Sustainability at Holz Frank
Sustainability is not just a buzzword for us, but an integral part of our corporate philosophy. For more than 120 years we have been working with wood – and therefore feel a special responsibility to conserve resources and actively contribute to environmental protection.
Mobility & Travel
- Climate-friendly business travel: We consistently avoid air travel and rely instead on train journeys and electric vehicles.
- Electric fleet: Our company vehicles are fully electrified.
- Employee support: Free charging facilities at company premises as well as job-bike schemes for our staff.
Energy & Buildings
- 100% green electricity: Our energy requirements are covered by hydropower, wind power and our own photovoltaic systems.
- Photovoltaic system: With an output of 200 kWp, we generate many times our own consumption. Surpluses are fed into the public grid.
- Modern building technology: Our properties are insulated to the latest standards and are heated entirely by a brine/water heat pump.
- Energy management: Battery storage enables us to continuously increase our share of self-consumed electricity.
Production & Materials
- Regional raw materials: Over 99% of our wood and materials come from Europe, primarily from sustainable forestry.
- Recycling & circular economy: Cardboard is shredded and reused as packaging material. Residual materials are separated and fed into recycling.
- FSC certification: A large proportion of our products are made from FSC-certified wood – ensuring a demonstrably sustainable supply chain.
Nature Conservation & Commitment
- Natural forest project: We purchase regional forest areas and place them under permanent protection. Each hectare stores on average 13 tonnes of CO₂ per year and creates valuable habitats.
- Active memberships: We are involved in various organisations dedicated to environmental and climate protection.
- Local engagement: We support regional initiatives committed to biodiversity, reforestation and sustainable development.
Our Promise
We aim not only to offer sustainable products, but also to operate as a company in a climate-neutral and resource-efficient way. That is why we are continuously evaluating new technologies and approaches to further reduce our ecological footprint – and actively help shape the future for generations to come.
Natural Forest Project – Wild Hersbrucker Schweiz
As a manufacturer of wooden products, we draw valuable resources from the forest. With our Natural Forest Project, we want to give something back to nature and contribute to the creation of the “forests of the future”. Our aim is to acquire 5 to 10 hectares of woodland in the region each year, permanently remove them from commercial use and leave them to natural development.
Our Goals
- Natural forests without intervention: Areas are taken out of use and left entirely to themselves.
- CO₂ storage: One hectare of natural forest stores on average around 13 tonnes of CO₂ per year – over hundreds of years.
- More deadwood: It remains in the forest, promoting humus formation, water retention and additional carbon storage.
- Biodiversity: Trees are allowed to grow old and, in decay, create new habitats – for insects, birds and many endangered species.
- Experiencing wilderness: Our natural forests are accessible and invite people to experience wild forest development up close.
You can already view protected areas online at:
Natural Forest Project – Wild Hersbrucker Schweiz
FSC® – Responsible Use of Wood
The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) is an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated worldwide to responsible forest management. Its aim is to balance ecological, social and economic aspects – protecting forests for present and future generations.
The FSC® has developed clear principles and criteria, which are regularly monitored by independent certification bodies. Only products that meet these standards may carry the FSC® label.
We also rely on FSC®-certified wood. Look out for our labelling: Only those items explicitly identified in our catalogues and on our website are FSC®-certified. This ensures that the wood used comes from responsible sources.
Our trademark licence number: TSUD-COC-002103
NABU – Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union
Since 2020, we have been a proud member of NABU (Naturschutzbund Deutschland), a renowned German non-governmental organisation dedicated to the protection of nature and the environment.
NABU is committed to practical conservation work both in Germany and abroad, including the preservation of rivers, seas, forests and many other ecosystems, as well as the protection of specific groups of animals, plants and individual species. Forests are particularly close to our hearts, as we and NABU share similar visions for the future of woodland.
Friends of the Earth Germany (BUND)
Since 2020, we have been a member of the Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland – BUND e.V.
BUND is one of the largest environmental associations in Germany and is actively committed to protecting our natural resources in numerous areas. These include, among others:
- Ecological agriculture: Promoting healthy, environmentally friendly food production.
- Climate protection: Advocating for the energy transition and the expansion of renewable energies.
- Species conservation: Protecting endangered animal and plant species and their habitats.
- Forests & water: Preserving near-natural forests and protecting our water resources.
Through our membership, we support the work of BUND and, together with many others, contribute to a sustainable future.
Simply Act Now
On 15 December 2017, the association Bergwaldprojekt launched the initiative “Simply Act Now”. It reminds companies, political parties and organisations that we all share an active responsibility in climate protection.
The signatories of the declaration commit themselves to concrete measures:
- Avoiding short-haul flights: No domestic flights and no flights for journeys under 1,000 km.
- Energy saving & green electricity: Reducing energy consumption at all company sites and sourcing 100% green electricity.
- Sustainable nutrition: No meat from industrial production; instead, organic, seasonal, regional and fairly produced food for catering and hospitality.
Holz Frank GmbH & Co. KG is also among the participants. Together, we pursue the goal of preventing irreversible climatic changes and their dramatic consequences.
Membership with Greenpeace
Since this year, we have been a member of Greenpeace – one of the world’s most renowned and influential environmental organisations. With our membership, we want to send a clear message: environmental protection, climate action and resource conservation are not only a corporate duty for us, but also a matter close to our hearts.
Greenpeace is committed worldwide to issues such as:
- Climate action: Combating the causes of climate change and promoting renewable energies.
- Ocean protection: Preserving the seas and their unique biodiversity.
- Forest protection: Fighting deforestation and working to safeguard ancient and tropical rainforests.
- Sustainable agriculture: Promoting organic and pesticide-free farming methods.
- Preventing pollution: Reducing plastics, harmful substances and industrial emissions.
As a member, we actively support this work and thus make another contribution towards safeguarding the natural foundations of life for future generations.
Holz Frank – Code of Conduct
Holz Frank GmbH & Co. KG and its employees regard lawful, ethical and responsible conduct as an essential part of their personal, business and social responsibility. Our actions are based on integrity, fairness and respect – both in our dealings with each other and with our customers, partners and the environment.
Breaches of law, morality or our values are not acceptable to us. The Code of Conduct serves as a guideline for responsible behaviour and provides a binding framework for all areas of our business activities.
You can find further details in the full document:
