We build with future generations in mind

Why sustainability matters  

Combining profitable, sustainable growth with responsibility for our people and the planet we are living on has characterised our activities since the inception of the first Knauf plant in 1932. We have been acting with a long-term perspective, focusing on creating value that lasts – economically and environmentally.

Our Knauf values Menschlichkeit, Partnership, Commitment, and Entrepreneurship are deeply embedded in our culture and guide how we operate. Beyond technologies and processes, it is our people and teams who drive our success. What matters most to us is providing a safe and supportive workplace for all our employees.

Since the very beginning of our company, many of our products have been offering a logical alternative to traditional building and construction materials. Gypsum and insulation materials are particularly well-suited for circularity; gypsum, formed naturally, can be recycled or reused almost indefinitely. Our building and insulation solutions also contribute to significantly reducing CO₂ emissions from building operations such as heating and cooling.

Our environmental efforts

Our environmental efforts span the entire value chain – from our suppliers and R&D to manufacturing and logistics  – and are primarily focused on reducing CO₂ emissions, minimising water withdrawals, avoiding waste to disposal, managing critical substances responsibly, protecting biodiversity, and advancing circular economy principles. However, the most significant contribution our products make to climate protection lies with our customers, to whom we provide solutions for constructing energy-efficient buildings.

Building on this foundation, we continue to invest in minimising the environmental impact of our operations. Enhancing energy efficiency, reducing water consumption, and limiting waste have become key business drivers as relevant technologies evolve. Our focus remains on designing processes and developing products that aim to create a lasting positive impact on both health and the environment, while also fostering social and economic progress in the communities we serve.

Our Environmental Targets

Knauf has set ambitious environmental targets across the organisation (see figure), aligned with Knauf’s centennial in 2032. Teams across Knauf have developed detailed roadmaps to guide this transformation, and our shareholders are supporting the strategy by investing in its implementation over the coming years.