Sustainability by ZARGES
We glow blue, yet we are green.
ZARGES sees sustainability as a corporate obligation—towards the environment, our employees, and society. As part of ProDriven Global Brands, responsible action is firmly anchored in our self-image. We are certified according to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 and work with recognized partners such as Greenly, TÜV, DEKRA, and Integrity Next. In 2024, we received Ecovadis Bronze status. For 2026, we are planning our first sustainability report in accordance with the EU CSRD directive – a further step towards greater transparency.
Since 2019, we have been actively shaping our sustainability strategy around three central pillars:
1. Environment: climate, recycling, resource conservation
Energy efficiency and emission reduction
At the Weilheim site, energy consumption in 2024 was reduced by 35,316 kilowatt hours compared to the previous year. Since January 1, 2025, we have been sourcing electricity exclusively from renewable energies there. We already accounted for our Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions in 2019—these analyses will be updated in 2025 and supplemented by a life cycle analysis of our most important product groups. For unavoidable emissions, we use certified climate protection projects, for example in Uruguay.
Resource conservation and circular economy
We also focus on conserving resources when it comes to materials. Depending on the location and production process, the aluminum components of our products consist of 19–69 percent recycled material. In our access technology factory, this figure is up to 60% and/or low-CO2 aluminum (≤4.0 CO2e/kg). The K470 transport boxes are packaged completely plastic-free, cardboard boxes are made from 100% recycled paper, and films contain at least 30% recycled material.
Durability and repairability
Our products are designed for a long service life – robustly constructed, intensively tested, and manufactured to the highest standards. The focus is not only on durability, but also on repairability: ZARGES offers one of the most comprehensive spare parts and repair portfolios in the industry, supplemented by clear instructions and tutorials for self-repair.
2. People: Health, safety, and diversity
Occupational health and safety
At ZARGES, safety is not just a claim, but a living practice. Our plants in Weilheim and Dresden operate in accordance with ISO 45001. In 2023 and 2024, the Weilheim plant remained accident-free – a result of our consistent occupational health and safety management with annual safety training, 12 Golden Safety Rules, and a comprehensive HSE system. Our employees have access to health programs such as WorkPlaceOptions – individually, anonymously, and in their native language.
Long-term commitment and diversity
ZARGES is proud of its long-term employee retention. The average length of service is over 21 years. We actively promote diversity and inclusion—for example, through the Women's Inclusion Network (WIN) within the ProDriven Group and through regular engagement surveys.
Product safety for users
We also set standards for the safety of our end users: our products integrate intelligent safety features such as AGR Guardrail, comply with national and international standards, and are regularly tested in our own testing facilities. Seminars, e-learning courses, and digital consulting formats complement our range of services.
3. Society: Ethics, Commitment, Participation
Integrity and supply chain diligence
At ZARGES, responsibility does not end at the factory gate. Our company-wide code of conduct forms the basis for acting with integrity – both within the company and along the supply chain. Our own compliance officer monitors compliance with international standards such as the ILO principles. Since 2017, we have been training our teams on anti-corruption, data protection, competition, and DEI issues. External partners are subject to binding social, environmental, and human rights requirements.
Social commitment worldwide
ZARGES has been actively involved in social projects for many years, both through financial support and through volunteer work by our employees. We help where help is needed: for example, after the floods in the Ahr Valley (2021), the earthquake in Turkey (2023), or Hurricane Helene in the USA (2024). We also support long-term projects such as EinDollarBrille, the MOSAiC expedition, and the World Solar Challenge.
Transparency & Outlook
We think strategically about sustainability – and take a long-term view. In 2026, we will publish our first sustainability report inaccordance with EU CSRD requirements. This will enable us to create even greater transparency about our environmental, social, and corporate activities.