Sustainability at scholz

For over 120 years, Harold Scholz & Co. GmbH has been all about colour. On the one hand, this is an achievement in itself, but as a fourth-generation family business, we also see it as an obligation for the future, for our employees, for our shareholders and, of course, for our surroundings: our environment and the community in which we live.

How do we do that? Step by step and as a team. Read more about this in our sustainability report.

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We want to become climate-neutral by 2040. To achieve this, we are pursuing a clear strategy, with already ongoing projects.

Whether it is the use of a digital filing system or the optimization of the cooling of the data center, Scholz is increasingly focusing on sustainable savings within its administrative processes.

Electric company vehicles and forklifts, complete LED lighting or the renewal of the heating systems in our production halls, we want to promote the change towards a more sustainable world and walk the path every day.

For us, sustainability is not just a trend, but an obligation. That is why we take part in the renowned EcoVadis sustainability assessment every year to recognize our progress and opportunities. The EcoVadis assessment covers four key categories: environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. These areas are crucial for responsible corporate governance and are therefore also the focus of our strategy.

This year, we were able to increase our score once again and regained the silver medal. We are still very motivated to intensify our sustainable practices and to act sustainably together as a team.

Here you can get an insight into EcoVadis rating.

Since April 2020, we have been part of the NRW Energy Efficiency and Climate Protection Network of the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) together with other companies from the coatings, paints, and adhesives sectors. Since December 2025, the new network round has been taking place with companies from the paper industry in addition to companies from the chemical industry. The focus is on coming together, exchanging ideas, and learning from each other. The topics covered include energy efficiency measures, joint energy saving targets, and new technical input from external consultants.

We strive for a constant increase in energy efficiency at all our sites. With the first certification according to DIN EN ISO 50001 in 2020, we show that sustainable responsibility is also implemented at our company; be it the continuous optimisation of our lighting concepts, the reduction of gas consumption, the improvement of our energy data collection or the energy optimization of our processes.

Through cooperation and membership in the Standards Committee, we have been working on the Pigments and Fillers Working Group (NPF) to develop and maintain standards for pigments in cement-based and lime-based building materials for many years.

Various technical issues are discussed here by representatives and experts from various companies from the pigment and paint industry, insofar as these could be relevant for processors and producers.

We also pay attention to environmentally friendly production within our supply chains. We always try to reduce packaging material and use reusable containers, be it the minimized film thickness or our proven reusable container system. In addition, fair cooperation and good treatment of people and machines are our daily focus.

Thanks to the new construction and organisation of the tank washing system, hot water is no longer required – so in addition to a gas savings of approx. 17%, we are also saving approx. 80% of water. Because: For the inside and outside cleaning of a tank, we only need an average of 100 l water in contrast to 600 l water before.

For several years now, electric vehicles have been taken into consideration when purchasing new cars, which has led to a gradual increase in the number of e-cars in recent years. Seven charging stations with a total of twelve charging points are available at the Recklinghausen plant, which are supplied by the company's own photovoltaic system in good weather.

The purchase of new e-cars was supported by funding from the European Union - NextGenerationEU.

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Since 2017, we have been generating around 25 percent of our electricity demand each year through our photovoltaic systems. This allows us to reduce the burden on the environment by 140 tons of CO₂ per year.

A solar thermal system supports the provision of hot water in the sanitary rooms. The showers are time-controlled, which reduces water and gas consumption.

As part of the purchase of company expansion areas, a rainwater retention basin and a meadow orchard with 110 trees were created at our company in Recklinghausen. This meadow is maintained by the neighbouring school farm, which grazes its sheep there and uses the meadow for school projects in our region. Many insects feel at home in our wildflower meadow and enjoy sufficient nectar. As nectar and pollen collectors and at the same time as plant pollinators, the numerous insects are very welcome.