Corporate Social Responsibility
Our long-term commitment to sustainability
All over the world, social and economic structures are undergoing profound changes. We are facing enormous challenges such as climate change, increasing environmental pollution, species extinction as well as trade or armed conflicts. At the same time, we are experiencing great progress in many technical areas, particularly in biotechnology. Many positive examples show how we, as a global community, can contribute to the sustainable development of our environment and society.As a family-owned company with stable values and an enduring corporate culture, we have been committed to sustainability and social responsibility far beyond our legal obligations for generations. Without ever losing sight of our roots, we are always striving for progress to ensure the sustainable development of our company and its environment.
Sustainable production Ecological footprint Social commitment
Sustainable production
Minitube was founded in 1970 with the goal to increase efficiency in animal breeding and thus advance the development of an ever more sustainable animal production. As one of the pioneers of artificial insemination, in-vitro fertilization, and embryo transfer, Minitube has established itself as the world leader in applying advanced techniques of reproduction in the animal protein industry.Artificial insemination (AI) provided over the last decades substantial contributions to the genetic progress of our domestic animals. Milk production in dairy cows has more than doubled over the last 50 years, better feed conversion in pigs saves alone in Germany close to 3 million tons of grain each year. Today, we use less agricultural land than ever to provide a growing human population with valuable proteins. Other breeding traits like calving ease or good performance in grazing systems in cows or outstanding mothering ability and disease resistance in pigs are among the goals of today´s husbandry, continuing our journey towards a sustainable and animal friendly production of healthy and affordable food.
Ecological footprint
Minitube was among the early adopters in ecological sustainability: At the German headquarters, for more than 10 years now, solar plants have been covering the roof of our production building and the entire walls of the warehouse. Together, they are producing approximately 180,000 kWh per year, covering about 60 % of the site´s electricity consumption.
Not only during the manufacturing of our products, have we paid attention to economical use of resources. Our buildings are on the cutting edge of technology and designed to achieve as much energy savings as possible. Our solar plant in Germany is complemented by an energy efficient block heat and power plant. Large areas of the warehouse are heated and cooled by an advanced combination of a ground-source heat pump and thermal concrete core activation: in winter, the concrete ceilings and the ground plate are used to store and spread thermal energy while the technology can be reversed and used for cooling in summer.
Other subsidiaries do not stand behind: At Minitub do Brasil, 98 solar panels are generating approximately 61,200 kWh per year. This covers up to 100 % of the site’s electricity consumption.
At the Minitüb Slovakia production site, the administrative and social premises have been heated by air compressor heat instead of gas-burning boiler since 2020. In addition, a 250 kW photovoltaic powerplant has been in operation since autumn 2022, with a further extension planned. The continuous improvement of plastic resin consumption (by waste reduction and/or re-use) under the supervision of internal lean specialist rounds off the efforts to achieve resource-efficient production.
To promote biodiversity, we landscape our company grounds with insect-friendly plants, provide nesting sites for birds and insects, and do without strong exterior lighting of our buildings. Our company fleet consists mostly of electric or hybrid vehicles. To keep energy consumption as low as possible, the contribution of each individual counts. Minitube employees are specially trained to act as energy-efficiently as possible in everyday work.
Social commitment
Minitube's responsibility to society starts small with our employees and continues to expand through the local and global community. We offer our employees meaningful work and create conditions for a positive working environment, proactively invest in professional training and health care.WORKING@MINITUBE: WHERE FOCUS IS ON PEOPLe
We are aware of our responsibility to society around us. We value the cooperation with local and regional suppliers. As an example, Minitube appreciates the DIN ISO-certified services of the “Landshuter Werkstätten”, which operates workshops and production sites for people with disabilities. A real win-win situation for more than 20 years!
Minitube supports charitable and social facilities and projects, regionally and internationally, through donations and charity campaigns, from sponsoring the Tiefenbach youth soccer team to contributions to organizations standing up for fair global distribution of food or for children in need.
As an industry leader, Minitube recognizes the importance of providing products that do not compromise quality or safety even if this should result in higher production costs. For this reason, all proprietary products are manufactured in our own state-of-the-art facilities. We watch out for our suppliers to respect the compliance with human rights, labor standards and environmental protection policies. In a time that is often oriented only at actual, quick profit, Minitube sets on sustainability, continuity, and social commitment.
