Sustainability at KuchenMeister

At KuchenMeister, we are convinced that entrepreneurial success and environmental and social responsibility are inextricably linked. Our goal is to create sustainable solutions that both protect our environment and strengthen society.

Our site at the old sugar factory is 17 hectares. Here, we make various contributions to biodiversity while also fostering effective cooperation between industry and the environment.

We also manage a settlement of 16 bee colonies as a small but mighty project – supervised by an experienced beekeeper, of course. We have planted 52 fruit trees for these bees on the site. Additionally, there are 80 native deciduous trees in various areas of the site. They can also find food in our wildflower meadows.

Sheep are our supplemental lawn mowers; with us, black sheep also find their place. The small herd alternates between the different meadows.

In August 2023, KuchenMeister was awarded the Soest Climate Protection Award for its biodiversity concept. You have reinvested the prize money gained in the redesign of another area on the company premises in cooperation with NABU. The area has been completely reprocessed to create a design as close to nature as possible. This includes, for example, the use of a regional Soester flower seed mixture, specifically developed for local wild bees. Furthermore, the area has become a retreat for insects and various small animals thanks to man-made insect hotels, burrows and piles of stones. When choosing the area, we paid particular attention to the existing natural infrastructure. A nearby cooling pond serves as a water source for insects and animals, and already planted trees provide natural shade. Additionally, we have installed information boards and seating here for employees who like to use their lunch break for a short walk.

The people in a company shape and sustain the specific work and its character. KuchenMeister is a traditional owner-managed business, so the guide post is set by the owner’s family. Within this context, however, employees have a wide range of development and design opportunities – for themselves, for their task and for the company.

We embrace diversity. We value the experience of long-term employees. We promote the fresh ideas of young people. We always strive to create good working conditions for everyone. One goal is to support the establishment of a work-family balance. More than 1,000 employees guarantee a wealth of competence, commitment, talent and creativity. About 52 different nationalities are working together. 55 apprenticeships in 11 professions offer young people a good start to a successful professional life.

By supporting sporting activities, such as a job bike and company runs, we actively encourage the health of our employees.

Our entire administration team took a big step in 2021. Around 100 people have moved into the open-space office on the new administrative floor at the sugar factory.

Protecting the environment from greenhouse gases is becoming increasingly important to companies.

We are continuously working on identifying energy-saving potentials, reacting and reducing consumption. As part of our ISO 50001 certification, our efforts are reviewed annually by an external auditor.

Through the use of photovoltaic systems and combined heat and power plants, we are increasing our share of electricity generation. By purchasing green electricity, we reduce our carbon footprint.

Measures such as heat recovery systems and 100% LED lighting (some of which are made from recycled shampoo bottles) help reduce our energy consumption.