Flender, a German drive specialist, has achieved the remarkable distinction of being ranked among the top one percent of the most sustainable companies globally. This prestigious recognition comes as Flender was awarded the platinum medal by EcoVadis, a provider of sustainability ratings for companies worldwide. EcoVadis, setting the global standard for corporate sustainability ratings, evaluated over 100,000 companies across 200 industries in 175 countries. Flender’s platinum medal places it at the pinnacle of sustainable corporate practices, following its previous receipt of the gold medal in 2022.
Flender, with its headquarter in Bocholt, Germany, is one of the global suppliers in mechanical and electrical drive systems. Known for its vision to the highest performance, innovation, quality, and reliability, Flender operates as a provider of drive components. The company’s extensive portfolio, with over 120 years of expertise, includes a diverse range of gear units, couplings, generators, and related services, with a strategic focus on key industries such as wind power, cement, mining, oil & gas, power generation, water and wastewater, marine, conveyor, and crane technology.
Flender’s products and services represent a fusion of cutting-edge technology and quality, consistently delivering optimal power transmission solutions for decades. With a global workforce of around 9,000 employees, Flender continues to be a driving force in shaping the landscape of mechanical and electrical drive systems, offering innovative solutions that cater to the evolving needs of various industries worldwide.
The EcoVadis rating focuses on four key areas, such as, Environment, Labor and Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. Flender demonstrated exceptional performance across all these categories, securing very high scores in the evaluation. The company’s advanced sustainability management system, coupled with a comprehensive strategy committed to ecological, social, and ethical considerations, formed the basis for its outstanding EcoVadis rating.
Flender’s sustainability efforts were particularly recognized in its sustainability strategy activities, earning the highest score of ‘Outstanding’ in several instances by EcoVadis. The company has actively increased transparency and accountability through the publication of sustainability reports, showcasing its commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices.
Results from the evaluation reflect Flender’s significant achievements in reducing Scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions (direct and indirect emissions) by an impressive 79%. The company has set ambitious targets, aiming to achieve complete carbon neutrality by 2030. This commitment is realized through the adoption of green energy and the implementation of various measures to enhance energy efficiency across all its locations.
Energy efficiency and sustainability are integral components of Flender’s product design philosophy. Products are specifically engineered to prioritize these factors, with features like digital intelligence AIQ contributing to operational savings. The company’s supplier selection process aligns with its commitment to social and ecological responsibility, incorporating sustainability audits to evaluate and choose suppliers.
Flender’s focus on sustainability extends beyond environmental and climate protection, encompassing areas such as working conditions, ethics, and human rights. The company prioritizes the health, safety, and protection of its employees through comprehensive campaigns that promote ethical conduct. Specialized whistleblowing channels are in place to identify and address inadvertent violations at an early stage. The company also places a global focus on education and training, supporting initiatives like student programs in India and financing new study programs in “Data Science” and “Sustainable Engineering and Management” in Germany.
Andreas Evertz, CEO of Flender, expressed satisfaction with the outstanding rating, acknowledging the company’s progress in the right direction. Evertz emphasized Flender’s dedication to being pioneers in sustainability and inspiring others through unwavering commitment and collaboration with strong partners.
Kimberley ten Broeke, Flender’s Head of CSR, attributed the achievement of the Platinum Medal to the excellent collaboration and dedication of the global team. She highlighted Flender’s understanding of sustainability as a commitment to ethical business practices, employee well-being, and the collaborative development of increasingly better products and solutions for the world and the climate. Flender’s remarkable journey in achieving sustainability excellence reflects its holistic approach, encompassing environmental responsibility, employee well-being, and ethical business practices. The Platinum Medal from EcoVadis is a testament to Flender’s commitment to creating a positive impact on both the industry and the planet.
