Freudenberg’s understanding of sustainability is very focused: sustainability is about resource efficiency, particularly with regard to energy and materials, in order to reduce CO2 emissions. First, the way the company shapes its own processes and uses its systems to reduce resource consumption (footprint). Second, Freudenberg offers numerous products and solutions that enable customers to manufacture more efficiently and sustainably or to make their products more resource-efficient (handprint). Handprints and footprints are always a matter of resource and energy efficiency, and that invariably means technology. The five subject areas – materials, waste, energy, emissions and water – have the greatest relevance for the Freudenberg Group as a whole.By reducing its footprint and expanding customers’ handprints, Freudenberg is contributing to greater sustainability worldwide. Freudenberg’s definition of sustainability is consistent with the UN’s Brundtland definition. The company would like to help keep our planet livable far into the future. That means producing as little waste and emissions as possible and minimizing the use of water, energy and materials.