Villeroy & Boch has been awarded an EcoVadis Platinum Medal for the second year running, further improving its sustainability rating to 94 out of 100 points.
The Mettlach-based ceramics and fittings manufacturer has increased its score by nine points compared with the previous year, placing it once again among the top 1% of companies assessed by EvoVadis. The result also places Villeroy & Boch among the highest-rated companies in its industry.
Sustainability performance is assessed across four areas – environment, labour and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement – based on independently verifiable evidence. Villpery & Boch improved its performance across four categories compared with the previous year, reflecting progress across the Group, from global procurement to factory production processes. The company’s climate targets have also recently been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
“For us, sustainability is a strategic value driver,” says chief financial officer Dr Markus Warncke. “Receiving the Platinum award once again and our further improvement in the ranking show that consistent ESG management pays off, both environmentally and economically. Particularly in a challenging economic environment, we are committed to responsible business practices in the long term. By consistently pursuing our climate targets, we are positioning ourselves for the future.”
Less CO₂, more recycled material: the figures behind the progress
Environment: Villeroy & Boch reduced its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 34.5 per cent since 2021. In 2025 alone, almost 9,500 tonnes of CO₂e were saved through new power purchase agreements (PPAs) and increased solar power generation at its Torgau facility in Germany and its Hódmezővásárhely facility in Hungary.
Resource efficiency is also addressed through product development; for example, the ALU+ range of fittings is manufactured from 100 per cent recycled aluminium. Water-saving technologies are another focus, with TwistFlush and AquaReduct designed to reduce water consumption in everyday use. According to Villeroy & Boch, TwistFlush can save a four-person household up to 19,700 litres of water per year.
The company is also working towards its ‘Zero Waste to Landfill’ target by reducing waste from its recycling production. Unfired scrap is returned directly to the manufacturing process, whilst other residual materials are recycled externally, helping to reduce the use of primary resources and increase the proportion of materials kept within the circular economy.
Labour and human rights: Villeroy & Boch has continued to strengthen its approach to employee wellbeing, diversity and flexible working. Some 87 per cent of the workforce across 19 sites now work under ISO 45001 certification and health and safety systems, exceeding the Group’s target of 80 per cent.
In 2025, the Executive Board also introduced a Group-wide diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policy and signed the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles. The company aims to increase the proportion of women in management positions from 41% to 50% by 2028.
Flexible working is also supported through a global policy allowing employees outside production to work remotely for up p to 40 per cent of their working time. In Germany, a lifetime working hours account has been in place since January 2025.
Ethics: Villeroy & Boch has increased its focus on corruption prevention, with 97% of employees in higher-risk areas, such as procurement and sales and marketing, completing relevant training in 2025. The company reported zero confirmed cases throughout the year. This led to no cases of corruption since it was implemented.
An anonymous whistleblowing scheme is also available to employees, suppliers, and other external partners, providing a confidential channel for reporting concerns. and partners.
Sustainable procurement: 86% of the procurement volume is now subject to the Group’s own Code of Conduct, exceeding its own 84% target. In spring 2025, Villeroy & Boch also systematically analysed all its global suppliers for human rights and environmental risks, as required by the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG).