How sustainable is STÜKEN MEDICAL?

Saving CO₂ is a must for every company today. For our customers, we analyze and optimize our production processes. Our measures reduce your CO₂ footprint.

Sustainability is coming into focus in the medical industry. More and more companies are questioning the environmental compatibility of the products they use. With their deep drawing technology, world market leader STÜKEN not only meets high quality requirements, but also conserves important resources in the production of components. With a consistent sustainability strategy, the family-owned company meets both new legal requirements and the individual demands of its customers. 

The healthcare industry is responsible for 4 % of all greenhouse gases globally - that's more than air travel. Many medical products are manufactured in the Far East. There is a growing awareness worldwide that this situation cannot continue if we want to preserve a world worth living in and safeguard it for future generations. Legislators are also endeavoring to correct the undesirable developments of the industrial age. From 2023, there will be a new legal framework in the form of the Act on Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains. However, STÜKEN is also focusing on another aspect: the demands of its own customers for proven CO2 reduction or climate neutrality. Here, the different scopes according to the GHG Protocol must be considered.

STÜKEN is aware of its responsibility for sustainable development in both ecological and social terms. We publish an annual Corporate Social Responsibility Report and disclose our own carbon footprint in accordance with ÖKO-Cockpit. Our sustainability strategy also includes the so-called "local for local" approach. STÜKEN is represented on three continents with five plants and can therefore manufacture and finish products locally for customers from various industries. The advantages of the local strategy are obvious: transport routes are shorter, supply chains are more secure and flexible. With the help of innovative deep-drawing technology, not only can high quantities be produced in consistent quality at all STÜKEN locations - material consumption is also reduced to a minimum compared to machining production. In addition, energy consumption is significantly lower with deep drawing. One example of this is the cold forming process for titanium alloys developed by STÜKEN, which enables multi-stage deep drawing of the material without interrupting the process. However, we are not satisfied with resource-saving production, but want to emit even less climate-damaging CO2 during the entire production process. To achieve this, we analyze and optimize all associated processes such as cleaning or cleanroom operation. Digitization also plays a role: intelligent process and manufacturing simulations prior to production allow resources to be used noticeably more efficiently. In addition, we are investing several million euros in higher energy efficiency and energy generation in 2023. We are building a large photovoltaic system on an open space at our site in the Rinteln-Süd industrial park. This will enable us to generate around 20% of our electricity requirements ourselves. At the same time, electricity consumption will be significantly reduced through targeted measures.

The prerequisites for a successful sustainability strategy are innovative strength and entrepreneurial expertise. A pronounced awareness of quality, a culture of change and social responsibility for people and the environment are fundamental components of our corporate DNA.

Background:
The Act on Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains, which applies in Germany since January 1^st, 2023, aims to improve the protection of human rights in global supply chains and sets out certain due diligence obligations for companies. Plans for a European supply chain law call for compliance with environmental and climate protection requirements along the entire value chain in addition to human rights due diligence requirements. 
To achieve the much-cited global 1.5-degree target, companies must also significantly reduce their emissions. The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) is a recognized international standard for greenhouse gas accounting. Emissions are divided into three so-called scopes.