Zotter’s success is living proof that ecologically and socially sound business practices are economically viable. Zotter is one of the most sustainable companies in Austria. The company’s holistic concept, which follows on from the decision only to use organic and fairly traded ingredients, is evolving and progressing continuously.
Far from being regarded as waste, even cocoa bean shells are either converted into thermal energy in the company’s steam-driven power station or used as fertiliser for the vegetable patches in the Edible Zoo.
The hot-water supply is powered by geothermal energy.
Bioplastics & Non-Glossy Packaging: We use bioplastics made by Biomat (www.biomat.info) from renewable sources for our packaging needs.
We would prefer not to use any film packaging at all, but unfortunately there is currently no viable alternative for companies operating in the food sector.
Our packaging is made from environmentally friendly paper without glossy coating and printed with environmentally friendly colours. Although the decision to use uncoated rather than high-gloss paper did result in a temporary drop in sales, we stuck with it and our sales figures soon got back to normal.
Self-sufficiency: Zotter’s personal energy supply is completely self-sufficient – he even produces more power than he needs. His organic farm at home and his Edible Zoo, which supplies the company’s cafeteria, make him self-sufficient in every respect.
Zotter has been awarded the Trigos Prize for Corporate Social Responsibility several times.
Zotter products are consistently rated as "excellent" in the Greenpeace Market Check for social as well as ecological aspects – ingredients, transport, packaging, GM, animal welfare – and are sometimes the only company to achieve that score.
2012 Zotter is awarded certification as a Climate Alliance Partner.
2013 Zotter is nominated as a European Business Awards finalist in the Sustainability category. The jury panel’s decision is still pending.
2017 Zotter is nominated for the Österreichischer Klimaschutzpreis 2017 (the Austrian Climate Protection Award). An expert jury selects his »Environmental Protection as a Concept for Success« as one of the three best projects in the corporate category.
2017 Zotter receives an award for the Best Environmental Declaration 2017.
2018 Zotter is nominated for the European Business Awards for the Environment 2018-2019 (EBAE).
2018 Winner of the 2018 Energy Globe Award Austria
For more information read Zotter's environmental declaration in German (PDF) and EMAS Certificate (PDF).