Governance – acting based on values, managing sustainably
For us, sustainability is a strategic goal that we have anchored throughout the company – with measurable targets, clearly defined responsibilities, and systematic data collection. At the same time, we use an effective compliance system to ensure that our processes are legally compliant, traceable, and transparent. In this way, we create structures that strengthen value-based action, counteract potential risks, and secure long-term trust.
Our areas of action in the field of governance
Sustainable corporate management
At ZWILLING, sustainability is a corporate philosophy: we base our actions on clear principles and create value for generations with our brands. We are integrating ecological, social, and ethical standards ever more deeply and extensively into the value chain in order to help shape and drive change in our market segment.
Our sustainability strategy: We Care
Global environmental and social challenges affect us all. As a global consumer goods manufacturer and family-owned company with a long tradition, we take responsibility – for climate protection, for the sustainable use of resources, and for fair working conditions. Our sustainability strategy, We Care, brings together this commitment and aims to achieve concrete, measurable results.
Our mission: We are continuously developing our product range – with durable, high-quality products that contribute to a sustainable lifestyle. We systematically embed environmental and social criteria in our value creation. We promote a diverse, global team and create a safe and inclusive working environment. We are also committed to the regions in which we live and work.
What matters to us: Materiality reassessed
In 2024, we conducted our first materiality analysis in accordance with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). This has enabled us to lay the foundation for future reporting in line with these standards, while also validating our existing sustainability priorities under the changed regulatory framework. Although ZWILLING is not subject to any reporting obligations of its own – these are fulfilled at group level by Werhahn – we nevertheless attached great importance to conducting the analysis in line with the ESRS system. In this way, we ensure that we meet the requirements in terms of content, methodology, and organization, and further sharpen our focus on sustainability.
Clear priorities in stakeholder dialogue
The dual materiality, according to ESRS standards, takes into account both the impact of our actions on the environment and society and the financial opportunities and risks arising from environmental and social factors.In a first step of the analysis, relevant internal and external stakeholders were identified, including various ZWILLING departments, the Sustainability Council, Werhahn Holding, local institutions, and key suppliers.
This was followed by a pre-assessment to structure potential sustainability issues in line with ESRS standards and create an initial orientation grid for impacts, risks, and opportunities. The aim of the subsequent stakeholder dialogue was to compare the preliminary classification with external perspectives and to reflect on and evaluate the relevance of the issues. In the final step, all feedback and findings were compiled, discussed, and validated by the ZWILLING Sustainability Council—and approved by the ZWILLING Executive Board in November 2024.
The key areas for action
The materiality analysis confirmed ZWILLING's existing sustainability priorities. Climate protection and CO₂ reduction were highlighted as key issues of high relevance (ESRS E1).
The design of durable, repairable products made from sustainable materials was also rated as material by stakeholders (ESRS E5). The same applies to fair working conditions, the protection of human rights, and a healthy and safe working environment (ESRS S1/S2).
Responsibility in the supply chain—particularly with regard to environmental and social risks—is also one of the priority areas for action (ESRS S21). As a guiding principle of sustainable business practices, stakeholders also attach great importance to corporate governance based on integrity and ethical principles (ESRS G1). The circular economy has been identified as a new strategic focus area that ZWILLING will continue to develop in the future (ESRS E5).
Our sustainability goals for 2030
The prioritized topics of the materiality analysis confirm our strategic direction. Our sustainability goals for 2030 remain a central point of reference for the coming years.
Responsibility for our employees
We promote commitment and personal development – for a strong, diverse team.
Sustainable products & packaging
We think holistically – from product design to packaging.
- Reducing our carbon footprint
- Improving repairability
- 100% FSC®-certified wood
- 100% recyclable packaging
- Avoid plastic where possible
Energy efficiency & environmental protection
We are systematically reducing emissions at our production and logistics sites. Target: 42% reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2030 (Scope 1 & 2, base year: 2021)
Sustainable supply chain
We take responsibility for the value chain. We expect our suppliers to comply with social and environmental standards – clearly and verifiably
Responsibility for society
We strengthen social cohesion at our locations worldwide through local initiatives.
Sustainability management with clear responsibilities
Our sustainability organization anchors the defined goals and measures in the organizational structure and ensures that substantial progress is made in each area of action. The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of ZWILLING J.A. Henckels AG bears overall responsibility for the sustainable transformation. He regularly coordinates the strategic direction with the entire Executive Board and reports annually to the Supervisory Board on progress and current developments.
The Sustainability Manager is responsible for operational implementation. He coordinates activities, the development of a uniform data management system, and the collection and preparation of sustainability indicators for consolidated ESRS reporting at Group level. As the highest committee, the ZWILLING Sustainability Council, headed by the Sustainability Officer, manages global sustainability activities. It makes fundamental decisions on the sustainability strategy and prepares the corresponding draft resolutions for the Executive Board.
Transparent database
The collection and systematic processing of consistent and valid data along complex value chains is crucial for managing our sustainability activities. A particular focus is placed on the areas of energy efficiency and environmental protection.
We record energy consumption and CO₂ emissions at all production and logistics sites worldwide. Reliable Scope 1 and Scope 2 data enable us to derive specific reduction measures and track progress in a transparent manner. At the same time, we are expanding data collection in the supply chain so that we can take relevant Scope 3 emissions into account more comprehensively in the future.
In addition, we are increasingly collecting detailed information on the materials used, recycling rates, and resource flows in our product portfolio. This expanded database helps us to further develop our product and packaging design in a sustainable manner, optimize resource use, and close material cycles.
Sustainability is a joint task – for politics, society, and business
Ariane Bischoff was involved in ZWILLING's current materiality analysis as a stakeholder. In this interview, she talks about corporate responsibility for climate and resource protection, the importance of sustainable consumption, and the interplay between business, cities, and civil society – key levers for achieving Solingen's sustainability and climate goals.
“ZWILLING’s goal to cut absolute CO₂ emissions at production and logistics sites by 42 percent by 2030, compared to 2021, and to use 100 percent green electricity in Solingen, clearly supports Solingen’s climate targets.”
Ariane Bischoff, Head of the Mayor’s Office “Sustainability and Climate Protection”, City of Solingen
Ariane Bischoff: Solingen can only achieve its sustainability and climate goals when everyone participates – companies, associations, institutions, and households.
Local businesses play a key role. They account for around 38 percent of Solingen’s energy use and 40 percent of its greenhouse gas emissions. Their commitment is crucial for the city’s economic strength and for securing jobs and training.
Over the past decades, companies have helped reduce the city’s total energy and resource consumption by about 37 percent since 1990, as shown in Solingen’s 2023 greenhouse gas balance. This progress also brings direct economic benefits.
Solingen’s climate neutrality roadmap, adopted by the council in 2024, shows that switching fully to renewable energy – alongside saving energy – offers great potential. By moving electricity and heating to renewables, as planned in Solingen, nearly half (47 percent) of citywide greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced.
ZWILLING’s goal to reduce absolute CO₂ emissions at production and logistics sites by 42 percent by 2030, compared to 2021, and to use 100 percent green electricity in Solingen, clearly contributes to the city’s climate targets. Lowering the CO₂ footprint of products is challenging, especially with energy-intensive, fossil-based steel processes. With a new knife made from emissions-reduced steel that cuts the CO₂ footprint by 50 percent compared to conventional knife steel, ZWILLING shows that solutions are possible. These solutions need to reach more people, and for that, consumers need to recognise and choose these valuable products.
A key part of Solingen’s climate neutrality plan is to minimise raw material use and waste by encouraging everyone to create and use durable, circular materials and products. Advancing innovative solutions means rethinking production, supply chains, and business models. In this spirit, ZWILLING’s project to return steel offcuts from its production back into the steelmaking process is a scalable, circular approach.
Ariane Bischoff: Many people are open to sustainable, resource-saving habits when they see the benefits and can easily put them into practice. However, for many, how food and products are made has become distant. Often, people do not see the effort behind healthy, durable, high-value products and may choose seemingly cheaper, less sustainable items – even if they could afford sustainable ones. Companies, retailers, and education providers need to make the advantages clear and tangible.
ZWILLING shows how long its products last and offers repair and resharpening services, reaching conscious consumers. It is important to apply sustainability principles visibly and consistently – for example, by designing products with FSC®-certified, preferably regional wood for handles, or using minimal, recycled packaging, as ZWILLING already does for certain product lines. The company’s vacuum system, which keeps food fresh longer and helps reduce food waste, is another example of how innovative products can make sustainable living easier.
In Solingen, the “Gläserne Werkstatt” (Transparent Workshop) is a place for quality and sustainability, aiming to become a marketplace for sustainable products from Solingen and the region. As a city lab and creative space, it brings resource-saving habits closer to people of all ages with cooking workshops, do-it-yourself sessions, and repair cafés.
Solingen’s broad-based climate and sustainability education – now established in many nurseries, primary schools, secondary schools, youth centres, and even sports clubs – helps children, young people, and families embrace sustainable lifestyles.
Ariane Bischoff: Decent living and working conditions, fair pay, and standards for health, social care, and education are essential for us – but worldwide, they remain a major challenge and are crucial for achieving universal human rights and sustainability goals. Solingen is working to make its own procurement socially and environmentally responsible. International companies need to implement the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act step by step, using risk analysis, prevention, and controls along the value chain.
ZWILLING applies a code of conduct for suppliers with binding ecological and social standards, conducts training and audits worldwide, and provides disadvantaged children and young people with access to education and health care at its international sites. This shows responsibility and social commitment.
Implementing human rights and environmental standards throughout the entire value chain, especially in complex supply chains, is a long-term task, especially as global changes continue. ZWILLING’s use of BSCI audits to identify supply chain risks demonstrates its commitment to solutions.
Those responsible at company sites need to identify and resolve any issues in the supply chain. At the same time, it is important to involve consumers and show how social and environmental standards are put into practice in product lines. Since 2018, Solingen – the “City of Blades” – has been a certified “Fairtrade Town”, joining over 900 communities worldwide that promote sustainable procurement and fair trade through public activities. Solingen works with partners from retail, churches, civil society, and education. Practical examples from Solingen companies are always welcome.
Corporate Governance and Compliance
ZWILLING stands for value-based corporate management that combines sustainable value creation with transparent and legally compliant actions. Legal requirements and internal guidelines are ensured by a globally established compliance management system. This creates reliable guidelines for corporate strategies and decisions—in every ZWILLING company and at every location.
Compliance Management System
The global compliance management system is a central element of our corporate governance strategy. The system is preventive in nature, designed to identify compliance risks and violations at an early stage, respond appropriately, and avert damage to the company and its reputation. The Head of Compliance & ICS is responsible for implementation, together with 16 local compliance officers in the subsidiaries. The system is integrated into the Werhahn Group's compliance network and is managed in close coordination with the internal audit department of Wilh. Werhahn KG. The focus is particularly on legal compliance and integrity in the areas of antitrust law, anti-corruption, fraud prevention, and the monitoring of and compliance with corporate due diligence obligations.
Group-wide whistleblower system
All ZWILLING employees and external third parties can report potential compliance violations confidentially and anonymously via an external web platform or a free hotline. Incoming reports are received and reviewed by an independent ombudsperson and, if necessary, forwarded to the relevant authorities for further investigation. In addition to speaking personally with supervisors or local compliance officers, this provides an additional, low-threshold reporting channel.
Compliance training for employees
ZWILLING supports its employees in complying with legal requirements and acting responsibly. Regular training courses provide a basic understanding of the need for compliance rules and raise awareness of compliance risks in everyday business. Digital formats on the Werhahn Code of Conduct, antitrust law, and anti-discrimination are available via the group-wide Moodle learning platform. Training courses on data protection and IT security are also offered. The content is continuously developed to cover current legal requirements and practical use cases. Our aim is to achieve group-wide participation of all employees, to systematically record this and to document progress.
"Respect for human rights is a core part of our responsibility at ZWILLING. We weave human rights due diligence into our processes – and take action wherever risks appear or people need protection."
Tim Decken, Human Rights Officer of the ZWILLING Group
