KURZ Continues to Make Progress on Sustainability

LEONHARD KURZ, originator and manufacturer of security DOVIDs, has released its 2021 sustainability report, its first since joining the UN Global Compact Network last year. The report – titled 'Communication on Progress' ¹ – covers developments in the implementation of the ten principles of the UN Global Compact.

The report presents the company’s sustainability performance to date in detail and also discusses its goals and plans. KURZ pursues a ‘360° Lifecycle Thinking’ approach throughout all areas of the company, taking into account the entire product life cycle – from the manufacture of the components to their return to the recycling cycle at the end of their useful life.

Care is taken that all raw materials are used efficiently, and PET carrier materials with recycled ingredients are used within the scope of the technical possibilities. While around 30% of the raw materials used in KURZ’s films is currently of organic origin, the company is working to increase this share to up to 80%.

With the RECOSYS® take-back and recycling program, KURZ has set a benchmark in environmental compatibility. This gives customers the opportunity to return any residual materials to KURZ, which are then processed into new raw materials in the company’s own recycling centre.

Another environmental innovation is RECOPOUND®, a high-quality recycled granulate made from production waste. By using the recycled material, up to 40% of the CO2 can be saved compared to new material. The declared aim for the future is to reuse the recycled PET carrier for the production of new transfer carriers.

Aiming for climate neutrality

To reduce its corporate carbon footprint, KURZ is increasing energy efficiency and reducing direct emissions, promoting the use of green energy, and the company’s own generation of energy.

KURZ obtains its entire electricity demand in Germany from renewable sources, partly through purchased green electricity, and partly through its own photovoltaic systems. The company’s environmental management system is certified according to ISO 14001, the energy management system according to ISO 50001, and the occupational health and safety management system according to ISO 45001.

At the Sulzbach-Rosenberg site, where the company’s foils are produced, an open-area photovoltaic system will soon be put into operation to increase the share of CO2-neutral energy. In the company’s own vehicle fleet, more emphasis is already being placed on eMobility and hybrid technology, and the lighting is being switched to LEDs.

Eco Label Range

The company has also introduced its own range of sustainable security labels as part of its TRUSTCONCEPT® brand portfolio.

According to the company, the combination of its security features with individually combinable, environmentally friendly substrates means that customers can benefit from sustainable labels without forgoing its tried-and-tested security technology.

KURZ is offering five different Eco Labels, all of which are equipped with the company’s TRUSTSEAL® Protect visual security elements for protection against brand and product counterfeiters and which can integrate with its TRUSTCODE® security software for supply chain management and digital authentication.

The five options are:

1. Eco Label Premium – a wood-free, paper-like label with a matte-gloss surface, 80% of which is made of a waste product from marble decomposition.

2. Eco Label rPP – a white plastic label made largely from recycled packaging foil.

3. Eco Label wbPP – a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic security labels. The transparent outer material is made from pulp production residues.

4. Eco Paper Label light – the use of materials has been reduced to the necessary minimum weight, reducing primary energy requirements, fresh water consumption, and CO2 emissions.

5. Eco Paper Label PCR – made up of 99% post-consumer recycled fibres without, says KURZ, losing any of its brilliance and adhesion.

CEO Walter Kurz explains: ‘our mission has always been and will continue to be to use our innovative spirit to develop products and processes that combine maximum individuality and sustainability.’

1 - https://www.unglobalcompact.org/participation/report/cop/create-and-submit/advanced/462882