Environmental Policy

Guidelines for environmental protection, workplace safety and product safety

1.  Our activities are based on the model of sustainable development and the principle of continual improvement. With regard to our products, we are therefore committed to identifying and implementing safely operable, cost-effective, environmentally compatible and socially responsible solutions over their entire life cycle, from manufacture to disposal. Environmental aspects and product safety are an integral part of our systematic product development process. We shall strive to actively involve our suppliers and business partners in our efforts to achieve this aim.

2.  We implement official requirements, laws and regulations at all Heidelberg sites. Our products meet all the legal requirements laid down in the markets where we are active. Internally, we use the best available technology for occupational safety and environmental protection when putting new investment into our sites and product development. When implementing all these measures, we go above and beyond the legal requirements insofar as this is expedient and cost-effective.

3.  Our aim is to safeguard our employees against health hazards and to reduce the potential for impairment of the environment at and around our sites. We are committed to actively preventing accidents and emergency situations at all our sites.

4. We are continually improving occupational safety and environmental protection and the environmental compatibility and safety of our products. Wherever feasible, we are committed to conserving resources and to taking advantage of opportunities for recycling and minimizing waste production.

5. In conjunction with employees, management develops and agrees on the required objectives regarding occupational safety and environmental protection and regularly reviews the implementation of the measures resulting from them.

6.  We need responsibly minded employees at all levels who actively help to put our workplace safety and environmental protection principles into practice. Through appropriate information and training, we help employees to play an active role in occupational safety and environmental protection and to implement corresponding measures.

7. We shall pursue an open dialog and strive to actively share information with the responsible authorities, shareholders, the public and everyone else involved in the life cycle of our products. We are committed to providing support to our customers on the environmentally compatible and safe operation of Heidelberg products through training and information.

Approval: March 2004

Bernhard Schreier
Management Board Chairman