid that highlights strengths, identifies weaknesses, and initiates concrete improvements.
- Green means: The packaging is made of recyclable material, is paper-based, designed to conserve resources, or is reusable.
- Yellow indicates that the packaging offers potential – for example, through improved recyclability, reduction of plastic components, material savings, FSC(®)certification, or use of recycled materials.
- Red stands for a need for action: The packaging contains materials that are difficult to recycle, such as plastic coatings or composites. Here, we are specifically looking for better solutions.
“For me, sustainability means valuing food and avoiding waste. With ZWILLING FRESH & SAVE, I can easily keep fruit, vegetables and other foods fresher for longer – and make a daily contribution to conserving resources.”
Caren Lübbecke, Food & Lifestyle Creator @carenslittleworld
Step by Step towards Sustainable Solutions
The ZWILLING Earth Day Edition sends a strong signal for genuine CO₂ reduction in knife production.
With the LEDRO series, BALLARINI shows how thoughtful design and resource conservation can be combined.
STAUB combines durability with environmentally friendly packaging – for roasting pans that impress today and tomorrow.
The ZWILLING packaging concept: Avoid, replace, recycle – with materials from renewable raw materials and minimal plastic content.
ZWILLING replaces plastic packaging for Solingen knife series with sustainable, paper-based materials – safe and recyclable.
