Always sustainable.
Our sustainability activities
As a modern producer cooperative, we are aware of our responsibility for future generations. Sustainability is a matter close to our hearts and firmly anchored in our corporate vision. The aim is to live up to the triad of economic, ecological and social responsibility today and in the future.
The planning and coordination of the measures is carried out by our sustainability management in collaboration with our sustainability team, which is made up of sustainability officers from the various business areas and the management. In addition, all employees at ELO complete a sustainability training that imparts knowledge on current topics in this area.
In our work, we are guided by the ZNU Standard for Sustainable Business and successfully passed our first certification audit in 2024.
Measurable Sustainability
In order to be able to closely track the progress in implementing the sustainability program, we measure it. To do this, we define project goals, concrete measures and key figures to create transparency on the path to achieving the goals. The key figures include economic, ecological, social and ethical criteria.
Ecological Sustainability
Climate and environment
We don't just want to grow and sell the best fruit and vegetables, we also want to keep the impact on the climate and the environment as low as possible. This starts with sustainable soil management and extends to the use of green electricity.
Our goal : Climate action and renewable energy
These three SDGs form the basis for our communication and efforts in the area of sustainable energy supply and climate action:
Measures to achieve our targets:
By the end of 2025: Expansion of the vehicle fleet to include three more fuel-efficient trucks and two gigaliners, while assessing a gradual transition to electric vehicles.
By the end of 2026: Installation of a photovoltaic system for on-site power generation on the roof of Plant II.
By 2027: Reduction of diesel consumption in our truck fleet by 5% compared with the 2024* baseline.
By 2027: Reduction of the electricity consumption of our refrigeration system by 7% through the use of more efficient refrigerants (compared with the 2024* baseline).
*For further information, please refer to the ELO Sustainability Report 2024.
Economically
We focus on quality
We attach great importance to the quality and safety of our products. Production follows the QS / GLOBALG.AP guidelines and is continued through an intensive quality management system (QS, IFS; BIO; Regionalfenster). Regular, independent inspections by the Landwirtschaftskammer Niedersachsen (Gartenbau) confirm the excellent quality of our products. We are constantly developing our quality management. We also rely on honest communication with our customers and business partners.
Our goal: Responsibility in the supply chain
These efforts are closely linked to the following SDGs and contribute to their achievement:
Measures to achieve our goals:
2024: 100% of our producers have signed our Code of Conduct and have committed to our social and environmental standards.
By 2025: 80% of our strategic service providers in the areas of cleaning and maintenance sign our Code of Conduct.
By 2026: 80% of our other strategic service providers, including laboratories and waste management companies, sign our Code of Conduct.
By the end of 2025, 78.3% of service providers in the areas of cleaning and maintenance and 81% of other service providers, including laboratories and waste management companies, had signed our Code of Conduct. The remaining service providers will be contacted again in Q1. Feedback will be recorded on an ongoing basis in the continuous improvement list (CIP List).
Social
Sustainably Satisfied Employees
We are firmly rooted in the region and position ourselves as a reliable and attractive employer.
The people who work for us are close to our hearts. To ensure a healthy and supportive work environment, we offer the following benefits, among others:
Flexible Working Models & Modern Workplace
Even within a seasonal operation, work-life balance and family-friendliness are important values for ELO. For example, all ELO screen workstations are equipped with height-adjustable desks, and the option to work remotely is actively promoted.
On-Site Catering
A balanced diet is essential for well-being. Therefore, we offer discounted healthy meals, free coffee, and fruit. Additionally, our cafeteria has a water dispenser to ensure refreshment at any time.
Corporate Fitness & E-Bike Leasing
In addition to the opportunity to participate in various health programs, sports activities, or stress management courses through EGYM Wellpass at participating fitness and wellness facilities, employees can also lease an e-bike through our leasing partner.
Team Building & Events
To strengthen cohesion at ELO and promote a positive corporate culture, various events take place annually, such as a "Mai-Tour" and a Christmas party.
Holiday pay, savings benefits, and a corporate pension plan
All permanent employees receive a holiday allowance of the same amount in July. We pay capital-forming benefits and offer all permanent employees the opportunity to set up a corporate pension plan after completing their probation period.
In order to understand the needs and concerns of our employees, we will regularly conduct employee satisfaction surveys from 2024 onwards. These surveys are based on our culture assessment conducted in 2023 and the corporate values derived from it.
Our goal: Being an attractive employer and fostering employee retention
With this goal in mind, we are primarily addressing the following SDGs:
In 2023, we achieved an employee satisfaction rating of 4.5*. In the following years, we set ourselves the goal of stabilising employee satisfaction at a rating of 2.0. We were able to achieve this goal in 2024 with a rating of 2.0 and almost maintain it in 2025 with a rating of 2.2.
*6-point scale from 1: very satisfied to 6: completely dissatisfied.
Continuous: Ensure an attractive working environment through an appreciative corporate culture, open communication and targeted further development.
Continuous: Promote health and well-being through benefits such as EGYM Wellpass and e-bike leasing, and regularly review and adapt these offers as needed.
Code of Conduct
In order to implement our vision, we integrate defined principles and guidelines into our daily actions. Our code of conduct provides a framework for this and reflects our values.
We will be happy to answer your questions about our sustainability management at nachhaltigkeit@elo-online.de .
