KHS wins platinum EcoVadis rating, cementing position among global sustainability leaders

GERMANY – KHS GmbH, the Dortmund-based manufacturer of filling and packaging systems, has achieved its first-ever platinum rating from EcoVadis, placing it among the top 1% of companies worldwide for sustainability performance.

EcoVadis, a globally recognized platform assessing over 150,000 companies, evaluates businesses on 21 sustainability criteria across four key pillars: environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.

In the latest assessment, KHS scored 86 out of 100 points, a sharp improvement from last year’s 75-point gold rating.

The company’s strengthened performance was attributed to an expanded guideline and certification management program, particularly improving its results in ethics and labor and human rights.

KHS also maintained its strong standing in environmental performance while continuing to advance in sustainable procurement.

“Our platinum medal sends an important message to our customers and confirms that we’re taking our responsibility for sustainable business seriously,” said Kai Acker, CEO of KHS GmbH.

“It underlines that we are on the right track in aligning our operations with global ESG expectations.”

KHS has participated in EcoVadis assessments since 2012, using the independent evaluations to benchmark progress and communicate achievements to stakeholders.

The company has also incorporated EcoVadis’ carbon scorecard, even though it is not yet factored into the overall rating.

This approach supports KHS’ climate strategy to reach net zero by 2050, with its carbon management system earning the top designation of “leader” in the latest review.

The recognition also reflects KHS’ commitment to transparent reporting. In its most recent sustainability report, the company aligned several disclosures with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which is reshaping corporate sustainability transparency across Europe.

Since 2013, KHS has voluntarily published reports referencing Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards and is now progressively harmonizing them with European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS).

“We want to provide stakeholders with detailed insight into our sustainability management,” explained Nicole Pohl, Senior ESG Manager at KHS.

“By aligning our voluntary reports with CSRD requirements, we ensure credibility, comparability, and readiness for future regulatory obligations.”

As a subsidiary of Salzgitter AG, KHS is already part of consolidated group reporting. However, its decision to maintain standalone voluntary reporting underscores the company’s proactive stance in meeting stakeholder expectations and sustaining momentum in ESG performance.

With its platinum EcoVadis medal, KHS joins a small group of industrial leaders setting benchmarks in sustainable procurement, carbon reduction, and transparent governance, further strengthening its reputation in the global packaging and engineering sectors.

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