Ravensburger Str. 128–134
88276 Berg/Ravensburg
Germany
P +49 751 89-0
F +49 751 89-1300
Over the course of 120 years, RAFI has grown to become an international high-tech company. We owe this accomplishment to the people who have contributed their knowledge and dedication to the undertaking since the founding of the company in 1900. The focus has always been on a singular topic: responsibility. Responsibility for our products, for our solutions, for society, and for the environment. That is also why sustainability has always been a key component of our culture. Sustainability is not a static state. It demands a long-term view and must be driven by targeted processes. Every individual, and therefore every company, can and should make a meaningful contribution through their daily actions. You can find out how this is reflected at RAFI in our sustainability report.
The RAFI Group has chosen to undergo a sustainability assessment with the world’s leading provider, EcoVadis. This rating ensures that our activities are independently monitored across the broad spectrum of sustainability, providing a better understanding of our overall CSR performance in the four assessment areas of environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. This makes it possible for us to continuously optimize our company’s contribution to sustainable development and advance our efforts in a targeted manner. The RAFI Group received a silver medal from EcoVadis in the initial rating in 2023.
We recognize the importance of forming strategic partnerships to achieve global sustainability goals and have therefore joined the United Nations Global Compact, which operates on the basis of 10 universal principles and the Sustainable Development Goals. The UN Global Compact thus aims to create a more inclusive and sustainable economy that “benefits all people, communities, and markets, both now and in the future.”
By joining the German network of the United Nations Global Compact, RAFI GmbH & Co. KG commits to transparently documenting and publicizing compliance with these UN criteria in annual reports.
In 2015, the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. At its heart are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for a global community. The SDGs define indicators for the achievement of global prosperity and peace. They correspond to the three pillars of sustainability (environmental, social, and economic) and can be categorized into the four focus areas of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC). The 17 goals are designed to minimize intergenerational conflicts and demonstrate respect the natural limits of our planet.
With consideration of the various ways in which the RAFI Group can effectively impact the achievement of the 17 Sustainability Goals, we identified four key topics. These topics are vital for the sustainable development of the RAFI Group as a company, with the involvement of stakeholders invested in the interests of business, society, and the environment.
A clean environment, healthy lifestyle, and good medical care have a crucial influence on human well-being.
... MoreThat is why ensuring the safety and health of our employees is our highest priority. To foster safety and health, we have incorporated a large number of benefits into our comprehensive occupational health management (OHM) program. Effectively managing the safe handling of hazardous substances and conducting regular substitution checks are not only aimed at improving the safety of our employees but also have a positive impact on the entire value chain.
As a provider of medical technology solutions, we also play a role in goal achievement. We engage in elaborate product development in order to contribute to the advancement of medical imaging equipment, including ultrasound, X-ray, computer tomography, and magnetic resonance devices, and we provide our customers with technologies for controlling medical devices. We work closely with customers and users to continuously accelerate the development of our medical technology products, with the goal of improving people’s health throughout the world.
... LessDecent work and economic growth form the universal foundation for social progress.
... MoreThis is why RAFI ensures compliance with applicable labor law and fair compensation for all employees at all locations.
With our sustainable growth strategy focused on the future viability of the company, we are committed to providing training and qualifications to junior staff and to ensuring that employees are able to reconcile the responsibilities of their family with those of their career. Beyond our internal structures, we also look at our upstream suppliers. We use a systematic supplier management system to evaluate suppliers according to various aspects along the value creation chain.
... LessInnovation and a pioneering spirit are integral components of RAFI’s DNA and have always driven our company’s success in the realms of both business and corporate social responsibility.
... MoreWith our innovative, customized HMI solutions, we facilitate highly user-friendly interaction between machine and operator. The shorter response and adjustment times resulting from this make it easier to use our products for energy-efficient operation, in addition to other benefits.
In cooperation with our customers, we develop ultra-effective electronics assemblies for e-mobility. As a member of the Component Obsolescence Group Germany (COGD), we are committed to sustainable obsolescence management. This means making product development more resource-efficient overall.
... LessA drastic reduction in carbon emissions is essential if we are to conserve resources, avoid overstepping the Earth’s natural limits, and adhere to the 1.5°C target.
... MoreTo effectively support global climate protection efforts and the EU’s climate targets, we have committed to a strategy with short-, medium-, and long-term goals in order to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. To this end, we are pressing ahead with the energy-efficient renovation of existing buildings and are also in the process of constructing an energy-efficient production site. Following the move at the end of 2024, it will be possible to conserve additional valuable resources in production while also reducing the amount of primary energy used.
At our headquarters in Berg, we have been using the cogeneration of heat, power, and cooling as a resource-conserving source of heat and energy since 2013. We generate a portion of our energy through our own photovoltaic systems, and as of 2019, we have transitioned to using 100% green electricity for the remainder of our energy supply at our locations in Germany. All our product development and manufacturing is focused on responsible, efficient use of energy and materials. Our commitment to continuous improvement means we systematically monitor our processes and identify potential for optimization, especially in production. We aim to reach the energy targets we have set for ourselves and steadily reduce our ecological footprint through these actions.
... LessRAFI is investing a sum in the high two-digit millions for this three-year renovation and energy-saving modernization project..
The first construction phase for Building A has been successfully completed. Now the nine-story block has new external insulation plus a rear-ventilated façade made of certified recycled aluminum. From an energy standpoint, all components are designed for maximum reduction in CO2 emissions.
