Sustainability

WEPA hygiene paper

consists exclusively of recovered paper, certified pulp from sustainable forestry and alternative virgin fibres.

Climate-neutral by 2040

100%

of WEPA’s investments in portfolio expansions create positive value for society.

German Sustainability Award 2025

Responsibility for
future generations

Sustainability is the foundation of our business model. Responsibility for employees, the continuance of our company, commitment to society and the conscientious use of resources: at WEPA, all of this has been learnt and practised for more than seven decades.

Whether future fibres, environmentally friendly production, the most sustainable hygiene products or innovations: we have set ourselves ambitious goals which we consistently pursue, and with our comprehensive sustainability strategy we help to ensure that we fulfil our responsibility to future generations.

WEPA Sustainability Report 2023

WEPA wins German Sustainability Award

The German Sustainability Award is Europe’s most prestigious award for ecological and social commitment. As the winner in the “Paper, Carton and Cardboard” category, WEPA was honoured for actively driving forward the industry’s transformation towards sustainability.

Find out more about our sustainability award

Our sustainability strategy

We have consistently aligned our sustainability strategy along our value chain. Responsible behaviour as an employer, social commitment, compliance and product safety form the foundation of our business activities. Four further fields of action build on this foundation: future fibres, ecological production performance, a sustainable hygiene paper portfolio and the innovative extension of this portfolio.

1. Future fibres

We aim to use raw materials with the best environmental performance based on the circular economy.

2. Ecological performance of our production

We aim for carbon neutrality, sustainability with our water footprint and zero waste production.

3. Sustainable hygiene paper portfolio

We aspire to offer the most sustainable hygiene paper portfolio to help our customers succeed.

4. Innovative portfolio extension

We are expanding our existing product portfolio to be the leading provider of sustainable hygiene solutions in Europe.

We have established the Circular Solutions business unit for this purpose, which drives forward WEPA’s diversification strategy in the circular economy.

1+ Our foundation

We act according to our values, take the interests of stakeholders seriously and care for the well-being of people and the environment beyond legal requirements.

Our foundation

The basis of our entrepreneurial activities

The foundation of our 1+4 sustainability strategy ensures that we act in a value-orientated manner, take the interests of all stakeholders seriously and are committed to people and the environment above and beyond the legal requirements. For us as a family business, responsible behaviour as an employer, social commitment, compliance and product safety form the basis of our business activities.

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Future fibres

It all starts with fibres

We aim to use raw materials with the best environmental performance based on the circular economy. Our objective is to establish hygiene paper products based on recycled fibres on the market, procure fibres from responsible sources and continuously develop our raw material portfolio via innovative alternatives.

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Ecological performance of our production

Economic security through ecological change

For us as an energy and water-intensive company, the climate-friendly conversion of our production is crucial if we are to successfully ensure hygiene and well-being in the coming decades. We thus actively drive forward the transformation of our energy supply, and focus on the sustainable use of water as a resource and future-oriented resource management.

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Sustainable hygiene paper portfolio

WEPA Sustainable Portfolio Compass

We aspire to offer the most sustainable hygiene paper portfolio to support our customers in realising their sustainability transformation. To achieve this, we have developed an evaluation system and examined our entire hygiene paper portfolio in terms of sustainability aspects. Based on this, we constantly develop our product range and make sustainability measurable for our customers.

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Innovative portfolio extension

Diversification in the circular economy

With our Circular Solutions business unit we pursue the goal of utilising sustainable growth opportunities in the circular economy. By developing new business models, acquiring stakes in companies and investing in assets, we strengthen both the economic and ecological resilience of WEPA – and fundamentally reconsider the way we produce, consume, process and reuse our resources.

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Pioneers of sustainability –
a timeline

WEPA’s first paper machine was assembled from used spare parts – at a time when phrases such as recycling and sustainability were by no means on everyone’s lips.

In 1981, WEPA’s own brand “Clou Comfort” is the first toilet paper to be awarded the Blue Angel environmental seal.

In the 1980s, WEPA succeeds in processing recovered paper to produce high-quality, absorbent tissue hygiene paper. The own brand “mach m!t” becomes the first product line made from 100% recycled recovered paper.

In 2001 we provide decisive impetus for the private label toilet paper market in Germany to switch from two-ply cellulose products to three-ply recycled products.

In 2014 WEPA introduces an extensive Health & Wellbeing programme for its employees at all locations.

In 2018 WEPA founds its sustainability division, now consisting of over 10 employees. WEPA publishes its first sustainability report in 2020.

In 2021 WEPA becomes a fellow partner of Modellfabrik Papier in Düren. Its objective: to research climate-neutral production methods together with other manufacturers, the supply industry and universities.

In accordance with the Paris Climate Agreement, WEPA sets itself the target of reducing carbon emissions by 52.5% up to 2030, and is pursuing the ambition of becoming carbon neutral to 2040.

Following intensive research and development work, WEPA launches two new raw material innovations on the market in 2022 – miscanthus and recycled cardboard.

In 2023 WEPA joins the “Diversity Charter” to promote the appreciation and inclusion of diversity.

Today, WEPA hygiene paper consists exclusively of fibres from recovered paper, certified pulp from sustainable forestry and alternative virgin fibres.

Our partners

Strong partnerships with a lasting impact

Trustworthy cooperation with external partners is part of our identity: together, we involve ourselves in environmental and social projects that support our holistic approach to sustainability. Through this dialogue we are in a constant state of development and are able to positively impact areas relevant to us. In doing so, we learn and benefit from each other – for the benefit of people and the environment.

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THINK GLOBALLY, ACT LOCALLY

Sustainability is a global task – and we at WEPA want to make our contribution. From the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, we therefore focus on seven goals for which, due to our activities, we are able to act particularly effectively.

3Health and well-being

The health and safety of our employees has maximum priority at WEPA. We also expect this from our suppliers, and we work closely with these in this regard. With our hygiene products we also ensure greater well-being and a safe feeling of hygiene.

6Clean water and sanitary facilities

Water is a valuable resource that is becoming increasingly scarce. As part of a water-intensive industry, we therefore place a special focus on our water management and work together with the WWF. Our products also fundamentally support hygiene care in order to keep people healthy.

8Humane work and economic growth

As a multi-generational family business, we pursue sustainable, long-term and profitable economic growth. Our Code of Conduct defines high ethical standards for our corporate behaviour and cooperation. We are also in close dialogue with our partners and customers along the supply chain.

13Climate protection measures

Every company must make a contribution to meeting the global climate target of limiting global warming to 1.5 °C. As a company within the energy-intensive paper industry, we aim to be climate-neutral by 2040. We have had our climate target validated by the Science Based Targets initiative.

15Life on land

The circular economy principle is of high importance with regard to our use of raw materials. By maximising the use of recycled fibres, sustainable pulp and alternative fibres, we want to reduce the burden on terrestrial ecosystems.

17Partnerships to achieve the goals

We firmly believe that partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders are essential for achieving the transformation towards a more sustainable future. For us as the WEPA Group, SDG 17 “Partnerships for achieving the goals” therefore stands for the implementation of our sustainability strategy and our joint success.

Future & innovation

Shaping the future with WEPA

We are a role model for successful, intergenerational and sustainable change. Proactively, courageously and through a structured and holistic approach throughout all levels of our company, we are constantly driving transformation and shaping the future of an entire industry.

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