All materials used are selected in line with stringent quality criteria. In a standardised process, new materials are subjected to inspection with regard to factors such as customer demands, the requirements of the production process and regulated substances.

Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) will be issued for every new product in future. These describe the environmental impact of materials used during manufacture and subsequent impacts during the use phase. This will improve the selection of materials based on environmentally relevant aspects.

The Zumtobel Group employs the most environmentally compatible product packaging, transport packaging and repackaging systems available. Whenever possible, one-way packaging in cardboard comprising 98% waste paper, and returnable packaging are used. Transport packaging made of polystyrene is replaced wherever possible by bubble wrap or cardboard matting, which also contains a high level of recycled material.

Being an organisation that operates on a global scale, the Zumtobel Group faces the strategic challenge of documenting the fact that all applicable legislation and directives are adhered to without exception; this is made even more difficult given the growing volumes of electronic components that are sourced from Asia.

A new IT system will be implemented in the next financial year in order to simplify this documentation and ensure long-term compliance on every continent. This system will make it possible to capture all relevant information about materials that are used. One particular advantage of the new system is that Zumtobel Group suppliers will also be able to enter data regarding supplied raw materials and materials for intermediate products directly into the system.

The use of harmful or controversial materials cannot be avoided entirely. Another important aspect of environmental protection is the correct handling of hazardous and other critical substances. The Zumtobel Group rigorously ensures that bans or restrictions on the use of substances in line with the RoHS Directive and REACh, among others, are respected. Only those products that definitely include no prohibited materials or include them only within the permissible limits, or for the use of which a statutory exemption applies are released. There is, for instance, a regulation on mercury which is found in minimal amounts in fluorescent lamps. These lamps are, however, being replaced by LEDs to an increasing extent. Batteries for emergency lighting contain nickel cadmium which is a harmful material. These batteries are to be completely replaced by nickel-metal hydride batteries by 2011/12 in line with EU Directive 2006/66/EU. When cables that contain PVC catch fire, they can release toxic substances such as halogens and hydrogen chloride. This is why, for the wiring of its luminaires, the Lighting Segment is replacing cables that contain PVC with cables that contain no PVC, although there is no legal obligation to do so. This switchover is scheduled for completion by the 2011/12 financial year.