WE ARE COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABILITY

Climate

With the aim of taking another step in the direction of climate protection, we have signed on to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). In doing so, we are committed to short-term, company-wide emission reductions, in line with climate science.

Energy

We continually strive to improve our energy efficiency. Our energy management system is certified in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001 since 2014. We are also able to produce a certain amount of the energy we need ourselves, with the use of photovoltaic systems, for example.

Green electricity

Since this year, we have used 100% green electricity for our production processes.

Wastewater

In 2020, we decided to treat our wastewater anaerobically, which is an efficient and sustainable solution that takes the strain off our local sewage treatment plant. The treatment process also produces methane gas, which is fed into the heating system on our sites.

Vehicle fleet

Since 2021, we have been increasingly switching our company cars to electric vehicles.

Packaging

Our products are packaged in plastic and there’s a good reason for this. We continuously strive to reduce our consumption of plastic, increase the amount of recycled material we use, improve our recycling capabilities and develop alternatives.

Animal welfare

We are proud to be able to offer our customers products containing sustainably produced raw materials, including MSC-ASC, KAT, Bio (organic) and QS/ITW.

Our certificates

Food waste

To reduce food waste, we donate a large proportion of our goods with a reduced shelf life (less than seven days) to two local food banks that support socially and economically disadvantaged people: the Tafel in Paderborn and the Brot & Mehr charity in Hövelhof.

The Tafel food bank in Paderborn distributes the goods to local people in need, either for free or at a very low cost. Brot & Mehr, organized by the Kolping Society in Hövelhof, provides the food directly to the needy in Hövelhof. Today, the charity provides 63 households with supplies on a regular basis.

We always divide our donated products fairly between these two charities, depending on the storage capacity of each organization.

Biodiversity

Biodiversity is a term used to refer to ecological diversity – in other words, the wide variety of animals, plants and microorganisms and their habitats. It is also plays a key role in terms of the manufacturing of our delicatessen products. Without bees and other insects, many kinds of fruit and vegetables would cease to exist. Diverse plants and soil organisms ensure fertile soils, which is the base for good food. Diversity protects against crop failure – e.g caused by pests or extreme weather conditions. This is also important for both the farming and manufacturing industries. Biodiverse meadows and forests store CO₂ and help protect the climate.

To support biodiversity, we have planted 1,000 m² of new flowering meadows  that provide local insects such as wild bees, butterflies and beetles with food and a habitat. This is not just beneficial for nature – it is also our contibution to healthier, more sustainable food manufacturing. Biodiversity secures our sources of food, protects the environment and starts right on our doorstep.

Management

The commercial success of our company can be easily measured in the 113 years of our existence. There have been many changes since Heinrich Kühlmann first opened his farm shop in East Westphalia in 1912. Over 100 years later and still family-run, Heinrich Kühlmann GmbH is one of Germany’s leading producers of delicatessen foods. More than 1,500 employees are committed to ensuring the highest quality of our products. We produce over one million portions of delicatessen products every day. And that’s something we’re proud of!

Quality

We deliver nothing but the best quality. Our passion for what we do, combined with state-of-the-art technology, ensures that we meet the highest standards of quality and product safety.

Our quality management system has been certified by the IFS Food Standard for over 20 years.

Our certificates

Employees

We always insist on quality. Not only in terms of our products, but also – and most importantly – when it comes to our employees. Our dedication to quality is expressed in terms of building appreciative, compassionate relationships with our employees, and supporting the personal development of each member of the ‘Kühlmann family’.

Siegel Attraktiver Arbeitgeber

This year, we were awarded the Attractive Employer seal.

Sponsoring

We support our community by providing ongoing support for several local sports and cultural organizations, as well as for the local volunteer fire company.

Donations to the Welthungerhilfe charity

We donate to a project run by Welthungerhilfe and the World Food Programme aimed at improving the nutrition and educational opportunities of children in Burundi, one of the poorest countries in the world, where more than half of the population is affected by malnutrition. Our donation helps provide 40,000 school meals – a valuable contribution to healthy development, school attendance and the future outlook of many children.

Green electricity

Use 100% green electricity in our production processes (already achieved in 2025)

Efficiency

Improve energy efficiency (-0.5% in 2025, compared to 2024 (index 38.9 > 38.7/1000 units))

Packaging

Reduce the amount of plastic in our packaging (from an average of 15.2 g plastic per packaging in 2024 to 14.6 g in 2025 (-5%))

Living environment

Plant wildflower strips (1000 m² already planted in 2025)

Quality

Keep complaints down (complaint rate below 0.007%, as in 2024)

Employees

Increase employee satisfaction (4 out of 5 stars by 2027 (compared to 2024))