Sustainability & environmental protection

Our sustainability report is now available for download. In it, we provide transparent information about our sustainability strategy, measures, goals and challenges. The report was prepared in accordance with the voluntary European reporting standard for small and medium-sized enterprises (VSME) and covers key topics such as the environment, social issues, corporate governance and business relationships.

With this publication, we want to demonstrate our commitment to responsible corporate governance and document our development in a transparent manner.

The company has a clearly defined organisational structure. Organisational change processes are carried out with the involvement of the employees affected. Changes are communicated clearly and at an early stage. Independent decisions within the scope of the individual employees’ areas of responsibility are expressly encouraged.

The aim is to achieve the best possible work-life balance. Home office arrangements, flexitime and part-time work are integral components of our flexible working model. Our workplaces are state-of-the-art and we strive to minimise physical strain and repetitive tasks for our employees. The company promotes cultural diversity within the company. Performance and commitment to the company are rewarded. Personal development is encouraged and supported. The company pays its employees above-average salaries.

Colleagues at the SiLibeads® and SiLiglit® plants

Performance bonuses, anniversary bonuses, the Bonus@SiLi suggestion scheme and a bonus linked to the company’s success are important components of our remuneration system. As part of our Fit@SiLi health programme, we regularly organise health promotion activities.

Production at the SiLiglit and SiLibeads plants

Where possible, recycled materials are used in the selection of raw materials. This is already the case in the production of SiLibeads® Type S and Type M glass beads, SiLiglit® glass glitter and glass nuggets with a high proportion of recycled glass fragments. Furthermore, during production, emphasis is placed on recovering raw materials that are lost during the process. We have already achieved this in the production of SiLibeads® Type ZY 6.0, Type P and Type M, as well as SiLiglit® glass glitter.

We consistently monitor our supply chains and are in constant communication with our suppliers in order to save energy, use renewable energy and comply with all occupational health and safety guidelines and regulations.

We consistently ensure that human rights are respected and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. No attempts are made or tolerated that contravene our compliance rules or those of our customers. The company strives to achieve a balanced ratio of male and female employees.

To promote the common good, we commit to donating 2% of our annual profits to social projects. This is done in consultation with employee representatives. We are involved in projects both at home and abroad, and are also happy to support our local region, our home.

SiLi is committed to national and international aid projects.

SiLi pursues an open and comprehensive communication policy towards both its employees and external parties. This covers all areas such as economic development, medium and long-term planning, investments, new developments, social commitment, new projects, marketing activities, personnel changes and crisis management. Starting in 2022, regular information events will be held with our residents and the municipal administration in Warmensteinach.

Conscious use of natural resources is important to us and firmly anchored in our corporate policy. As part of our environmental management system, relevant and common key figures are therefore recorded, processed and evaluated. The preparation of an annual CO₂ balance sheet serves to make our processes CO₂-neutral in the medium term. We are aware of the environmental impact of our decisions and processes and are pursuing the goal of CO2 neutrality by 2025. Measures to be examined include: energy-saving motors, compliance with GEG for buildings, alternative heating concepts, energy-efficient furnace technologies, purchase of CO2 certificates.

Since July 2020, we have been using 100% renewable energy at our sites in Warmensteinach. We pursue a waste concept with the aim of avoiding waste and recycling waste. With our open-space photovoltaic system, we generate approximately 600,000 kWh annually. We consume approximately 65% of this ourselves, and the rest is fed into the grid.

The company’s car policy stipulates that in future only company cars with electric motors or hybrid drives may be purchased. Five charging stations are in operation at the Warmensteinach site and can be used free of charge by employees. Charging is carried out using electricity generated by our own solar panels and renewable electricity from the grid.

SiLi supports and subsidises resource-saving travel to and from work through a reward system. Carpooling, the use of public transport and coming and going by bicycle or on foot are encouraged. Employees can take advantage of a leasing offer for ‘job’ bikes.

Four charging stations for customers and employees at the SiLibeads® factory

A flock of sheep grazes in the SiLi solar park in summer.

Our company is certified at its Warmensteinach site in Germany in accordance with the following standards and norms:

We actively contribute to the implementation of sustainable development goals – through innovative solutions, responsible business practices, strategic partnerships and social commitment.