People and Responsibility

From its tradition Freudenberg derives a special responsibility for the people who work for the company and who live in the neighborhood of Freudenberg facilities as well as for the environment. The company feels a commitment not only to its shareholders but to other stakeholders as well. This commitment is anchored in the Group’s Business Principles and the Guiding Principles, which state:
“... we are devoted to our employees’ well-being and personal development ... The professional advancement of its staff is a traditional concern in the Freudenberg Group, and a crucial factor in its success. Special priority is accordingly attached to staff training, and to international staff exchange schemes ... Our company and its family shareholders together are committed to protecting the environment and being responsible corporate citizens in all countries and communities in which we do business. We take all possible care to ensure the safety of the workplace and of our products.”

Freudenberg’s commitment to associates, the environment and the community has a long tradition which can be traced back to well before the present discussion on “corporate social responsibility” and standards for sustainability reporting.

Due to the decentralized organizational structure, this commitment has a local focus. Activities range from support for university research institutions to assistance for social institutions in the communities where Freudenberg associates live, and are always very closely linked to the local and regional situation. Most of the activities described in this section refer to Germany. They serve to illustrate Freudenberg’s commitment and lay no claim to completeness, with the exception of the references to HR figures, occupational safety and environmental certification.