From vision to mission

In 2016, Wernsing began systematically organising its business activities according to environmental, social and economic criteria and establishing a professional sustainability management system.

Together with the sustainability teams, targets and measures were developed which have since guided the company’s further development and formed the basis for numerous projects and investments.

Since 2017, we have been certified to the ZNU Standard for Sustainable Business Practices, an externally certified standard from Witten/Herdecke University. As part of our sustainability management, we work systematically and in a measurable way to further develop our performance in the environmental, economic and social spheres. Our progress is reviewed annually by independent auditors.

The Young Potato Farmers were among the finalists for the German Sustainability Award for Products 2026

The Young Potato Farmers, a partnership between Wernsing and young farmers from the region, reached the final of the German Sustainability Award for Products 2026. The award recognises the collaborative approach to agriculture and food production – from growing the potatoes to the finished product.

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Keeping key areas of focus in view at all times

Since 2017, we have been producing an annual materiality matrix. It helps us to identify key issues for our company and to assess their relevance from both a corporate and a stakeholder perspective. The results form the basis for setting targets and support the planning of investments, projects and initiatives across various areas of the business.

Explore the materiality matrix

An overview of our many initiatives:

Economic

• AI-supported process automation
• Optimised digital interface management
• Efficient production processes, achieved through, amongst other things, the introduction of shop floor management
• Ongoing investment in machinery and plant
• End of 2023: Commitment by the Wernsing Food Family to set targets in accordance with the guidelines of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)
• 2024: Nomination of the company for the German Sustainability Award
• 2025: The Young Potato Farmers brand reaches the final of the German Sustainability Award for Products 2026

Environment

• ISO 50001-certified energy management since 2013
• Certified to the ZNU Standard for Sustainable Business Practices since 2017
• Procurement of electricity from renewable energy sources, as evidenced by guarantees of origin
• Use of biogas and electricity from photovoltaic and wind power plants
• In-house industrial wastewater treatment plant, combined heat and power (CHP) and heat recovery systems, and heat storage
• In-house biomass heating plant for generating process steam from biomass
• Waste management with recycling and recovery schemes, and the use of reusable systems
• Direct printing on cardboard using beeswax instead of labels
• Cooling packs made from film rather than hard plastic for sending samples – reducing the amount of plastic used by 88 per cent per annum compared with the previous solution

Social

• Around 10 per cent of our workforce are apprentices
• Certified as a ‘TOP’ training company by the Oldenburg Chamber of Industry and Commerce
• SMETA-verified as a Sedex member since 2025
• Further training such as masterclasses, part-time degree programmes, language courses and specialist training
• Various benefits such as a health bonus and pension scheme
• Committee for social engagement
• Support for local and global projects, e.g. the construction of two schools in Tanzania
• Training apprentices to become advocates for sustainability issues