Team iron has been assisting GRAMMER AG since the 2022 financial year in preparing its non-financial report in accordance with the international GRI standard. In preparation for the CSRD, the company has conducted a materiality assessment in accordance with ESRS and adjusted its reporting for the 2024 financial year accordingly.
Since its foundation in 1880, GRAMMER AG has developed from a small saddlery into a global company specialising in the development and production of high-quality seating systems for car interiors and spring-loaded driver and passenger seats for on- and off-road vehicles. Today, GRAMMER is one of the leading suppliers in this segment.
In the following interview with Astrid Schultze and Emanuela Affronti from the CSR team at GRAMMER, you can learn more about the background and challenges of sustainability in the company.
Team iron: "How important is sustainability for GRAMMER AG?"
GRAMMER: "Sustainability is of central importance at GRAMMER. It starts with our employees and extends to all areas – from research and development to procurement and production to the recycling of our products. We have set ourselves clear climate targets and are working continuously to achieve them.
Zwischen 2019 und 2024 haben wir unsere CO2Between 2019 and 2024, we have already reduced our CO2 emissions in scope 1 and 2 by 25% and plan to achieve a complete reduction by 2040. At the same time, we are setting realistic targets for reducing scope 3 emissions. We actively involve our suppliers, partners, and service providers in our sustainability strategy and place a special focus on minimising sustainability risks in our supply chain.
As a global company, GRAMMER actively contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which came into force in 2015. To underline their relevance and make our contribution visible, we focus on five areas: responsible corporate governance, products, the environment, the supply chain, employees and society.
Team iron: "What was the biggest challenge in preparing the 2024 non-financial report?"
GRAMMER: "The most significant challenge in preparing the 2024 non-financial report was often the uncertainty surrounding the transition to the CSRD standard in Germany. It was a demanding task to continuously adapt to changing reporting standards and regulations while ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the information reported."
Team iron: "What initiatives and further steps is GRAMMER AG planning in the area of sustainability for the 2025 financial year?"
GRAMMER: "GRAMMER AG is planning several sustainability initiatives for the 2025 financial year. Our ESG targets include the introduction of a certified compliance management system by 2027, 90% employee participation in ethics/compliance training, and increased efficiency through knowledge integration by 2025.
We aim to develop sustainable materials, reduce CO2 emissions for scope 1 and 2 by 100% by 2040 (base year 2019), switch to 100% green electricity by 2026, and increase energy efficiency by 10% by 2025. Further goals include reducing CO2 emissions in the supply chain by 20% by 2030 (base year 2019) and ensuring that 95% of our suppliers confirm our Code of Conduct by 2025.
We also plan to increase the proportion of women in top management to 20% and intensify employee training. Furthermore, we are continuing with our plans to implement the CSRD standard and update the double materiality assessment and our targets.”
Team iron: "We would like to thank GRAMMER for the trust they have placed in us and for the successful cooperation."
