KERPEN DATACOM has a history spanning more than 100 years at its Stolberg site. For us, responsibility means taking ecological, social and economic considerations into account in our business decisions and processes.
The floods in 2021 caused severe damage to our site. The experience gained from this event informs, among other things, how we address operational risks and the resilience of our site.
We use the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework for considering and structuring different areas of action
Energy is required to develop and manufacture our cables, wires and polymer compounds. We therefore monitor energy consumption systematically and assess opportunities to improve energy performance.
KERPEN DATACOM operates a quality management system certified to DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 and an energy management system certified to DIN EN ISO 50001:2018.
The scope of both certifications covers the development, manufacture and sale of cables, wires and polymer compounds. The DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 certificate is valid from 14 October 2025 to 13 October 2028. The DIN EN ISO 50001:2018 certificate is valid from 24 July 2026 to 23 July 2029.
As part of our energy management system, we record and analyse operational energy consumption. This provides a basis for identifying and assessing technical and organisational measures.
For operational waste, our focus is on avoidance, separation and recovery.
Where technically and operationally feasible, we avoid packaging that is not required for product protection, storage or transport. Recovery routes are in place for cable, copper, metal, paper and plastic waste.
Through our participation in KTG Kabeltrommel Gesellschaft, we contribute to a deposit system for cable drums and reels. We use reusable systems where they are available and suitable for the relevant application.
When selecting and working with suppliers, we take the requirements of our Code of Conduct into account. We work with suppliers that agree to these requirements or apply comparable requirements within their own processes. This is particularly relevant when working with suppliers outside the European Union.
When commissioning services, we also take proximity to our site into account where this is operationally and economically appropriate.
When sourcing raw materials, we assess opportunities to consolidate transport and avoid partial loads where this is compatible with the relevant delivery and production requirements.
KERPEN DATACOM is a member of the employers’ association Gesamtmetall and is covered by collective bargaining agreements.
Occupational health and safety are integral to our operational processes. Safety-related incidents and workplace accidents are investigated in order to identify their causes and determine appropriate measures.
Diversity is part of our everyday working environment. Our site is home to employees of different nationalities as well as colleagues with disabilities. Respectful and appreciative interaction is an integral part of how we work together.
When developing our cables, data systems and polymer compounds, we take into account technical performance, applicable standards and specifications, as well as requirements relating to material use, processing and intended use.
We document the technical performance characteristics of our products in the relevant product information and data sheets.
For defined data systems, KERPEN DATACOM offers a 25-year system warranty in accordance with the applicable warranty terms and conditions.
As part of product development, we also assess opportunities to adjust material use. Any changes are made with due consideration for the technical, quality and regulatory requirements defined for the respective product.
We communicate environmental characteristics of a material or product in specific, product-related terms where the relevant information and supporting evidence are available.
In our communications, we distinguish between measures already in place, documented results, objectives and plans.
We relate environmental claims to the specific process, product or business activity being described. Where supporting evidence, technical documentation or certificates are available for a claim, we aim to provide as direct a link to this information as possible.
This is intended to make clear what a statement refers to and the basis on which it is made.
We continue to develop our reporting on energy, environmental and social topics in line with the requirements relevant to KERPEN DATACOM.
When making investment decisions, we consider energy consumption and other operational impacts relevant to the specific investment alongside technical and economic criteria.
Production processes and technical solutions are reviewed as part of our development, maintenance and investment processes. This may include consideration of energy consumption, material use, process safety, quality and economic viability.
We assess specific improvements on the basis of the individual project.
Improvements often originate where processes are used every day. Our employees can therefore submit their own improvement ideas through the company suggestion scheme.
Bonuses may be awarded for suggestions that are implemented.
Environmental, energy and social topics are also addressed as part of our internal communications.
Where appropriate for the role concerned, we offer options for mobile working or working from home.
Business mobility also forms part of our internal decision-making. Under our Car Policy, we assess different drive technologies and their suitability for the intended use.
We also take into account site-based initiatives that provide employees with different options for their commute.
Legal requirements and technical standards are continuously evolving. We monitor developments relevant to our business activities and incorporate applicable requirements into our operational processes.
When conducting business outside Germany, we also take into account the applicable local requirements in each case.