Sustainability at Rapunzel: deeply rooted since 1974
Ecological, economic, social & political activities of the organic pioneer
Environmental protection and sustainable actions were already important to the company's founders Joseph Wilhelm and Jennifer Vermeulen when they established the company in 1974. The natural food manufacturer Rapunzel has always set its own ecological standards.
At the same time, we are certified according to the EMAS environmental management system, report in our Sustainability Report according to the international GRI standards (option "Core") and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the United Nations.
Rapunzel & Sustainability
We know that we only have this one world. This means that we have the highest responsibility to manage our earth in such a way that it remains livable for future generations. On the way there, organic farming occupies the key position for us. After all, no other agricultural method provides humankind with a truly sustainable supply of food.
Organic farming and fair trade go HAND IN HAND at Rapunzel – this is also the name of our fair trade program of the same name. This program follows the basic conviction that ecological sustainability always needs economic and social sustainability as well. In addition to the program, we support eco-social projects in the global South with the HAND IN HAND donation to the RAPUNZEL One World Organic Foundation (previously HAND IN HAND fund).
In addition to organic and fair cultivation, Rapunzel is committed worldwide e.g. to organic seed breeding and a world without genetic engineering. With the One World Award, we honor initiatives and courageous people who make the world a little bit better, and with events and, in the future, our visitor center, we inspire people about organic food and a fair world. And thanks to our commitment with respect to packaging, energy supply and logistics, we do not consume more than is absolutely necessary.
Sustainability Report 2021
In the report, you can learn more about the solar panels on all Rapunzel roofs, about environmentally friendly packaging, the positive effects of organic farming on biodiversity, our eco-social commitment, and much more.
Aspects of sustainability
Fair & social activities worlwide
For us, sustainability in its full significance does not just mean avoiding emissions or saving energy. Social sustainability and issues such as the fight against poverty, decent work conditions and much more are also crucial for a just world worth living in.
With consistent organic cultivation from the beginning, fair trade and social standards, as well as the promotion of eco-social projects worldwide, we engage ourselves comprehensively.
Fair & social activities in the Allgäu
The idea of a healthy, organic lifestyle and the vision of a humane and just world - unites the employees of Rapunzel Naturkost and is deeply rooted in our company philosophy. Our interest in organic farming and in sustainable management is a key reason for the strong team spirit among the "Rapunzels".
More organic also needs more people: Rapunzel regularly receives awards as a training company.
Organic agriculture & biodiversity
Our goal is to produce healthy, top-quality food products without any chemical contamination. In doing so, our focus is on the careful treatment of nature, soil fertility and closed nutrient cycles. We do not use chemical and synthetic pesticides and fertilizers nor genetically modified seeds. This protects drinking water, soil and climate and contributes to the preservation of biodiversity. In addition, Rapunzel actively promotes organic farming and organic seed breeding worldwide and we oppose genetic engineering and agricultural poisons.
Food quality
Product quality is the top priority for the natural food manufacturer Rapunzel. Quality assurance therefore has a key position in the company.
The most important building blocks for Rapunzel quality are thorough inspection of the incoming goods, sampling and analyses as well as improvement and monitoring of the manufacturing processes.
We are in constant, intensive contact with our suppliers, who get advised by our agricultural engineers. Our professional networking and association work aims at further promoting and developing the organic sector.
Ecology & energy
For Rapunzel, the cultivation and sustainable production of organic food also includes the careful use of energy and natural resources.
Thus, Rapunzel obtains 100 percent of its electric power from renewable sources and has installed solar modules on all roof surfaces. We are 100 percent independent of petroleum and instead rely on our own combined heat and power plants, which are fed with wood waste. The topics of green logistics and sustainable packaging solutions are also very important for us.
Culture & politics
Right from the very beginning, as an organic pioneer, Rapunzel has been committed to a healthy lifestyle and a fair world. In addition to its own project work for organic cultivation and fair supplier management, Rapunzel is also involved socially, culturally and politically - both around the company premises in the Allgäu and also worldwide.
With our new visitor center, we want to make "organic" more tangible and learn, work, eat, celebrate together with our guests.
