Isana NaturFeinkost GmbH is a special company for GfaW: The Eresingen-based company is the first food manufacturer to prepare for CSE certification. We are pleased that the company has been able to cope more than well with the coronavirus crisis, as the demand for high-quality organic food in the retail sector has risen sharply. Managing Director Sebastian von Eltz was available for an interview and reports on the status quo in terms of sustainability and CSE certification.
CSE standard is an effective unique selling point in the organic sector
Sebastian von Eltz summarizes that there has been an increasing focus on the topic of “organic” in recent years. The critical point is that numerous conventional manufacturers are entering the organic sector to serve the segment. Isana wants to sharpen its profile and demonstrate that the bio-verde brand is not just an organic company, but also a sustainability pioneer. The plan is to apply the CSE seal directly to the products so that consumers can recognize the manufacturer’s holistic approach. However, it is not only the external impact that is decisive for the choice of the CSE standard. The prescribed sustainability targets and their successive achievement deadlines in the CSE standard mean that the company is required to continuously address sustainability and keep improving. This is a good fit for the company, confirms von Eltz.
Sustainability management is being expanded
Due to the coronavirus crisis, the company had to postpone its preparations for sustainability management certification. Working groups on various topics were planned, which were then to be transferred to the individual specialist areas by the divisional managers. According to von Eltz, the aim is to continuously identify potential for improvement: for example, the introduction of a CO2 balance sheet is being considered. This would require the appropriate key figures and a well-founded status quo analysis. Furthermore, measures relating to water, energy, vehicle fleet etc. could be developed and initiated. It is also important to the Managing Director that sustainability in the company does not become a top-down approach. Everyone should be sensitized to the topic and have a desire to participate and implement it.
Top topic: Plastic avoidance and efficiency in packaging material
The company is well aware that a lot of plastic is needed to sell fresh food in retail outlets. We are therefore constantly looking at how packaging can be made thinner and more effective. Decorative cartons and protective lids have already been eliminated or replaced with thinner films. Isana is also involved in a research group at the Fraunhofer Institute, which is conducting research into packaging materials made from fibers.
Supplier relationships with heart and tradition
The company has always maintained very personal relationships with its raw material suppliers. They are visited in person once or twice a year and audited according to their own standards. Social standards also play a key role here. The company has developed its own cultivation projects with some suppliers. According to Eltz, it is also important to source raw materials from the region. It is all about transparency and the quality promise to the end consumer. They should be able to recognize where the goods originate and the people behind the products.
The expansion of production capacities is imminent
The company is growing and therefore requires additional buildings for production. Aspects of sustainability will of course be taken into account when selecting future production areas, emphasizes the Managing Director. The company already uses wood chips from surrounding forests for the process heat required in production and uses 100% green electricity, as required by the CSE standard.
Isana – first food manufacturer with CSE seal?
Isana can already be rated very positively in terms of the CSE definition of sustainable companies. The company is currently working on introducing an environmental and sustainability management system, which will naturally entail changes in the organization. We like the fact that the company only employs permanent staff, including some migrants. The sustainability focus on plastic avoidance is also a valuable impulse for our “living sustainability” working group. We look forward to welcoming Isana on board the CSE sustainability pioneers soon.
