Think holistically, act courageously
For us, sustainability is not a project, but an attitude. As a fourth-generation family business, we bear responsibility – towards our employees, our customers, our region and the generations that come after us. This responsibility has characterised JACOB for over 100 years. And it will continue to guide us in the future.
"As a single father of three wonderful children, I often think about what kind of world they will find when they grow up. I love the outdoors – skiing, mountain biking, climbing or simply being outside with my children. These moments remind me how important it is to preserve our environment. As a company, we want to act today in such a way that we remain independent, successful and responsible tomorrow. Sustainability is not a sprint, but like an alpine expedition. It's about focus, passion, perseverance and the willingness to continuously improve, not about being perfect. We do what makes sense and has a long-term impact. With this report, we want to show what we have already achieved, where we stand and where we want to go. We are Europe's leading manufacturer of modular pipe systems – but we are even more: a family business with character, courage, openness and a culture in which people take centre stage."
Patrick Jacob,
for whom sustainability begins with a personal conviction
Simply open: About our first report
2024 was a special year for us – not only did we celebrate 100 years of JACOB, but we also started to systematically record and evaluate our sustainability activities. We are guided by three central pillars: economics, ecology and social responsibility. With this report, we show very transparently what we are actually doing – and where we still want to improve.
Structured & fact-based
Our report is based on the standards of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). We also show how our activities contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In other words: where do we have the greatest leverage? To this end, we have selected a total of nine SDGs – and outlined them directly under the respective topics in the report. For extra clarity, all key figures are summarised in the hard facts section. Interesting for more than just number crunchers!
Acting sustainably is part of our DNA
We take responsibility with our heads and hearts – for our products, our employees and our region. We are curious and courageous enough to keep trying out new ideas and thinking outside the box. Don't wait and see, just do it – that's our mindset.
Whether it's about using resources cleverly, utilising innovative technology or living a strong corporate culture: we make sustainability practical and tangible. For us, this means thinking about tomorrow today – with a clear goal: to improve and set a good example.
Strategy & goals
Whether in purchasing, engineering or financial planning: each area is required to integrate ecological and social aspects into its own strategy. However, we do not have – or need – a separate sustainability strategy. Just as with digitalisation, sustainable action is a natural part of our entrepreneurial mindset.
Concrete goals arise directly from practical experience – for example, as part of investment planning. Before we invest, we analyse not only the economic relevance but also the ecological benefits. If it is particularly large, an investment may pay for itself a little later. The long-term effect is what counts. Every year in November, a joint meeting is held with the management to consolidate previous initiatives and formulate measurable goals for the coming years. Sustainability is therefore not just lip service, but becomes concrete, binding and verifiable.
Team & organisation
The sustainability team brings all departments of the company together. The members meet every fortnight to pool ideas, coordinate measures and make decisions. The team is led by Lisa Kleemann. It has its own budget at its disposal, which it can use to approve measures directly together with the committee – without long detours.
"If you take on a project, you bring it back to your own department," explains our sustainability expert. "Once again, we keep everyone up to date on our internal platform – with updates, results and a look behind the scenes. In this way, individual ideas grow step by step into joint progress."
Sustainability is teamwork
JACOB aims to become more sustainable in every respect – because sustainable behaviour affects the entire company: from controlling and finance to marketing, purchasing and logistics. That's why our sustainability team brings both together: expertise in sustainability and know-how from the individual departments. "We are working together to make JACOB fit for the future," explains Lisa Kleemann.
Jonas turns numbers into stories that business can understand.
Arne brings brains and clarity to production.
Nick is the driving force behind our supply chain.
Dietrich makes production smart and buildings better.
Lisa plans, coordinates and maintains the green thread.
Holger monitors kilowatts and energy.
Jens knows every screw and ensures that everything runs smoothly.
Eugen negotiates with brains and buys with foresight.
Tobias is an importer of innovations from the start-up world.
Meike juggles the numbers and knows every funding pot.
Lisa makes the brand tangible and stories come alive.
Merle combines process thinking with project passion.
