CIRCULARITY ROADMAP

Thinking and acting in cycles has been part of FREITAG for 30 years. The switch from a linear, throwaway society to a circular economy in which resources are no longer wasted is an absolute necessity.

Now, for the second time, we share news of key progress made and the challenges we face in the FREITAG Impact Report. It provides insights into how we align our overall strategic goals, projects and daily work with our overarching purpose: «Intelligent design for a circular future».

IMPACT REPORT 2022

IMPACT REPORT 2021

In 2021, further development of our sustainability strategy resulted in the «FREITAG Circularity Roadmap». Based on our purpose, our corporate values, and a materiality assessment, it will help us set the right priorities and identify the levers needed to have the greatest impact in our progress toward the circular economy.

The Circularity Roadmap consists of five directions that describe our circular ambitions in different areas of the company. Together, they form the guidelines within which FREITAG plans to become a circular organization by 2030.

WE FOSTER A VALUES-BASED CULTURE AND CIRCULARITY EXPERTISE.

We prioritize the balance between people, the planet and economic success and follow a common purpose. This meaningful corporate objective shows us the way forward. Our culture and expertise allow us to go that way.

WE CREATE PRODUCTS WITH THEIR END IN MIND.

The re-purposing of discarded materials, a focus on quality and longevity and the unique character of every single product have been our hallmarks for the past 30 years. We aim to ensure that our products are not only theoretically durable but also that our customers enjoy using them for many, many years.

WE REDUCE OUR FOOTPRINT AND ENSURE A FAIR SUPPLY CHAIN.

We produce where it makes the most sense ecologically and economically and where safe, healthy and fair working conditions are guaranteed. We have made a conscious decision to maintain our headquarters in Zurich and cultivate long-term partnerships with our European producers on an equal footing.

WE PROVIDE SERVICES TO PROLONG AND CLOSE CYCLES.

We aim to consider processes as a whole and to close cycles with products and services that are well thought-through. Our first priority here is to extend the life cycles of FREITAG products. In a second step, we are setting up a «take-back» system that will enable our circular materials to circulate in closed cycles in the future.

WE CONNECT TO INSPIRE AND BE INSPIRED.

The circular economy is not possible alone. The bigger the circle, the better we can unfold its full potential. For this reason, we promote exchange with our stakeholders. We see this dialog as an integral part of the development of our cycles.

To help us know where we stand regarding our circularity aspirations, we have adopted the maturity approach devised by the Circular Globe label. The assessment model developed by the Swiss Association for Quality and Management Systems (SQS) and Quality Austria evaluates the activities of companies that have embarked on the journey towards the circular economy.

FREITAG is the first company in Switzerland to be awarded the label:

• In its first assessment in 2021, FREITAG achieved a score of 505 of 1000 points, or «Fundamental», the first of three levels.
• In 2022, we improved our score to 600 points, or «Advanced» level.
• Our goal, as a circular company, is to achieve over 800 points by 2030, and with it the level of «Excellence».