Climate change poses new challenges for society and companies. “Because the next few years will determine to what extent climate change resulting from human activities can be limited by humans,“ explains the Sustainability Management Monitor 2021 of the Bertelsmann Foundation. “The industry and thus companies will play a key role in this endeavor.“ Interflex recognizes its responsibility to protect the environment and act sustainably. As a result, the company has had its headquarters in Stuttgart and its development and production site in Durchhausen certified in accordance with ISO 14001 in June 2022. “Certification according to ISO 14001 is proof that we are already doing a lot of things rights. We view it as an incentive for us to continue our commitment to environmentally responsible and sustainable action,“ says Bernhard Sommer, Managing Director of Interflex, with emphasis. According to Germany’s Federal Environmental Agency, the company is one of about 10,000 companies in Germany that have a valid certificate.
Creating awareness
With an environmental management system based on ISO 14001, Interflex continuously documents and monitors its consumption of energy, water and raw materials used as well as the waste generated. The company then uses that information to draw up improvement measures. “We regularly inform our employees about the results of measurements and the resulting actions. After all, it is important to us to sensitize everyone in the company with regard to environmental protection and sustainability,“ Bernhard Sommer says.
Saving resources
Products conserve resources when they can be used for a long time and do not have to be replaced after a short period of time. That is why is the goal of development is to ensure the longevity of Interflex’s mechatronic products, such as the terminals for time recording and access control or locking components. For example, the option to update the firmware as well as the option to upgrade from offline to online solutions saves resources, since hardware has to be replaced less often. The company also attaches importance to energy efficiency and recyclability of products. For instance, the “New Reader Platform“ (NRP) of the Opendor product line boasts a particularly low energy consumption. This enables batteries to last up to 12 years.
Avoiding any unnecessary waste
Good planning can prevent packaging waste. “At our production facility in Durchhausen, we rely on reusable containers for logistics,“ Bernhard Sommer explains. “For instance, we use reusable or returnable packaging wherever possible. We also recycle incoming padding materials used for shipping our products.“ When it comes to waste generation, Interflex gives preference to companies that dispose of or recycle the waste properly.
Focusing on short distances for less emissions
Interflex has been relying on “Made in Germany” as an important part of its approach to quality for decades. The company works with regional and German suppliers as much as possible and economically viable in order to avoid any long transport routes and to reduce emissions.
At Interflex people come first
Interflex not only acts and operates in an environmentally responsible manner with its products, but also with its employees: “With our products and solutions, we simplify the day-to-day work of millions of employees. In order to make the work day of our employees easier and to protect the environment, we offer them, e.g., the option of working flexibly from home and leasing a bicycle for their commute,“ adds Bernhard Sommer.
