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REDUCE

More Resource-Efficient Production

Efficient use of raw materials is a central concern for our production. As part of the “Resource-Efficient Production” project funded by Effizienz-Agentur NRW, we are optimizing our punching techniques to reduce the use of copper and steel materials.

To improve recycling, we are analyzing our separation processes with the aim of achieving the highest possible raw material recovery rate.

In the injection molding process, we are reducing by-products like sprues through more efficient tools and technologies. In 2024, we were able to avoid around 260 metric tons of sprue by adapting 60 tools of the 221 Series.. Development of further tool generations is planned to enable sprue-free, cycle-time-optimized production. Remaining sprues are processed into post-industrial regranulate at five production sites using mills and extruders.

Resource-Efficient Logistics

Steps towards resource-efficient logistics were initiated at the Sondershausen location as part of a grant from Effizienz-Agentur NRW. A central aspect is the conversion to digital processes – for example, through the introduction of digital delivery notes, which are currently being prepared for pilot applications. This way, customers will have access to order and delivery status information in the Web shop.
In addition, we will optimize transport routes and focus on circular solutions, such as reusable containers and pallets. In 2024, we were able to avoid around 14.1 metric tons of disposable cardboard waste.

Together with suppliers, we are working on return procedures for transport materials so these can be reused or processed. For example, 3,760 defective containers (approx. 8.2 metric tons) were returned to our supplier for regranulation or reuse.

Another project involves the use of a paper winder in the WAVE24 central warehouse; WAGO is the first company in the DACH region to make use of this technology. The system is integrated into an automated system and replaces plastic film with sturdy paper winding, allowing up to 60 pallets per hour to be packaged efficiently without plastics.

Taking Responsibility – from Packaging to Disposal

As part of our efforts to avoid plastics where appropriate and switch to sustainable alternatives, we have integrated resource-saving packaging into the “circular packaging design” target as part of our Circular Economy Action Plan. One significant step is switching from composite packaging to paper and cardboard to make our product packaging more sustainable. In addition, we have developed a solution to dispense with PET-based deep-drawn parts in the packaging by using packaging made of mono-material. This facilitates disposal, since no separation process is required, and has already allowed us to avoid 5 metric tons of plastic in 2022.

We aim to reduce both our resource consumption and waste within the company. Any waste that cannot be prevented is managed at our sites in compliance with applicable regulations, and we work with specialist companies to ensure the best possible disposal. A core aspect of our waste management is recording and documenting waste quantities and tracking them over time with defined metrics. This also allows us to measure the effectiveness of the actions we implement.

80 % of the waste generated in production is recycled. The remaining waste is divided among incineration, landfill disposal, reuse and other disposal and recovery methods.

The 221 Series Green Range: A New Take on a Classic Idea

To steadily reduce the demand for newly produced plastics, we’ve reimagined one of our most iconic products: the 221 Series Splicing Connector with Levers. For the past year, a version partially made from bio-circular and recycled plastics has been available.

ISCC-Plus Certification

The polycarbonate purchased for the Green Range is certified according to the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification System (ISCC-PLUS). ISCC-PLUS certification allows unbroken traceability of the materials used along the entire supply chain. These include residual materials from industry and households, such as tall oil, waste fats and by-products from cooking oil production. After the initial certification of our Sondershausen facility by TÜV SÜD in 2023, the first recertification of Sondershausen and certification of the Minden and Päpinghausen facilities followed. In 2024, our location in Domdidier (Switzerland) was also certified for production of the Green Range. Each individual step in production of the 221 Series Green Range housing, which is manufactured in our production facilities in Germany, has been tested externally and meets the ISCC PLUS standard.
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RETHINK

Ecodesign through Digitized Sustainability Data

Taking environmental issues into consideration early on in product design is a central lever for achieving greater circularity. For this purpose, we are creating a reliable database with the help of standardized lifecycle assessments (LCAs). This helps us select materials that conserve resources or optimize product lifespans, for example.

This also provides the basis for developing the digital product passport, which provides central information about materials, emissions and reusability in structured form. It creates transparency throughout the entire lifecycle while laying the foundation for new service-based business models, such as usage-based product offerings or return and repair services.

In the long term, these approaches need to be systematically integrated into the development process – and sometimes automated – in order to more closely link sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

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Research Projects for Circular and Data-Based Product Development

In order to systematically reduce environmental impacts, we are rethinking product development to make the whole process circular, data-based and lifecycle-oriented from the outset. In several research projects, we are working on integrating sustainability assessment and CO2e accounting directly into the development process.
As part of the GoProZero, ZirkuPro and Sustainable Lifecycle Engineering research projects, we are testing how artificial intelligence, digital accounting and circular business models can be integrated into industrial product development.

All three projects originate in the it’s OWL technology cluster and demonstrate how we at WAGO systematically link research with practice – with the goal of implementing durable, resource-efficient solutions throughout the entire product lifecycle.

For additional information, see the specific linked project pages.

RE:CONNECT

WINSTA® Product Return

As a first step towards achieving our strategic goal, we have initiated a pilot project together with our partner CIRCOLEKTRA for end-of-life take-back of WINSTA® products from the Dutch market. With the support of CIRCOLEKTRA, we are integrating WINSTA®products into an efficient return system at the end of their use phase.
We are working on circular solutions to give the raw materials and components a second life after the products are returned. Products that cannot be reused are properly recycled.

We are currently collecting used WINSTA® cables on the Dutch market via the return system in order to bring them to market as part of our first reused or refurbished line.

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A Second Life for Computers, Tablets and Smartphones

We have our used IT and mobile devices professionally refurbished, because keeping them in use for as long as possible is the best solution from a sustainability perspective. In Germany and Switzerland, we partner with AfB gGmbh, Europe’s largest non-profit IT company. AfB is a recognized inclusion employer with approximately 5,000 employees, 45% of whom are people with disabilities. In Germany and Switzerland, we handed over around 1,200 devices in 2024, 95 % of which were reprocessed and sold. This saved about 1,003,619 liters of water, 568,236 kWh of energy and 148 metric tons of CO2 equivalents compared with purchasing new equipment.

Your Sustainability Contact

Corporate Sustainability

We’re happy to answer your questions about company-wide sustainability topics, in particular:
  • Corporate Sustainability Strategy
  • Code of Conduct and Sustainability Due Diligence
  • Sustainability Assessments (e.g., EcoVadis, Integrity Next)
  • Sustainability Reporting and KPIs (e.g., Corporate Carbon Footprint)

Product Sustainability

For questions about product-specific sustainability topics, such as:

  • Substance Compliance (e.g., RoHS, REACH)
  • Product Recycling
  • Conflict Minerals
  • Product Carbon Footprint