SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2019 - SCHUR Flexibles
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SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2019
“Shaping a Sustainable Future Together”
PROSPERITY
PURPOSE Resource Efficiency and Circular .68
Governance .32 Economy, Waste Volume and Treatment
Stakeholder Involvement on .36 Transparency of Supply Chain, .72
STATEMENT CEO. Sustainability Topics Social and Environmental Supplier
Assessment
2019 saw flexible packaging suddenly going from
being a rather invisible commodity product to being
on media headlines. Plastics became a hot topic across
the world. The “Fridays for Future” movement is one
of the main drivers of the current spotlight on climate
change, with the very simple yet strong statements
that are shared by activists. Within this global plastics
movement, the flexible packaging industry was promi-
nently brought on stage. While “the industry” generally
had difficulties jumping into this dialogue at first, at
Schur Flexibles we saw and still see this development
as a valuable discussion in which we aim to proactively
and transparently contribute with facts and figures on
innovative packaging solutions.
One of the questions that still needed to be addressed
in 2019 was the core reason why flexible packaging
plays such an important role in supplying safely sealed
essential goods to people. Furthermore, the second
question that had to be answered was how these
flexible packaging solutions like ours help prevent food
waste and are the best option in terms of ecological
footprint. When addressing these topics, it is crucial
to have a holistic view on the issue and consider all as-
pects, just as with our company sustainability strategy
or with public discussions on climate change.
As we have already been taking so many steps in
making our business more and more sustainable, it now PEOPLE
becomes important to shed light on these actions and Gender Equality and Diversity .42
proudly present our plans for the future. Hence, for Employee Participation .46
the first time ever, we are now publishing our Group’s Education and Training, Health and Safety .50
Sustainability Report, providing a clear and transparent Mobility .54
first analysis of where we stand, and publicly commit- PLANET
ting to how we will proceed on our journey. Usage of Renewable Material, .60
Ecological Footprint of Products
In our daily activities, at Schur Flexibles we commit Greenhouse Gas Emissions, .64
to an approach that follows the holistic 4P principles, Energy Consumption, Renewable Energy
focusing on Purpose while keeping People, Planet, and
INTRODUCTION
Prosperity in mind. This means to consistently focus
on "HOW we produce". To us, protectingForeword
the packed .6
goods is just as important as taking responsibility
The Schur for
Flexibles Group .10
the effects of our business on people along the entire
Our Group Companies .12
value chain – employees, consumers and partners
Our – as and Our Products
Value Chain .14
well as on our environment. Schur Flexibles in Numbers .17
Schur Flexibles and Sustainability – Our 5R Approach .18
Materiality Analysis Appendix
INDEX
.22 .76
Methodology .28 Glossary .82
Structure of the Report .29 GRI Index .84
INTRODUCTION PURPOSE PEOPLE PLANET PROSPERITY INTRODUCTION PURPOSE PEOPLE PLANET PROSPERITY
FOREWORD.
2019 saw flexible packaging suddenly going from being With regards to sustainability in our business, 2019 has All in all, the core of our business is supplying people
a rather invisible commodity product to being on me- been an important year. Firstly, our expert sustaina- with protected and safe essential goods on a daily
dia headlines. Plastics became a hot topic across the bility team worked with a clear focus on our products basis, ranging from food to pharmaceuticals. When
world. The current spotlight on climate change shows and the regulatory framework. Secondly, both in 2018 considering the carbon footprint of packaging, flex-
very simple, yet strong statements that are shared by and 2019 the European authorities published new ible packaging proves to be the best-in-class option
activists. Within this global plastics movement, the regulations affecting the long-term perspective of our to protect these goods during transport, shelf life
flexible packaging industry was prominently brought business. Thanks to the hard work of our Sustainability and storage – i.e. during their whole journey from the
on stage. While “the industry” generally had difficulties and R&D teams throughout the year, we were able to producers to the consumers. Smart and innovative
jumping into this dialogue at first, at Schur Flexibles we adapt exceptionally fast and are the first amongst our packaging solutions are those that equally prevent
saw and still see this development as a valuable discus- peers to offer a recyclable alternative in ten out of the resource-damaging food waste, contamination, and
sion in which we aim to pro actively and transparently eleven market segments we serve. The fact that we waste of goods. Most importantly, plastic is a valuable
contribute with facts and figures on innovative packag- listened to our customers and their needs along the resource and material which guarantees protection
ing solutions. way was an immensely important success factor that and safety in many fields – therefore we should aim
allowed us to achieve this result. to keep it within a closed, circular system and ideally
One of the questions that still needed to be addressed should never let it be discarded.
in 2019 was the core reason why flexible packaging Furthermore, we are making sustainability and re-
plays such an important role in supplying safely sealed source-efficiency the core objective in every step Today, we have 1.972 colleagues working for our
essential goods to people. Furthermore, the second of the production process. Working in the flexible customers in 22 production sites across Europe, but
question that had to be answered was how these packaging industry means identifying, reflecting, we still embrace a start-up type of management and
flexible packaging solutions like ours help prevent food implementing, and following sustainable business leadership culture rather than that of a large industrial
waste and are the best option in terms of ecological solutions on a daily basis. In our sustainability strategy player. This unconventional identity enables us to do
footprint. When addressing these topics, it is crucial we focus on 5 pillars. We call it our “5R” strategy with things somehow differently – taking decisions more
Michael Schernthaner to have a holistic view on the issue and consider all as- Responsibility at its core. We take responsibility for our quickly, concentrating on what really matters, and
Chief Executive Officer pects, just as with our company sustainability strategy products and our company, and we are committed to pushing for sustainable innovation in every corner of
or with public discussions on climate change. sustainability. The remaining 4 pillars outline our fields our house.
of action: Replacement of conventional concepts
As we have already been taking so many steps in with new and alternative raw materials, Reduction of Therefore, 2019 was also the time to kick-off a process
making our business more and more sustainable, it plastics while maintaining the highest product protec- to rethink our purpose and value set at Schur Flexibles,
now becomes important to shed light on these ac- tion and processing quality, design for Recycling of which later on shall lead to the joint development and
tions and confidently present our plans for the future. our solutions, and Renewal, meaning the use of sec- definition of our Group identity in a cross-functional,
Hence, for the first time ever, we are now publishing ond-generation renewable raw materials. cross-country span of people from all corners of Schur
our Group’s Sustainability Report, providing a clear and Flexibles.
transparent first analysis of where we stand, and pub- All these efforts go together with our outspoken
licly committing to how we will proceed on our journey. commitment to the United Nations Global Compact Adopting and implementing this holistic and solution-
and our continuous support of this initiative and its 10 driven strategy will contribute to fostering a sustain-
In our daily activities, at Schur Flexibles we commit principles that we wish to renew. This entails setting able and prosperous activity in Europe. This is not a
to an approach that follows the holistic 4P principles, precise objectives and communicating them trans- sprint, but a journey, and it will be worth every mile.
focusing on Purpose while keeping People, Planet, and parently, for instance in accordance with the Global
Prosperity in mind. This means to consistently focus Reporting Initiative, the international widest accepted
on “HOW we produce”. To us, protecting the packed guidelines for sustainability reporting. We also aim to
goods is just as important as taking responsibility for further cultivate our partnerships by advancing our
the effects of our business on people along the entire agile innovation management and collaborating with
value chain – employees, consumers, and partners – as organisations who contribute to our shared goals, such
well as on our environment. as the Save Food initiative.
6. SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2019 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2019 .7
INTRODUCTION PURPOSE PEOPLE PLANET PROSPERITY INTRODUCTION PURPOSE PEOPLE PLANET PROSPERITY
When it comes to sustainability, Schur Flexibles Group Over the last years, Schur Flexibles has developed a
is a true front runner. This is thanks to the full commit- profound knowledge about sustainable packaging.
ment of the Group Operations team to minimise our We put great effort into the R&D of new products in
organisation’s impact on the environment: we have order to fulfil our responsibility on the way towards
identified several action streams and deployed them a circular economy. Not only have we developed a
effectively across our production units; we aim to recyclable packaging solution in each of our food and
minimise the amount of resources needed by working hygiene sectors – one year ahead of what we had
intensively to ensure a responsible supply chain; and originally pledged – but we have already implemented
finally, we have developed several initiatives to reduce these sustainable solutions together with our customers.
and manage waste as well as to reduce CO2e emissions. The innovative drive of our packaging solutions has
also been recognised by industry experts and our prod-
Since transparency is the key to proof, let’s share ucts have received sustainability awards. The German
some concrete examples: Packaging Institute awarded us with the Sustainability
Concerning production, the management teams of Award for our recyclable FlexiClosere as well as the
every production unit worked closely with the Group Gold Award for outstanding innovations in 2018.
Operations team to define specific annual waste tar-
gets. Thanks to the monthly tracking done by our KPI Being a leader in sustainability does not mean being
dashboard, we clearly see a gradual waste reduction satisfied and accomplished after achieving the first
across the business. The implementation of different results. We strive for a more holistic approach, which
lean techniques and the full organisation’s attention means that we embed sustainability into our strategy
to detail during all production stages have contributed and are now turning our complete value chain towards
to this success. Residual waste is handled by segrega- it. Starting with our raw materials and leading up to the
Juan Luís Martínez Arteaga tion and selective valuation, by engaging appropriate Friedrich Humer close exchange with recyclers to open up new possibil-
Chief Operating Officer suppliers and by providing a second life to most of the Chief Sales Officer ities, existing solutions are being questioned, more and
materials we can no longer use within our production. more processes are being aligned and it is our declared
A team of experts supports this process within the intention to rethink our current behaviour.
whole Group, with some of them focusing solely on
the deployment of waste reduction techniques and Changing the way in which we behave is probably one
follow-up. of the greatest challenges our society is facing, but it is
mandatory if we really want to create a sustainable fu-
This team of experts, working with our Group Opera- ture. Choosing a holistic approach also requires joining
tions team, also supports our so-called PIT Stop con- forces. It means being team players with all partners
cept, solving a major challenge the flexible packaging along the value chain, from suppliers to customers and
industry is facing. Due to the large variety of designs, beyond to achieve even greater results.
the effective utilisation of our means of production We collaborate with relevant institutions such as
is limited. This means that during a significant part of CEFLEX, SaveFood or the startup Recyda and we
their productive time, our machines are standing still choose partners who will accelerate our journey
and being adjusted for the next order. To tackle this towards a circular economy.
industry-specific problem, at Schur Flexibles we have
developed a structured concept that minimises the Sharing our beliefs about a sustainable future does not
change-over time by using SMED technologies. end at the consumption phase. We are also commit-
This is a huge contribution to the reduction of energy ted to looking at the end-of-life options and valorising
use and waste generation during set-up phases. our materials. We want to improve our surroundings
and therefore will change the way we are working and
Following our Planning departments, we have imple- behaving in our daily life.
mented a controlled Freeze Process within our produc-
tion, leading to a significant reduction in the number of
days of dispatch. Today, our trucks drive perfectly load-
ed across Europe, resulting in lower CO2e emissions.
These are only three examples, but our Sustainability
Report provides more transparency on further initia-
tives we have implemented to contribute to our front
runner position in sustainability.
8. SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2019 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2019 .9
INTRODUCTION PURPOSE PEOPLE PLANET PROSPERITY INTRODUCTION PURPOSE PEOPLE PLANET PROSPERITY
THE SCHUR FLEXIBLES GROUP. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Headquartered in Wiener Neudorf, Austria, the Schur OUR MISSION
Flexibles Group is specialised in innovative, high- All our employees are motivated to go the extra mile
quality, and tailor-made packaging solutions for food, to find and adopt new approaches in the packaging Chief Chief Group
tobacco and pharmaceutical industries. We have a fully industry. We all work to achieve this challenging mis- Sales Operating Finance
integrated value chain, from extrusion via print and sion and strive to subsequently meet our customers’ Officer Officer Director
lamination, to extensive bag and pouch production, demands while also becoming a technological leader.
making us one of the top European companies in the Our international, multifaceted orientation, supported
industry. by continuous learning, helps us to achieve this.
Schur Flexibles’ employees stand out for their pas- Heads of SU Head of Group
Regional Head
Head of Group
Finance
Head of Group
Founded in 2012, Schur Flexibles Group is quite a sion, entrepreneurial spirit as well as for their strong Protein and Cheese Operational Controlling & Legal & Regulatory
of Converting Director
(West and East) Sales Reporting Affairs
newcomer – but nonetheless well-experienced. Our accountability. They identify and take opportunities
Group companies are established players across Eu- geared to market requirements, for the benefit of our
rope: specialised, flexible, and fast. We don’t just keep customers and consequentially for the benefit of the Head of SU
Head of Group
Head of Manager Planning
Senior Manager
Head of
up with the market, but rather we set the bar higher by company. Sales M&A & Project
Exports Extrusion & Forecast Group IT
Coordination Management
defining direction and speed. We break new grounds.
In short: we are creatively shaping change in the pack- OUR CORPORATE VALUES
aging industry and providing new momentum. This is This is what we care about! Head of SU
Head of Head of Head of IFRS Head of Head of Group
the spirit which has nurtured our rapid growth in the • Expertise: The Schur Flexibles Group can tap into a Group Group Competence Group Human
Tobacco
Sustainability Procurement Center Communications Resources
past years. huge pool of knowledge and experience. This opens
new perspectives, saves resources, and gives us a
Schur Flexibles has a track record of successfully competitive edge. Head of SU
Head of Group
Head of Group
Confectionary Operational Tax
acquiring and integrating renowned players in the • Reliability: For a company to be able to grow, the R&D Food Manager
and Hygiene Excellence
European market, especially since 2016 when Lindsay trust in this company must be able to grow, too. LEGEND
Goldberg secured ownership of our dynamically grow- This is equally beneficial for our customers and our
ing Group. The companies we are pooling are techno- employees. Head of SU Head of Group Head of Group
Board
logical leaders in their respective markets – they have • Sustainability: Ecological and economical sustaina- Pharma Marketing Engineering
proven expertise, often successfully covering market bility as well as socially responsible behaviours are key Non Board Member
niches, and have managed to build an excellent repu- to our work. This is our basis to be able to implement
tation over the decades. This is what makes them our our ambitious plans. Head of SU
Head of Business
Head of Group
Line Management
Centres of Excellence. • Pioneering spirit: We are staying curious and remain Development
Films Supply Chain
Fresh Food
open to new solutions, being flexible and adventurous. Group Support Functions
OUR VISION This is the only way to break new grounds and achieve
The flexible packaging market is characterised by the maximum for our customers and for our Group. Head of SU
Head of Group Sustainability is under the CSO’s office and all the
continuous technological developments and increasing • Ambition: Being good is not enough for us. We strive Health and decisions regarding sustainability are taken by the Head of
Tea and Coffee
Safety
customer requirements. We are ready to face all chal- to achieve top performance by reaching our full po- Group Sustainability and then approved by the CSO
lenges, leveraging our experience, our expertise, and tential and always exceeding our own expectations.
our enthusiasm to always provide our customers with • Anticipation: Recognising customer requirements
best-in-class solutions. We consider ourselves pioneers and problems at an early stage and drawing the right
and lateral thinkers, breaking new grounds by convic- conclusions – this is our mission and our task, and the
tion to optimise solutions. foundation for solutions.
RETHINKING SCHUR FLEXIBLES
In late 2019, Schur Flexibles initiated the process 2020, leading to a Group-wide stream of joint work
of redefining the Group’s core purpose and value on the future purpose of the organisation. This
set through the comprehensive corporate initia- jointly developed identity will give Schur Flexibles
tive “ReThinking Schur Flexibles”. This collaborative Group a strong basis for further growth, bringing
journey was kicked-off with management teams the necessary visibility to the innovative and dy-
across Europe in 2019 and will be continued in namic spirit of the organisation.
10. SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2019 .11
INTRODUCTION PURPOSE PEOPLE PLANET PROSPERITY
OUR GROUP COMPANIES.
Today we run 22 production sites – our Centers of Excellence – across 11 European countries. Our core strategy
was and is to carefully acquire and integrate selected expert players in the European market into our operations.
Our continuous collaboration with all our companies, most of which were family-owned, is a proven success story.
Through reliable and agile partnerships, we leverage their strengths with our Group’s capabilities and network,
hence helping them to maintain their excellent reputation.
LEGEND
Headquarters
Centers of Excellence
Clients
12. SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2019 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2019 .13
INTRODUCTION PURPOSE PEOPLE PLANET PROSPERITY INTRODUCTION PURPOSE PEOPLE PLANET PROSPERITY
OUR VALUE CHAIN
AND OUR PRODUCTS. OUR PRODUCTS.
From the sourcing of raw materials to production, printing, refinement, lamination, and converting, individually or Schur Flexibles offers an extensive portfolio for effi- can be individually designed and tested to simulate
as a package – we have developed a one-stop-shop under the roof of the Schur Flexibles Group. Our fully vertical cient and safe packaging. Continuous technological and optimise the packaging process required by the
integration makes us a leading pan-European provider of customised flexible packaging products and specialty innovation and a willingness to create tailor-made customer. Our product portfolio consists of efficient
solutions. 22 Centers of Excellence, each of which a technological leader in its respective market, cover all the solutions for individual requirements makes us pioneers mono materials as well as sophisticated and functional
steps of the flexible packaging solutions value chain. This puts us in an advantageous position to drive innovation in the field of flexible packaging. With our compre- laminates for high-performance sealing and barrier
for sustainable solutions in flexible packaging. hensive range of packaging customised to individual protection for products. Since 2018, we have been
requirements, we offer our customers the convenience primarily developing sustainable packaging solutions
HOW WE WORK of receiving a complete set of solutions from a single with a strong focus on resource-saving and recyclable
Schur Flexibles is an integrated film and packaging provider. Doing so, we also provide the opportunity of materials. We can already offer a wide range of differ-
material producer: hands-on collaboration to solve future challenges. ent sustainable as well as recyclable solutions for each
• Extrusion: Raw material input is taken, melted to • Laminating: 2+ webs are taken and joined using a In the collaborative process, packaging solutions product category.
form the molten polymer into a shape with a contin- bonding agent. An adhesive is applied to the less ab-
uous profile. sorbent web, and the other is then pressed against it.
• Cylinder Engraving: Roto Cylinders are copper • Slitting: The large roll of material is cut into narrower ALL TOGETHER, WE COUNT 15 MAIN PRODUCT CATEGORIES AND 65 DIFFERENT BRANDS
plated and polished before being engraved. They are rolls suitable for the customer. The substrate web is
then chrome-plated and finished with the desired unwinded and passed through blades before being
printing image and surface roughness. rewounded as a narrower roll.
• Printing: An engraved cylinder (Roto, “cup”) or plate • Converting: Printed and laminated polymer webs are
(Flexo, “bump”) with the desired pattern is immersed converted directly into bags, sleeves, pouches, or
in ink. The substrate is then sandwiched between this other formats requested by the customer.
cylinder and a roller to obtain the pattern. For some
special applications, we can also print in UV Offset.
Additionally, in a long-standing relationship (strategic partnership) with HP Indigo, we have successfully been Films Form fill seal Shrink Aluminium foil Coldseal
ramping up our digital printing capacity and can now enable short run business to benefit from our high speed.
SCHUR FLEXIBLES PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
EXPECTATIONS AND NEEDS EXPECTATIONS AND NEEDS Linear films Twist Top films Flow wrap Bottom films
SUPPLIER MANUFACTURING LOGISTICS TRADE CONSUMER
SOLUTION SOLUTION
EXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE
Skin Bags and pouches Die-cut lids Wrap Individually Wrapped
Our Flexible packaging solutions support our
Slices Films
customers throughout their chain of added value.
LAWS AND REGULATIONS
14. SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2019 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2019 .15
INTRODUCTION PURPOSE PEOPLE PLANET PROSPERITY INTRODUCTION PURPOSE PEOPLE PLANET PROSPERITY
OUR MARKETS. SALES BY REGIONS SALES BY MARKET SEGMENTS
With our innovative, premium quality and tailor-made Our strongest market is protein and cheese (meat, fish,
OTHER
medium or high-barrier packaging solutions, we serve poultry, dairy and cheese), which covers 36% of our US, CONFECTIONERY
eleven different market segments in the food, tobacco sales, followed by confectionary, covering 22%. These CA
SOUTH D-A-CH
and pharmaceutical industries. Our food division cov- markets have a strong regional customer base and EAST OTHER MEAT, FISH
ers fresh as well as dry and frozen products. almost 90% of our sales are in Europe. 4%
UK 5% FOOD 22% & POULTRY
5%
TOILETRIES
29
20
%
& HYGIENE
%
7%
%
5% 5
8%
6%
NORDICS, PHARMA &
RU MEDICAL
%
9%
6%
16
%
18 SPECIALTIES 9%
15% SOUTH
Meat, Fish Cheese Fruit Confectionery CEE EUROPE 13 %
TEA CHEESE
& Poultry & Dairy & Vegetables BENELUX, & COFFEE & DAIRY
IR TOBACCO
SCHUR FLEXIBLES IN NUMBERS IN 2019
496,8 million 82,8 million 3,46
Frozen Food Dry Food Bread, Biscuits Coffee Group revenue in Euro EBITDA (from continued Net debt / EBITDA
& Ice Cream & Cereals & Cakes & Tea operations)
65 15 3,5%
Number of Number of CAPEX/Sales: 3,5%
product brands product categories (excl. Cylinder)
16,7% 488 239,1 million
Medical Toiletries Cigarettes EBITDA Margin Number of Purchasing volume
& Pharmaceutical & Hygiene & Tobacco raw material suppliers in Euro
RAW MATERIAL SUPPLIERS
405 1.972 1.567
Female Total Male
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES
16. SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2019 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2019 .17
INTRODUCTION PURPOSE PEOPLE PLANET PROSPERITY INTRODUCTION PURPOSE PEOPLE PLANET PROSPERITY
SCHUR FLEXIBLES AND
SUSTAINABILITY –
OUR 5R APPROACH.
At Schur Flexibles, we carry sustainability in our DNA. who act as consultants both internally and externally. RESPONSIBILITY RENEWAL
This means investing in continuous development to They support us on our journey to shaping a sustain- The first “R” is RESPONSIBILITY. We take responsibility The RENEWAL pillar focuses on resource-saving and
find solutions that keep our planet’s ecosystems in bal- able future together and have made their way across for our products and our company and are commit- renewable raw materials. The resources of our planet
ance. This is why we extensively invest in R&D of new the jungle of legislations – all over Europe and beyond ted to sustainability in our Group’s sphere of activity. are finite and to keep our planet’s ecosystems in bal-
sustainable packaging solutions. We have set up a ded- – to help us provide the best service to our clients. Still there are certain non-ecological elements in the ance, we must guarantee the regeneration of materials
icated sustainability team of experts in different fields, flexible packaging production that, as yet, cannot be removed from these systems. To ensure this, we focus
avoided. Nevertheless, we aim to improve every day on raw materials that do not overexploit our planet,
with continuous R&D and strong cooperation with our for instance using FSC-certified paper or substituting
stakeholders. fossil fuel-based raw materials with renewable ones.
PACKAGING NEEDS TO FULFIL A WIDE RANGE OF REQUIREMENTS Responsibility is to be seen in three fields Our R&D team is continuously improving our renewa-
• In society: we take responsibility for our employees, ble materials portfolio.
our customers and for society as a whole. We collab- Polyolefins from renewable resources second genera-
orate with social organisations, scientific institutions, tion; Coated Paper Wrappers as Paper solution.
PROTECT & PRESERVE ATTRACT & SELL INNOVATE & SAFEGUARD universities, municipalities, authorities, and govern-
ment entities. We respect human rights and con- REPLACEMENT
demn child labour. The REPLACEMENT pillar stands for our pledge to
Protection of the product Offer attractive packaging Provide packaging materials • In the environment: we strive to permanently reduce replace all non-sustainable materials with more sus-
against damage, dirt, light, design, while providing important that can be reduced, recycled or our material consumption and optimise our pro- tainable ones. We want to replace conventional materi-
moisture, and oxygen; information on product usage, replaced by materials made of duction processes. We accelerate the use of more als with new and innovative ones. This also includes the
safe storage ingredients, shelf life and disposal renewable resources to take sustainable input materials as much as possible. We use of alternative input materials to reduce the amount
responsibility for our planet’s future optimise existing processes and implement new ones of plastic per packaging unit, while also considering
both to reduce waste and resource consumption. its recyclability. We also work to replace rigid packag-
• In business: we strive to establish long-term, sustain- ing with flexible packaging and to replace packaging
able partnerships with our customers and suppliers. concepts with new innovative ones using less material
OUR SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY IS BASED ON A 5R APPROACH We support the use of innovative new raw materials, while keeping the same high level of protection.
intelligent technologies, and sustainable equipment. Replacing PS with E-base, a PP based film or replacing
common PET or PA composite material solutions with the
REDUCTION fully recyclable PP flow pack solution MonoFlowre
The REDUCTION pillar addresses the need to invest for fresh food.
REDUCTION REPLACEMENT
in innovative research to develop thinner, light-weight
films to reduce the amount of input material used in RECYCLING
the production process. Obtaining these reductions In order to get the most out of the raw materials in-
requires a high level of technical expertise, specifical- vested into the production of packaging films, we want
ly considering that we can make no compromise on to keep them in the loop by making them RECYCLA-
product protection. This pillar does not only result in BLE. With “Design for Recycling” we offer packaging
RESPONSIBILITY RENEWAL RECYCLING a reduction in material use, but also in a reduction of solutions to the different markets that can be recycled
packaging weight and volume which leads to smaller according to applicable laws and standards. We invest
storage space requirements and fewer transport loads. greatly in R&D of flexible mono and polyolefin mate-
SuperThin, the world’s thinnest laminate films. rials to make the recycling process easier, therefore
supporting a circular economy. Already today, we are
able to offer a recyclable alternative for each of our
consumer goods markets.
Our ready to recycle PE-based skin and shrink films
18. SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2019 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2019 and the awarded FlexiClosere solution. .19INTRODUCTION PURPOSE PEOPLE PLANET PROSPERITY
WE ARE INTER ALIA MEMBER OF THE FOLLOWING INITIATIVES
WE ARE INTER ALIA MEMBER OF THE FOLLOWING ASSOCIATIONS
ANTI-CORRUPTION
Schur Flexibles is committed to promoting fair We expect to make business decisions based on
competition and fighting corruption. Schur Flex- quality, service, and price.
ibles adheres to all national and international To ensure our position against corruption, we have
anti-corruption laws, such as the United Nations implemented a Code of Conduct (CoC), binding
Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). Bribery for all our employees in all business units and pro-
and accepting or granting benefits are forms of duction sites, introduced a whistleblowing mecha-
corruption. Corruption can occur in the private nism and we provide regular compliance trainings.
sector and vis-à-vis with public officials. Further, The CoC is enforced within the company through
corruption also includes the abuse of trust to gain surveys and audits. Moreover, we hold one-to-one
advantage without any legal justification, and in a trainings with new employees who sign the CoC
wider sense, the violation of general interest for as part of the recruitment process. We have now
personal advantage. We do not tolerate any form introduced mandatory online trainings, with trace-
of corruption anywhere in the world, whether it ability. We provide tailored in-house or external
involves a government official or business partner, trainings for managers, depending on the topics
or whether we buy or sell goods or services. addressed.
20. SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2019 .21INTRODUCTION PURPOSE PEOPLE PLANET PROSPERITY INTRODUCTION PURPOSE PEOPLE PLANET PROSPERITY
MATERIALITY ANALYSIS. STAKEHOLDER DIALOGUE.
The materiality analysis displays the path through which the company identifies the most relevant topics in the Pursuing a complete and credible sustainable develop- to narrow down the list and engage with ten cate-
context of its environmental, economic, and social responsibility. The material topics reflect the company’s im- ment path requires continuous dialogue and discussion gories in this first round of dialogues. To do this, we
pacts and serve as a guide for determining future objectives, indicators, and strategies. with our major stakeholders to identify and include assessed them according to their impact on the Schur
The heart of this analysis is the definition of the potential material topics and their positioning on the matrix. their needs in our strategic development. Listening to Flexibles Group and the intensity of our involvement
The graph below offers an overview of the steps that have been completed: and giving a voice to interest groups that influence or towards them. Furthermore, we made sure that all the
are influenced by the activities of a company is a very involved groups were able to analyse both an internal
important principle, not only for the strategic benefit, and external perspective. Thus, the stakeholder groups
but also in terms of risk management and added value involved in the dialogue carried out in spring 2020 are:
ANALYSIS OF DATA COLLECTION BASED ON ANALYSIS OF generated through a stronger relationship. shareholders, financial service providers, employees,
STATUS QUO GRI INDICATORS IMPACT ON SDGs clients, suppliers, new and future employees, retailers,
Being aware of the importance of this process, we NGOs, media, recyclers and waste disposal organisa-
mapped the company’s main stakeholders and iden- tions. Although consumers were assessed as a relevant
tified twenty interest groups. As we wanted to purse group, due to organisational reasons we were not able
COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS OF THE MAIN PROJECTS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO SUSTAINABILITY a deep rather than a broad interaction, we decided to initiate a dialogue with them in this first round.
IDENTIFICATION OF POTENTIALLY RELEVANT MATERIAL TOPICS
ANALYSIS OF THE ECONOMIC, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND SOCIAL IMPACTS OF EACH MATERIAL
TOPIC FROM AN INTERNAL POINT OF VIEW
EXTERNAL EVALUATION AND VALIDATION OF MATERIAL TOPICS THROUGH STAKEHOLDER
DIALOGUES TO DEFINE THE RELEVANCE FOR STAKEHOLDERS
VALIDATION OF MATERIALITY MATRIX
1. First of all, we conducted an analysis of the status 4. These topics were then evaluated from an eco-
quo, which gave us a rough overview about the nomic, environmental, and social perspective. This
actual sustainability performance in all our sites. evaluation was conducted within the sustainability
After, we started the first Group-wide data collec- team, verified by the board, and signed off by our
tion process based on the indicators of the Global CEO, Michael Schernthaner.
Reporting Initiative (GRI). Further, we analysed our
positive and negative – current and future – impacts 5. The internal evaluation was completed with an ex-
on the SDGs. ternal stakeholder dialogue. Each material topic was
validated by our most relevant stakeholder groups,
2. The first step gave us insights into existing projects who were asked to assess the extent to which a
within the company that contribute to the corporate given topic could potentially influence their actions Stakeholder
sustainability development path. and decisions. 1. Shareholders 7. Retailers 12. Public authorities 17. Unions
2. Financial service providers 8. Policy makers 13. Society 18. Research
3. By consolidating all information gathered in the first 6. All this resulted in our first materiality matrix. 3. Employees and legislators 14. Consumers 19. Service providers
two steps, we identified a list of 27 possible material 4. Clients 9. NGOs 15. Competitors 20. Recyclers and waste
topics. 5. Suppliers 10. Associations 16. Neighbours, disposal organisations
6. New and future employees 11. Media local communities
22. SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2019 .23INTRODUCTION PURPOSE PEOPLE PLANET PROSPERITY INTRODUCTION PURPOSE PEOPLE PLANET PROSPERITY
SDGs IMPACT ANALYSIS.
Given the exceptional situation resulting from the This first experience of conducting stakeholder dia- Our planet and humanity are facing important envi- As a second step, we assessed the positive and nega-
COVID-19 pandemic, all dialogues, conducted by logues in this format has proved to be very positive. ronmental, social, and economic challenges. In 2015, tive impact – current and potential – we have on each
external consultants, were performed online via a The gathered information is very meaningful, and the more than 150 world leaders from the United Nations of the goals. Even though we are aware the goals are
telecommunications software. Nevertheless, the willingness and gratitude shown by all participants went defined the SDGs to set priorities and aspirations to deeply interconnected, they do not have equal rele-
technological means used gave us the possibility to use far beyond expectations. The constructive, open, and respond to these challenges. The SDGs are a universal vance for our company.
different formats: so, while financial service providers, transparent dialogue has motivated us to expand the call for contribution from all levels. Each and every one
NGOs, recyclers and waste disposal organisations were process in the future, possibly implementing it on a is asked to strive to achieve them. Globally, many gov- As a result of the analysis, we identified that the Schur
involved through personal interviews; employees – regular and continuous basis. ernments and companies have started actively working Flexibles Group has most impact on the following
both newcomers and long term – took part in a focus in line with the goals. SDGs: 5, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15.
group (4 groups altogether) and other interest groups All collected inputs regarding the validation and the
were consulted by means of a questionnaire. evaluation of the material topics are represented We also want to contribute. Therefore, while preparing The resulting image is helping us better understand
along the vertical axis of the materiality matrix and the our first Sustainability Report, we took the chance to how we can contribute to the realisation of the goals
The objectives of the stakeholder dialogue were, on indications that emerged with respect to the additional analyse our impact on the SDGs and how we relate to and how we can integrate the SDGs into our future
the one hand, to validate the potential material topics questions were discussed and reflected with various them as a company. As a first step, we studied each strategic planning. The SDGs played an important role
that emerged from the status quo analysis, the data company departments. Further steps have been de- goal in depth by studying its relevance, its single tar- in the drafting of the material topics list that we vali-
collection process and the impact analysis on the Sus- fined for each of the stakeholder groups. A summary gets, its current global situation, and its meaning on a dated through the stakeholder dialogue process.
tainable Development Goals (SDGs) and, on the other of the results and next steps of each dialogue can be corporate level.
hand, to understand the stakeholders’ perception of found in the appendix.
the Schur Flexibles Group, their expectations, their
interpretation of sustainability, and their assessment of
opportunities and risks.
24. SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2019 .25INTRODUCTION PURPOSE PEOPLE PLANET PROSPERITY
1. EDUCATION AND TRAINING
2. HEALTH AND SAFETY
3. EMPLOYEE PARTICIPATION
THE RESULT: OUR MATERIALITY MATRIX. 4. GENDER EQUALITY
5. DIVERSITY
Topics that overcome the threshold (set at 3) both
from an internal and external perspective are consid- 6. GOVERNANCE
ered as relevant for the company’s sustainable devel-
opment, entering the list of Schur Flexibles Group’s 7. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
material topics.
8. ENERGY CONSUMPTION
Each topic is reported on within this document with a
description of the overall objective, its boundaries, the 9. RENEWABLE ENERGY
management approach and the KPIs. This allows us to
assess what has already been implemented at a strate- 10. MOBILITY
gic and operational level and how we aim to reach each
topic’s objective in the future. Additionally, we present 11. RESOURCE EFFICIENCY AND
projects and business processes that reflect the oper- CIRCULAR ECONOMY
ative side of this strategic thinking. During the elabora-
tion process, it became clear that some material topics 12. WASTE VOLUME AND TREATMENT
are strongly interconnected with one another and we
therefore decided to group them and not report on 13. STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT ON
them singularly. SUSTAINABILITY TOPICS
Topics below the threshold are not included in this 14. TRANSPARENCY OF SUPPLY CHAIN
report. However, there are topics that could poten-
tially play a relevant role in the future and we intend to 15. SUPPLIER ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
update and evaluate the materiality analysis on a yearly
basis. 16. SUPPLIER SOCIAL ASSESSMENT
17. USAGE OF RENEWABLE MATERIAL
18. ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT OF PRODUCTS
19. SOCIAL POLICIES AND BENEFITS
20. BIODIVERSITY
21. LOCAL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
22. UNIONS ALLOWED
23. WORKING TIME MODEL
LEGEND 24. EMITTED VOLATILE ORGANIC
COMPOUNDS IN ATMOSPHERE
Material topics
25. WATER CONSUMPTION
Topics below the materiality threshold;
not included in the report 26. SUSTAINABILITY OF TRANSPORT PACKAGING
Grouped material topics 27. RECYCLED RAW MATERIAL
26. SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2019 .27INTRODUCTION PURPOSE PEOPLE PLANET PROSPERITY INTRODUCTION PURPOSE PEOPLE PLANET PROSPERITY
METHODOLOGY. STRUCTURE OF THE REPORT.
This Sustainability Report has been prepared following the guidelines set out by the Global Reporting Initiative The material topics presented and described within The allocation took place based on the predominant
(GRI) Standards, application level “Core”. The information and data refer to all the twenty production sites this report are structured according to our 4Ps logic: objective of the material topic.
manufacturing flexible packaging solutions and the company headquarters for the period ranging from the 1st Purpose, People, Planet and Prosperity. This logic is a Each material topic is represented by:
of January 2019 to the 31st of December 2019, unless otherwise indicated. result of our Group-wide project “ReThinking Schur • an overall objective towards which it tends,
Flexibles”, which has the goal of redefining the Group • the boundaries for which it is relevant,
The corporate boundary is defined by Schur Flexibles GmbH; for each material topic the overall objective, bound- identity and developing a stronger Group thinking. • the management approach and the internal respon-
aries, management approach and KPIs are specified. The Sustainability Report has been prepared based on the These four dimensions shape the strategic future of sibilities,
fundamental principles outlined by the GRI to guarantee the completeness and quality of the provided informa- Schur Flexibles. • KPIs to give insights about the status quo,
tion. Further, this Sustainability Report serves as our Communication on Progress (COP) to the United Nations The structure of this report follows the ten relevant • current and future projects to further develop the
Global Compact. material topics or groups of material topics displayed topic and achieve the overall objective.
in the matrix. The material topics are assigned to one This work serves as a basis for our objectives to be in-
of the 4Ps. At this point, it is essential to mention that creasingly concrete and specific and for improving our
Group companies included in the reporting boundaries: the 4Ps are strongly interconnected and the assign- monitoring system.
Administrative sites Production sites ment of one material topic to a specific P does not
Schur Flexibles Holding GesmbH, Schur Flexibles Denmark A/S, Bjert, Denmark necessarily exclude its relevance for another P.
Wiener Neudorf, Austria Danapak Flexibles A/S, Slagelse, Denmark
Schur Flexibles GmbH, Berlin, Germany Schur Flexibles Finland Oy, Jakobstad, Finland
Schur Flexibles Germany GmbH, Schur Flexibles Dixie GmbH, Kempten, Germany
Kempten, Germany Schur Flexibles Dixie Films GmbH & Co. KG,
Schur Flexibles Dixie Verwaltungs GmbH, Kempten, Germany (Established end of 2019)
Kempten, Germany (Established end of 2019) Hänsel Flexible Packaging GmbH, Freital, Germany
Schur Flexibles Flexofol GmbH, Kempten, Germany Schur Flexibles Vacufol GmbH,
Schur Flexibles Uni UK Limited, Bad Grönenbach, Germany
Midlothian, Great Britain Schur Flexibles Uni UK Converting Limited,
Schur Flexibles Uni SAS, Averdoingt, France St Helens, Great Britain
Schur Flexibles Uni Logistics SASU, Schur Flexibles ABR SA, Komotini, Greece
La Ferté-Bernard, France Schur Flexibles Uni Roto SAS, Averdoingt, France
Schur Flexibles Uni Flexo SAS,
Fontenay-le-Comte, France
Schur Flexibles Uni Coextrusion SA,
Vendôme, France
Schur Flexibles Uni Pouches SARL,
La Ferté-Bernard, France
Cats Flexible Packaging B.V.,
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Schur Flexibles Benelux B.V., Leek, Netherlands
Drukkerij Zwart B.V., Amersfoort, Netherlands
TSO Packaging Printers B.V, Goirle, Netherlands
Schur Flexibles Poland Sp.z.o.o., Bogucin, Poland
Schur Flexibles Moneta s.r.o., Trebisov, Slovakia
Scandiflex Pac AB, Landskrona, Sweden
28. SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2019 .29INTRODUCTION PURPOSE PEOPLE PLANET PROSPERITY
PURPOSE.
Purpose is our central pillar. It is the element that aligns
each and every one of our people in their different
roles and leads us on our co-creational journey. It
encompasses why we do what we do and outlines our
core reason of existence. Purpose gives meaning and
invites all employees to contribute to the maximum of
their capabilities.
Today’s world requires adaptation to rapid change.
At Schur Flexibles we have taken up this challenge and
want to play an active role in shaping the future of the
flexible packaging industry. This is why we dare to move
out of our “business as usual” comfort zone and work
to achieve those outstanding results that we all want
and need.
Purpose – along with its accompanying field of values –
will allow the Schur Flexibles Group to grow together
into one organism. Within this purpose driven organisa-
tion, we will contribute to the fulfilment of the objec-
tives and visions defined in our 3 corporate strategic
fields of actions: People, Planet and Prosperity.
MATERIAL TOPICS
Governance
Stakeholder Involvement
on Sustainability Topics
SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2019 .31INTRODUCTION PURPOSE PEOPLE PLANET PROSPERITY INTRODUCTION PURPOSE PEOPLE PLANET PROSPERITY
GOVERNANCE. DEVELOPMENT OF
A SUSTAINABILITY TEAM.
OVERALL OBJECTIVE MANAGEMENT APPROACH
Our ambition is to become a sustainability pioneer With the objective of favouring cooperation on all lev-
within our industry. This entails connecting R&D, tech- els to become a sustainability pioneer, we are address- CONTEXT DESCRIPTION
nical and manufacturing capabilities, sales representa- ing this material topic with the launch of the “ReThinking The establishment of a corporate sustainability team, The members of the sustainability team are experi-
tives, and our administrative team to develop together Schur Flexibles” project, which started at the end end of 2018, marked our first step towards the fulfil- enced industry experts with profound knowledge of
as a group. Sustainability is one of our key leadership of 2019. In an open participation process, a team of ment of our vision to become sustainability leaders Schur Flexibles’ technologies and with strong relation-
tasks and every employee is invited to join the jour- employees from all our production sites is shaping the in the industry. The team’s objective is to grow even ships with important stakeholders such as associations,
ney. Therefore, we want to encourage group thinking Schur Flexibles Group strategy by establishing a new further and cover all areas of sustainability. suppliers, and clients. They are the first point of con-
as well as promote organisational development that Group-wide vision, mission, and values. On an operational level, the team is responsible for the tact for all sustainability aspects. Martin Berlekamp and
drives personal and professional growth. By collectively non-financial reporting and has the goal of publishing Max Wolfmaier are part of the team since its creation
working towards eco effectiveness and eco efficiency, a yearly Sustainability Report based on the GRI Stand- and they directly report to our CSO, Friedrich Humer.
we are not only promoting connectivity throughout BOUNDARIES ards – with this very document representing the first At the end of 2019, we brought Fiene Berger on board.
the Schur Flexibles Group, but also with all our clients. Group level, including all corporate overarching edition. The drafting of this first Sustainability Report has
Together we are improving products and at the same activities. already shown a good and important result: the first
time contributing to the objectives set by the SDGs. consolidation of all key figures regarding the Group’s
sustainability performance. This represents the basis
for further strategic developments.
KPIs
SCHUR FLEXIBLES SUSTAINABILITY TEAM
›30 ECOVADIS
RANKING
NUMBER OF
PUBLICATIONS
Publications regarding sustainabil-
Danapak Schur Schur
ity, recyclable packaging solutions Flexibles Flexibles
Flexibles
and circular economy in well Dixie Uni
known national and international
journals. Martin Berlekamp Max Wolfmaier Fiene Berger
Head of Sustainability Manager Sustainability Corporate Responsibility
Manager
Within the team, Max and Martin are responsible for products and regulations while Fiene is focusing on processes.
Together, they support Schur Flexibles' goals and those of our stakeholders towards a sustainable future.
PROJECTS
DEVELOPMENT OF A RETHINKING
SUSTAINABILITY TEAM SCHUR FLEXIBLES
32. SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2019 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2019 .33INTRODUCTION PURPOSE PEOPLE PLANET PROSPERITY
RETHINKING
SCHUR FLEXIBLES.
CONTEXT DESCRIPTION
A strong and united core combined with an agile Jointly developing a value framework allows us to
and future-oriented approach are necessary to drive increase awareness both on sustainable behaviour as
change in a rapidly evolving world. “ReThinking Schur well as on the strategic role of diversity throughout the
Flexibles” is our journey to define the Group identity Group. The process is designed to make the defined
and values, co-created by the people of Schur Flexi- values visible, to be able to integrate them into our
bles. Cross-site and inter-departmental cooperation daily work at all levels and to transfer them in all areas
brings our specialised centres of excellence together of the company.
and helps us grow to become one unified Group. This development was promoted by implementing an
open participation process between site managers and
sales units. Further, a broader group of Schur Flexi-
bles employees from all functions and locations was
involved in the project through qualitative interviews.
Additionally, all our employees were asked to complete
surveys which served as the basis for our work.
PROCESS
2019 Group-wide employee surveys on Values, Group Culture and Collaboration.
Multi-day teambuilding workshop for the project kick-off within the Group
Leadership Team, composed of 32 decision makers.
Regular dialogue forums on cultural and organisational topics involving
sales managers and employees from different locations.
Our principles are anchored within our organisation thanks to a broad OUTLOOK 2020
base of multipliers and reflected across all areas of operation on a daily
basis, both internally and externally. On a more practical level, we want
to create cross-site and inter-departmental teams and forums to activate
and implement the purpose and value framework in all locations.
34. SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2019 .35INTRODUCTION PURPOSE PEOPLE PLANET PROSPERITY INTRODUCTION PURPOSE PEOPLE PLANET PROSPERITY
STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT FINDING WAYS TO RECYCLE
ON SUSTAINABILITY TOPICS. OUR PRODUCTION WASTE.
OVERALL OBJECTIVE MANAGEMENT APPROACH CONTEXT
Our business environment is characterised by a dense We manage this topic and its respective objectives The aim of this project is to find ways to recycle our PA/PE (polyamide/polyethylene) production waste into a
global network, making interactions with multiple by building cooperative partnerships to develop and higher quality material instead of disposing of it in an incineration plant. To do so, we started a cooperation with
stakeholders complex. Nevertheless, remaining true run joint activities and projects. The recommenda- innovative recycling technologies specialist APK AG.
to Schur Flexibles’ principles, we can only find the best tions, needs and overall results of a former study we
solutions involving as many stakeholders as possible in conducted on our stakeholders are used as a basis for
our decision-making process and in the consequent our company development. The main responsibility for DESCRIPTION
implementation of our plans. The drafting of this report stakeholder engagement lies with our CSO, Friedrich The solvent-based recycling process used by APK As a matter of fact, Schur Flexibles Vacufol GmbH’s
creates the right occasion to embark on a wide stake- Humer, and our Head of Sustainability, Martin Berlekamp. enables the separation of PA/PE composite materials, PA/PE production waste has been collected by APK
holder dialogue to define the sustainability topics we thus enabling material recycling and reuse of produc- for recycling for over a year now. This result is the very
should put our primary focus on. Moreover, we want to tion waste, previously treated by a local waste man- evidence that new technologies and close coopera-
nurture a strong interaction with our most important BOUNDARIES agement company. The successful implementation of tion with recycling companies can lead to closing the
stakeholders to align our sustainability strategy with This material topic covers all our relevant stakeholders. the project helps us close this loop, contributing to the loop of waste recycling. Additionally, it has also shown
customer and market needs, integrating them into our The stakeholder groups “employees” and “suppliers” fulfilment of our vision of a circular economy. Only by what added value we can achieve through stakeholder
product development. Finally, we want to use these are specifically covered by other material topics. integrating APK into our previous waste disposal con- involvement. Lastly, instead of paying for the recy-
dialogues as opportunities to develop and initiate pro- cept and by closely exchanging information, we were cling, we now also generate additional turnover for the
jects and activities together in the field of sustainable able to improve our raw material recycling in this area. company.
development.
KPIs
PROCESS
28 80 8
2018 Preparatory talks
NUMBER OF NUMBER OF CLIENT NUMBER OF
IMPLEMENTED VISITS BY THE COOPERATIONS 2019 Implementation of material recycling
PROJECTS ON SUSTAINABILITY FOR SUSTAINABILITY
SUSTAINABILITY TEAM TOPICS
WITH STAKEHOLDERS
Intensification of cooperation and OUTLOOK 2020
if possible, expand to other product
groups or plants
PROJECTS
FINDING WAYS TO WASTE – BE CIRCULAR –
RECYCLE OUR A COOPERATION WITH
PRODUCTION WASTE FUTURY
36. SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2019 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2019 .37You can also read
