Linde MH recognized as one of the Top 1% in sustainability

“When it comes to investing in new industrial trucks, the EcoVadis ranking is playing an increasingly important role. Especially when bidding for large contracts, companies want to know exactly what their suppliers’ sustainability efforts are,” says Nicole Grinko, Sustainability Manager at Linde Material Handling. “The Platinum Medal is not only significant proof that Linde MH has already achieved a high level of sustainability, but also that we are continuing to improve with ongoing services and activities.” For example, Linde MH has developed a clear roadmap to achieve CO2 neutrality in its production facilities over the next years. “This is based on a comprehensive analysis of the main CO2 emitters in the company,” says Nicole Grinko. This analysis was completed last year, and a strategic transformation concept was derived from it, which will be implemented step by step.

The EcoVadis rating consists of detailed queries within various individual categories and a 360-degree assessment, in which the rating agency evaluates a company’s publications on sustainability issues worldwide and incorporates them into the rating. All information provided by the company must be supported by appropriate documentation. One example in this regard is the Fair-ON-Pay+ certificate, awarded to Linde MH in Switzerland for its commitment to gender neutral remuneration. This certificate also contributed to an improvement in the EcoVadis score in the Labor & Human Rights category. Another improvement in the Sustainable Procurement category was achieved by providing specific key performance indicators at the brand level, which were previously only available at the parent company level. Analysts can now track quantitative progress at Linde MH.

Sustainability report forms basis for certification

The EcoVadis rating is largely based on Linde MH’s Sustainability Report, which the company voluntarily produced for the first time in 2015 and has been collecting data continuously ever since. The publication has been available online for two years (Sustainability Report) and consists of two parts. The “Facts and Figures” section details and cross-references the overarching sustainability strategy of Linde MH and its parent company, the KION Group. Providing a comprehensive overview of relevant measures and activities, chapters such as Compliance and Responsibility, Good Employer, Health and Safety, Environment, Products and Solutions, Sustainability in the Supply Chain, and Social Engagement offer detailed insights into specific aspects of the company’s sustainability efforts. The “Targets and Key Figures” section provides a concise summary of the most significant KPIs, highlighting variances from previous years in tabular form. The second part of the report, titled “Stories”, offers case studies that showcase a range of sustainability initiatives.