2022
Sustainability Report
Dear BPW Employees, Partners, and Friends
Achim Kotz
Markus Schell
The transport and logistics sector is currently facing increasing global challenges such as the Corona pandemic, the war in Ukraine, price explosions, inflation, a weakening economy and uncertain supply chains. Even and especially in these times characterised by diverse challenges, companies and people who take responsibility are in demand. The UN Global Compact, the world’s largest and most important initiative for sustainable and responsible corporate governance, which we have supported as a member since 2016, provides the framework for this at BPW.
Our sustainability strategy is based on three main foundations: Employees & Society, Product Responsibility and Environment & Energy. All our actions, measures and activities follow these fields of action. In doing so, we not only have our generation or the generation after us in mind, but also the generation after next. We have been living this philosophy at BPW for almost 125 years. Acting responsibly is an integral part of our corporate culture. Our actions have therefore always been geared towards sustainability – not purely towards profitability.
This is also reflected in our innovative products and solutions, which conserve resources, reduce emissions and enable mobility and environmental protection at the same time. Through the generation and use of renewable energies as well as recycling initiatives, we cultivate a responsible approach to the environment, energy and our resources. All this is only possible with employees who see the big picture and do their best to do what is important and right. We employ around 1,500 of them at our headquarters in Wiehl and thousands of them in the BPW Group all over the world.
With our current sustainability report, we cordially invite you to learn about our ideas, initiatives and progress towards a more sustainable world.
Yours Achim Kotz and Markus Schell
Achim Kotz
Markus Schell
01
Employees and Community
02
Product Responsibility
03
Environment and Energy
For better readability, the masculine form is used for personal names and personal nouns on this website. Corresponding terms apply in principle to all genders for the purpose of equal treatment. The abbreviated form of language is for editorial reasons only and does not imply any judgement.
We Support
PRINCIPLE 1
Companies should support and ensure the protection of global human rights.
As a German company, BPW is committed to the European system of values as well as to its social and societal responsibility. The protection of human freedom, safety and health are the basis of the management guidelines and code of conduct at BPW. These are binding for all employees of BPW Bergische Achsen KG.
PRINCIPLE 2
Companies must ensure that they do not contribute to human rights violations.
BPW obliges its business partners to observe comprehensive quality specifications. These include traceability across all business processes, environmental standards and national and international legal provisions, including the protection of human rights. The company’s main sources for the procurement of raw materials and commercial goods are located in Germany and Europe.
PRINCIPLE 3
Companies should safeguard the freedom of association and effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining.
BPW is expressly committed to co-determination and supports employee and trade union representation. BPW also actively supports political and social education, particularly for trainees and new entrants.
PRINCIPLE 4
Companies should support the elimination of all forms of forced labour.
Qualified and motivated staff are the foundation of BPW’s long-term success. That is why BPW sets great store by good, secure working conditions and long-term prospects for all employees wherever possible – preferably in permanent employment.
PRINCIPLE 5
Companies should support the eradication of child labour.
As a family business, BPW cares particularly about child protection. BPW obliges suppliers, service providers and their sub-suppliers to comply with international legal provisions – including, of course, child protection.
PRINCIPLE 6
Companies should support the eradication of discrimination in recruitment and employment.
BPW does not tolerate any form of discrimination. All employees – irrespective of gender, age, skin colour, culture, ethnic background, sexual identity, physical condition, religious affiliation or ideology – are treated equally. Globally recognised human rights are respected. These principles are comprehensively addressed by the BPW code of conduct.
PRINCIPLE 7
Companies should follow the precautionary principle when dealing with environmental issues.
BPW is committed to protecting the environment and using resources and energy carefully in all business activities. Accordingly, BPW operates an energy and environmental management system certified in accordance with international standards and is always developing its commitment in this regard. Suppliers are also selected in accordance with these principles and undergo regular audits.
PRINCIPLE 8
Companies should take measures to promote increased environmental awareness.
As well as its own research and development activities, BPW is also committed to promoting the acceptance and spread of e-mobility and technologies which protect resources and the environment in the transport and logistics industry and supports flagship projects in these areas.
PRINCIPLE 9
Companies should accelerate the development and spread of environmentally-friendly technologies.
All of BPW’s products, innovations and research and development activities are essentially aimed at improving the efficiency of logistics and transport processes. These include groundbreaking innovations in e-mobility, noise reduction, lightweight construction and digitally connected transport.
PRINCIPLE 10
Companies should advocate against all kinds of corruption, including extortion and bribery.
Lawful, honest and responsible conduct, freedom from discrimination and combating corruption are comprehensively addressed at BPW through its work regulations. BPW binds its suppliers and business partners accordingly. In addition, BPW runs a compliance organisation which calls on all BPW employees to act lawfully.
1 | No Poverty
Economic growth must be inclusive to provide sustainable jobs and promote equality
2 | Zero Hunger
The food and agriculture sector offers key solutions for development, and is central for hunger and poverty eradication
3 | Good Health and Well-Being
Ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well-being for all at all ages is essential to sustainable development
4 | Quality Education
Obtaining a quality education is the foundation to improving people’s lives and sustainable development
5 | Gender Equality
Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world
6 | Clean Water and Sanitation
Clean, accessible water for all is an essential part of the world we want to live in
7 | Affordable and clean Energy
Energy is central to nearly every major challenge and opportunity
8 | Decent Work and economic Growth
Sustainable economic growth will require societies to create the conditions that allow people to have quality jobs
9 | Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Investments in infrastructure are crucial to achieving sustainable development
10 | Reduced Inequalities
To reduce inequalities, policies should be universal in principle, paying attention to the needs of disadvantaged and marginalized populations
11 | Sustainable Cities and Communities
There needs to be a future in which cities provide opportunities for all, with access to basic services, energy, housing, transportation and more
12 | Responsible Consumption and Production
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
13 | Climate Action
Climate change is a global challenge that affects everyone, everywhere
14 | Life below water
Careful management of this essential global resource is a key feature of a sustainable future
15 | Life on Land
Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss
16 | Peace, Justice and strong Institutions
Access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable institutions at all levels
17 | Partnerships for the Goals
Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
