At Crespel & Deiters, sustainability is built into the way we work every day. As a family-owned company, we think in generations and make decisions with their long-term impact in mind. We refine plant-based raw materials into functional solutions that help make food and industrial value chains more efficient and resource-conscious.

Sustainability

Responsibility for People, Planet and Business

For us, sustainability is a holistic approach, not a stand-alone project. It rests on three pillars – social, ecological and economic responsibility – each backed by clear measures, targets and governance. These principles shape how we develop products, operate our sites and collaborate with customers, suppliers and partners.

We stand for the almost complete use of our main agricultural raw materials, mostly wheat, within a circular value chain. Around 99% of each grain is processed into ingredients for industrial solutions, food, pet food and feed  –  minimizing waste and making full use of the raw material.

Supplier Leadership on Climate Transition (Supplier LOCT) is an educational platform for suppliers and a company collaborative for their buyers (LOCT partners). It was created to accelerate action towards reducing supply chain carbon emissions.

Achieving more with less

Our responsibility does not end at the factory gate – it continues in our customers’ processes. With our products, we help improve resource efficiency in many applications and support circular value chains in both food and industrial markets.

In food, our ingredients support stable production, less waste and attractive products, including a growing range of plant-based options. In Industrial Solutions, our products can replace more conventional synthetic materials and help make paper and board easier to recycle.

You can find an overview of the carbon footprint of our products in FIN (Functional Ingredient Navigator).

Nature. Refined. Since 1858.

Circular thinking along the value chain

Our solutions are designed to be resource-efficient, CO₂-conscious and, wherever possible, recyclable. In this way, we help close material loops across our markets. Our ingredients support customers in reducing waste, improving efficiency and developing products that fit into circular systems – while still enabling sustainable economic growth.

Crespel & Deiters sustainability strategy focused on environmental responsibility, resource-efficient use of energy, water and raw materials, regional sourcing in Europe, and innovative technologies to reduce emissions and environmental impact across the value chain.

Environment

Using energy, water and raw materials

We work to reduce our environmental footprint along the entire value chain. Our main raw materials are sourced 100% within Europe, with at least 75% from German cultivation. This strengthens regional agriculture and keeps transport distances – and related emissions – under control.

Our goal is clear: less energy and water per ton of product, more output per ton of raw material. With innovative refinement technologies, we get the maximum value from plant-based inputs. Quality and sustainability go hand in hand – which is why environmental aspects are integrated into our quality systems and audited in accrdance with internationally recognized standards.

Combined heat and power plants running on natural gas supply around 92 percent of our energy needs. By generating heat and electricity in one step, we use primary energy with high efficiency. We continuously work to lower fresh water consumption and improve our CO₂ balance. Operational and information technology (OT and IT) help us make processes smarter, monitor performance and identify further savings potential. Review our ISO certifications and quality standards.

Over the past 10 years, following the introduction of state-of-the-art technology and an efficient water recycling system, the consumption of fresh water has been reduced by more than half.

Air- and water-borne emissions are many times below the statutory target values as the result of safe and efficient separation and cleaning systems.

Avoidance is the most important aspect of the waste management system applied by all our employees. Unavoidable waste is collated separately and fed into recycling processes as far as possible. This means not only that waste is reduced, but that what remains is recovered for recycling.

For further insights, explore the related documents and references below:

Social

For people, workplaces and regions

As an employer, we take responsibility for our employees, their families and the communities around our sites. Our values – responsibility, forward thinking and perseverance – shape how we work together every day. For our employees, we invest in a good onboarding process and continuous training so they can develop their skills and grow professionally. Health programs and occupational safety are firmly embedded in our day-to-day operations.

We think globally, act regionally and produce locally. Our sites are firmly rooted in their regions. Wherever possible, we work closely with local partners and suppliers. We set clear standards to everyone in our value chain, not just within the company. Our Supplier Code of Conduct defines binding requirements for environmental and social behavior.

For us, social responsibility also means being transparent and acting fairly. We build long-term relationships with customers, suppliers and partners worldwide.

Crespel & Deiters sustainability strategy focused on social responsibility, employee development, occupational safety, and regional value creation.
Crespel & Deiters sustainability strategy combining stable economic growth, compliance, clear governance, and transparent CSRD-aligned reporting.

Economic

Growth, compliance and clear reporting

Economic sustainability means stable growth and a solid financial base. Only a healthy company can invest in people, innovation and environmental protection. We reinvest a significant share of our earnings in modern plants, digitalization and efficiency. This strengthens our competitiveness and secures jobs in the long term.

We put this responsibility into practice by adhering to laws, internal guidelines and clear compliance structures. Our compliance systems and Code of Conduct create transparency and reliability for all stakeholders. We report our progress on emissions and other sustainability indicators in line with current standards, including Scopes 1 and 2 under the European framework for corporate reporting.

By making our goals, actions and results visible, we invite dialogue and continuous improvement. Customers, partners and employees should be able to see how we manage risks and opportunities.