Highlights from the Sustainability Report
A strong foundation & clear direction
GESCO is producing its Non-Financial Group Report (NFKB) for the first time in full compliance with the CSRD and ESRS, and is extending its reporting to cover the entire value chain where relevant. Despite divestments (AstroPlast and parts of the Doerrenberg Group at the end of 2024) and the acquisition of Eckart GmbH in mid-2025, the sustainability strategy remains robust and transparent. No significant negative impacts on social issues or non-financial indicators relevant to management have been identified.
Governance & Responsibility
The Executive Board and Supervisory Board are increasingly embedding sustainability into corporate governance. Since 2025, ESG targets have been firmly integrated into the GESCO Business System (GBS). The Senior Leadership Team oversees implementation. Monthly key performance indicator reporting at Group level, together with decentralised ESG coordinators, ensures efficient management and high data quality.
Strategy, Business Model & Value Chain
GESCO operates as an active industrial holding company with three distinct segments:
Materials Refinement & Distribution
Health Care & Life Science
Industrial Assets & Infrastructure
The diversified portfolio serves numerous industries and ensures high resilience. The GESCO Business System (GBS) professionalises management and processes whilst safeguarding the operational autonomy of the subsidiaries. The focus is on increasing efficiency, conserving resources, product longevity and the circular economy (e.g. high recycling rates for scrap, use of recycled materials, retrofitting and general overhauls of machinery).
Materiality analysis
As part of the double materiality analysis, 19 material impacts, risks and opportunities (IROs) were identified (7 negative impacts, 4 positive impacts, 5 risks, 3 opportunities). The focus is on climate change, resource use/circular economy, our own workforce and corporate governance.
Environment – Progress despite structural changes
Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
Significant reduction in consumption and greenhouse gas emissions due to the disposals in 2024 (opposite effect due to the acquisition of Eckart).
Strong commitment to the circular economy
High recycling rates, use of secondary materials (e.g. pre-consumer recyclate at Setter), extended service life through retrofitting, and waste prevention through process optimisation.
Minimising the risks of water pollution
Water pollution risks (e.g. at Eckart and PGW) are minimised through closed-loop systems, training and strict safety standards.
Social – Focus on our own workforce
GESCO offers attractive, secure jobs with fair pay, voluntary social benefits and strong occupational health and safety measures. Key positive impacts: employee retention through recognition and development opportunities. Risks exist primarily in relation to workplace accidents in production – these are mitigated through training, risk analyses and a whistleblowing system. A comprehensive training and skills development programme is being further expanded.
Supply chains
GESCO actively addresses risks such as child labour or forced labour in the supply chain. Measures include a human rights strategy, supplier audits, risk analyses in accordance with the German Supply Chain Act (LkSG), a central whistleblowing system and the planned introduction of a sustainable procurement policy accompanied by training.
Corporate Governance
Strong compliance culture with a clear Code of Conduct, a whistleblowing system and guidelines against corruption, antitrust law and conflicts of interest. In 2025, the Code of Conduct was revised and the training programme significantly expanded – all high-risk functions are now covered. No cases of corruption or bribery in the reporting year. Transparent and timely payment practices towards suppliers.
Summary
The 2025 Sustainability Report demonstrates that the GESCO Group combines economic success with responsible conduct. Through diversification, the GESCO Business System and targeted measures in climate protection, the circular economy and employee development, the company is strengthening its resilience and future viability – whilst maintaining a high level of transparency.
The full Non-Financial Group Report is available here.