Sustainability for us is not a trend dictated by the political climate. Rather, sustainability is a fundamental principle deeply embedded in our corporate culture as a family-owned business: We invest, we optimize, we question.
Energy Efficiency: Not Just a Goal, but a Continuous Process
Our commitment to sustainable production isn’t new. For 15 years, we have been offering the option to offset CO₂ emissions with myclimate. Wherever possible, we use FSC-certified paper, and environmental performance along with energy consumption are critical criteria for every new machinery investment. Now, we’re pushing sustainability to new heights.
In 2024, we took significant steps toward even more energy-efficient production. The modernization of our paper waste disposal system reduces electricity consumption by approximately one-third compared to the previous system. This equipment is among the most energy-intensive in our operations, and we have consistently leveraged potential improvements here.
Another milestone is the installation of 474 solar panels on the roof of our company building in Mönchaltorf. Today, these panels generate an average of one-third of our total electricity needs—local, renewable, and independent of the power grid. This not only reduces emissions but also demonstrates a strong commitment to self-responsibility.
Numbers that convince
The effectiveness of these measures is confirmed by the latest monitoring report, which was compiled as part of our universal target agreement with the federal and cantonal authorities. The numbers speak for themselves: The cumulative annual energy savings from implemented measures rose from 23,000 kWh in 2021 to over 109,000 kWh in 2024. We have significantly exceeded the cantonal target!
CO₂ emissions have continuously declined, partly due to reduced use of heating oil. At the same time, we advanced energy-efficient building renovations, replaced inefficient machinery, and upgraded lighting to LED technology in several areas. Even smaller actions, such as training employees in energy efficiency, have contributed to these results.
Ecological and social: CSR on several levels
Of course, sustainability at Bookfactory means more than just reducing CO₂. We take a holistic approach to it. That’s why we had ourselves evaluated by Ecovadis last year – an internationally recognised evaluation system for corporate social responsibility (CSR). The comprehensive analysis covered not only ecological aspects, but also human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement.
The result: we were awarded a bronze medal for above-average commitment in all areas evaluated. This puts us in the top third of the companies evaluated, even as an SME.
Responsible production in Switzerland
An often-overlooked aspect of sustainability is location. Bookfactory produces in Switzerland. This means short transport routes, direct exchange with customers, high social standards, secure jobs and apprenticeships. This decision is not the cheapest, but it is the right one – for our employees, for our region, for our environment.
We ship all our products with the Swiss Post. We ship in a climate-neutral and reliable way. This is how we contribute to more sustainable shipping together.
In addition, we live diversity not only as a word, but as an attitude. Our employees come from a wide range of backgrounds and have different life plans. This makes our team stronger – in terms of humanity, creativity and also in our daily interactions with one another.
Conclusion: sustainability is not a project for us. It is our conviction.
Bookfactory is part of a company that understands sustainability not just as a PR measure, but as a corporate obligation. We think about tomorrow today. Just as we have been doing for over 20 years with Bookfactory and over 80 years with Bubu AG.
We continuously invest in new technologies, in the further development of our software, in innovative products and also in sustainability. Because without it, there is no future that we would like to shape.
More about Sustainability: Sustainability at Bookfactory – our commitment – Bookfactory
