As a manufacturer of cleaning and municipal technology, sustainability at Hako touches on many aspects of day-to-day work – from the development of products and technologies, through the use of energy and resources, to working together within the company, characterised by diversity and equal opportunities. Hako takes a holistic approach that gives equal consideration to environmental, economic and social aspects. As a company operating internationally, Hako takes responsibility for the impact of its own business activities.
As a manufacturer of cleaning and municipal technology, sustainability at Hako touches on many aspects of day-to-day work – from the development of products and technologies, through the use of energy and resources, to working together within the company.
As a manufacturer of cleaning and municipal technology, sustainability at Hako touches on many aspects of day-to-day work – from the development of products and technologies, through the use of energy and resources, to working together within the company, characterised by diversity and equal opportunities. Hako takes a holistic approach that gives equal consideration to environmental, economic and social aspects. As a company operating internationally, Hako takes responsibility for the impact of its own business activities.
Sustainability Programme
Key Issues and Project Teams
As part of a materiality analysis, Hako identified the sustainability issues that are central to the company and prioritised them according to their significance for the environment, the economy, society and stakeholders. A targeted sustainability programme was developed on this basis.
Hako has set up interdisciplinary project teams to address areas where discrepancies have been identified between the current situation and the strategic positioning. These teams are made up of experts from the relevant departments and develop specific objectives and measures – as an integral part of the sustainability programme.
Project teams are currently active in the following areas:
• Circular economy
• Energy and water consumption
• Environmental management
• Product-specific information
• Communication and recognition
• Work-life balance and staff health
• Diversity and equal opportunities
• Training and further education
Economic
Environment
Social
Economic Performance
Hako’s business activities are geared towards long-term economic success – in harmony with environmental and social responsibility. By generating profits, Hako safeguards its own long-term viability whilst also contributing to the economic development of the local community.
A significant proportion of the economic value generated is distributed amongst various stakeholders – these include, in particular, expenditure on staff, payments to suppliers and taxes paid to the state. When selecting suppliers, Hako relies on reliable, predominantly regional business relationships: 65 per cent of Hako GmbH’s procurement budget is allocated to suppliers with a German billing address, with a further 31 per cent going to suppliers in other European countries.
In addition, a distribution is made to L. Possehl & Co. mbH, which passes on part of the dividend to the Possehl Foundation. In accordance with its articles of association, the Foundation supports, amongst other things, charitable organisations, education, culture and social projects, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the local community.
Climate Strategy and Emissions
Since 2023, Hako has been tracking its Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with the GHG Protocol. The year 2023 forms the basis for defining and measuring the reduction targets. As part of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the Hako Group has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions in line with the 1.5-degree target of the Paris Agreement.
To support these group-wide objectives, Hako has implemented various measures: the gradual electrification of its vehicle fleet, the expansion of photovoltaic systems, the energy-efficiency refurbishment of sites, and the increased use of recycled materials. Together with the Possehl Group, Hako is also working on a climate risk analysis to assess potential impacts on sites, processes and business activities.
Whilst Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions remained largely constant in 2023 and 2024, Hako achieved a 7.7 per cent reduction in 2025. This development is attributable in particular to lower fuel consumption resulting from the gradual conversion of the vehicle fleet to electric vehicles, as well as to energy-efficiency improvements at the headquarters in Bad Oldesloe.
Energy Management
Energy management at Hako encompasses both operational processes and products. It tracks the energy consumption of the company’s own facilities and processes, as well as the energy requirements of machines in use by customers.
In recent years, several measures to improve energy efficiency have been implemented at the company’s facilities, including the switch to LED technology, energy-efficient new buildings, and the use of heat pumps.
At the same time, the expansion of renewable energy is being driven forward: Photovoltaic systems have been installed at additional locations, and the system at the headquarters in Bad Oldesloe has been expanded from 150 kWp to 600 kWp. The gradual electrification of the vehicle fleet is also part of these measures.
In terms of products, a key focus is on developing more energy-efficient drive technologies. The Scrubmaster B35 and B50—as the new generation and successors to the B30 and B45—enable energy savings of up to 34% thanks to more efficient drive motors. In addition, work is underway on the first fully electric Multicar M31 ZE, scheduled for market launch in the first quarter of 2027, as well as on the Citymaster 1670 ZE, the successor to the Citymaster 1650 ZE.
Recycled Materials and the Circular Economy
Factors such as material selection, material efficiency, repairability, ease of disassembly, and recyclability play a role right from the start in the development and design of Hako machines. A dedicated guideline for sustainable design helps the development teams incorporate these criteria early in the development process.
The use of recycled materials is also being gradually expanded. The Scrubmaster B25 already uses post-industrial recycled materials from internal production waste for its fresh and wastewater tanks. This resulted in savings of approximately 12.6 metric tons of virgin material in 2025. In addition, work is underway to incorporate post-consumer recycled materials from external material cycles. In the future, the use of materials from existing material cycles will also be evaluated for other components.
In addition to product development, this area also includes the reconditioning of used machines. This is primarily handled centrally by Hako Service GmbH, which reconditions used machines and prepares them for further use.
Work-Life Balance
Hako supports work-life balance through various policies. For example, all employees—regardless of gender—are entitled to the full duration of statutory parental leave. In addition, administrative staff can work remotely for up to 40% of their working hours—a level of flexibility designed to accommodate different personal and family situations.
Working Conditions, Safety, and Health
Safe and reliable working conditions are an essential part of the work environment - especially in production. Occupational safety and health at Hako are based on legal requirements and supplemented by internal regulations. These include, among other things, risk assessments, regular training, occupational health care, fire safety measures, and the provision of personal protective equipment. An occupational safety committee meets quarterly with representatives from relevant departments and employee representatives. The production sites in Bad Oldesloe and Glindow, as well as the sales office in Hamburg, are certified to ISO 45001.
Diversity and Equal Opportunity
At Hako, employees are to be treated equally regardless of gender, background, or other characteristics related to diversity, and are to be given comparable opportunities for professional development. These principles are enshrined in the company’s Code of Conduct, which applies to all employees. Reports or complaints regarding potential violations are investigated and addressed accordingly.
Gender is not a factor in compensation either. Employees in the commercial sector and those covered by collective bargaining agreements are compensated according to the pay grade corresponding to their job duties, while the compensation for employees not covered by collective bargaining agreements and executives is based, among other factors, on experience, scope of responsibility, and performance. This is also reflected in the gender pay gap, which stood at 0.64% at Hako in 2025.
EcoVadis Award
In 2025, the Hako Group’s sustainability performance was awarded a bronze rating by EcoVadis. With an overall score of 65 out of 100, Hako achieved 63 points in the Environment category, 70 points in the Labour & Human Rights category, 47 points in the Ethics category and 75 points in the Sustainable Procurement category.
Diversity Charter
At Hako, diversity means equal opportunities for all. By signing the Diversity Charter, Hako has committed itself to creating a respectful and non-discriminatory working environment in which everyone is welcome – regardless of their background, age, gender, religion, disability or sexual orientation.
Science Based Targets
Hako hat im Rahmen der Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) Ziele zur Reduzierung der eigenen Treibhausgasemissionen definiert. Diese sind wissenschaftlich fundiert und ausgerichtet am 1,5-Grad-Ziel des Pariser Klimaabkommen.
Blue Angel
The Citymaster 1650 and 2250 have been awarded the Blue Angel label. Both machines meet the strict criteria of the German eco-label (DE-UZ 59a) for low-noise municipal vehicles.
AGR Quality Mark
Hako machines offer a high level of comfort and promote back-friendly working practices. The Multicar, Citymaster and Scrubmaster have been assessed by Aktion Gesunder Rücken e. V. (AGR) for their overall ergonomic design and awarded the ‘Tested & Recommended’ seal of approval.