Sustainability and responsibility for our future

Zwei Mitarbeitende, die auch Teil der elkabee-Bienen-AG sind, begutachten eine Honigwabe, auf der Bienen sitzen.

Elkamet Company Responsibility

We are actively shaping a future worth living

As a family business, we think in terms of generations. Our responsibility is reflected in sustainable business practices, fair cooperation and future-oriented solutions – for the environment, society and our employees.

Elkamet is an owner-managed family business that has been providing a livelihood for many people in the region for decades. That is why we do not focus solely on economic success; rather, we think and act for the long term and make a deeply rooted contribution to the common good – in the hinterland and beyond.

In doing so, we look beyond our company and are involved in a variety of ways: whether in sports, social or cultural activities; whether in clubs, groups or initiatives. Children and young people, education and training are close to our hearts. Among other things, we have been financing individual homework supervision at the Biedenkopf primary school for many years and actively support the volunteer fire brigade.

Training & jobs with a future
We create secure, family-friendly jobs in the region – with prospects for today and future generations. A strong training programme and flexible working time models ensure participation and development opportunities for all.

Fair cooperation
Whether with customers, employees or partners – we are committed to fairness, transparency and equal opportunities in all our relationships.

Eine große Gruppe an Personen in Elkamet-Arbeitskleidung steht in einer Produktionshalle und winkt in die Kamera.

Focus on the environment
We calculate CO₂ balances for companies and products in order to reduce emissions in a targeted manner and develop measures that have a measurable impact.

Future through innovation
Sustainability is our driver of innovation – it motivates us to develop new business models and products with real added value.

Elkamet has been certified according to DIN ISO 14001 since 2007 and according to DIN ISO 50001 since 2014.

We undergo regular internal and external audits to ensure continuous improvement.

The 2024 balance sheet shows a value of 0.0699 kg CO₂eq/revenue in € for Scope 1 and 2.

We voluntarily comply with the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act to ensure transparency in our supply chain.

Environment - Economy - Social affairs

Product range based on renewable/recycled raw materials

With elkaCIRCLE, Elkamet presents a product range based entirely on renewable or recycled raw materials. One raw material from this range is TRUECIRCLE polycarbonate. The granulate is produced using at least 59 per cent renewable pine oil, which replaces conventional crude oil.

In 2020, we received the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) for elkaCIRCLE, which recognises companies for the sustainable design of their production processes and products.

Every year at the Hunger Run in Biedenkopf

Every year, our Elkamet colleagues put on their running shoes and run for a good cause in the annual Hunger Run organized by the Lions Club in Biedenkopf. Last year, we at Elkamet ran a total of 182 laps and 637 kilometers for a good cause—a great team effort!

The kilometers run finance a donation to the Förderverein Kinderheim Bindura e. V. (Bindura Children's Home Support Association).

Solar cells on Elkamet roofs

With the commissioning of the open-space photovoltaic system at the Wilhelmshütte site, we have reached an important milestone: a PV system is now in operation at all German Elkamet sites. Together, the systems achieve a total output of approximately 984.64 kWp. The new system in Wilhelmshütte alone supplies up to 350,000 kWh of electricity per year, depending on solar radiation. At peak times, it covers up to 85% of the site's electricity requirements. This means that we are not only making an active contribution to the energy transition, but also strengthening our security of supply through sustainable in-house electricity generation.

Elkamet Children's Summer

As part of the "Children's Summer" project, we offer our employees' children several weeks of exciting and free childcare during the summer holidays. Last year, for example, in cooperation with the Biedenkopf childcare association, the children were able to visit an indoor playground, a climbing forest and the swimming pool – so there's no chance of boredom during the summer holidays!

Eine Honigwabe, die von Händen in Handschuhen gehalten wird

Employees and trainees look after bee colonies

Elkamet employees are not the only ones who work hard: as part of our "ElkaBee" working group, a group of employees and trainees has been looking after two bee colonies for several years. In cooperation with the Hinterländer Werkstädten Dautphetal, Elkamet produces its own honey, which is sold in our canteen, for example. It couldn't be more regional, and the working group participants also have the exciting opportunity to experience the honey production process up close!

Creative ideas for a sustainable future

To achieve our goals in the areas of environment, energy and sustainability and to further develop these management systems, we at Elkamet have dedicated employees who, in addition to their regular duties, also come together in teams to exchange ideas, contribute their thoughts and bring new inspiration to their respective areas. In addition, training courses and workshops are organised to keep us informed about current issues and well prepared for the future.