Higher goals for Holtab’s sustainability efforts
What does it truly mean to lead the way toward a sustainable future? For us at Holtab, the answer is clear – sustainability must be at the heart of everything we do. Michael Fohlin, CEO, shares insights on how small steps can lead to significant changes and why companies of the future must take responsibility today.
“At Holtab, sustainability has always been important, but in recent years, we’ve really shifted into a higher gear. We work on everything from energy efficiency and personnel safety to gender equality and renewable electricity production. Over time, this makes a big difference for us, our customers, and society at large,” says Michael.
Holtab’s sustainability efforts are not only about taking responsibility for the environment and society – they also create added value for the company.
"It engages both new and existing employees. Most notably, we’ve seen students drawn to work at a company that contributes to something positive. Many who do their thesis projects with us are attracted by the fact that we are a company striving to make a difference,” he says.
Increased profitability through diversity
Attracting more women to Holtab is a strategic goal and a natural part of the company’s sustainability efforts. Since Holtab made the decision to increase the proportion of women, it has grown from 10% to about 20%.
“A diverse workforce becomes more dynamic. Men and women contribute different perspectives, which makes us stronger. Research shows that companies with diversity are more profitable. Plus, we want to be a workplace where everyone feels welcome. As we grow and our products are in demand, we need to attract new talent – both women and men."
Investing in solar power
By 2025, Holtab aims to be a net supplier of renewable electricity. The solar panel installation at Holtab’s site in Tingsryd currently contributes around 50% of all electricity consumed. The goal is to soon move forward with more self-produced renewable energy.
The future of sustainability work
Looking ahead, sustainability will remain a central part of Holtab’s strategy, and Michael Fohlin sees this as an absolute necessity.
“In the long run, sustainability efforts are crucial for our survival and also a competitive advantage. It’s both a challenge and an opportunity. Small steps today create big opportunities for the future, and we are ready to lead the way.”
Sustainability of the future
Looking ahead, sustainability will continue to be a central part of Holtab's strategy, and Michael Fohlin sees this as a given.
"In the long run, sustainability efforts are crucial for our survival and also a competitive advantage. It is both a challenge and an opportunity. Small steps today create big possibilities for the future, and we are ready to lead the way there."
How Holtab works with sustainability:
Net supplier of renewable electricity by 2025
- We produce our own electricity through a solar power system. Our total installed capacity is now 665 kW, which covers about half of our electricity consumption. We continue toward the goal of becoming a net electricity supplier by 2025.
- In 2023, we initiated the third phase of our solar energy investment. An additional 740 solar panels will be installed on our buildings. The rest of the purchased electricity comes from 100% renewable sources in the form of wind power.
- We are planning further steps to become self-sufficient in electricity, either through more solar power or other types of renewable energy production.
- Our operations in Tingsryd are being optimized to reduce overall energy consumption. We are investing in new technology, including heating, lighting, and ventilation systems.
- We are digitizing our operations to enable change and encourage climate-smart choices among employees.
- Lighting fixtures in our facilities are being replaced with LED lights.
Phasing out fossil fuels
- From 2023 onward, all new company cars and forklifts will be 100% electric. Carbon dioxide emissions from our vehicle fleet have decreased by 20% compared to 2022.
- The last diesel forklift was replaced with a newly developed electric 16-ton forklift, the first of its kind in Sweden.
- Holtab requires its suppliers and partners to follow directives to reduce their climate impact.
- We work to increase the percentage of consolidated shipments. Transport planning is done to ensure as many stations as possible are transported together. For instance, we use a so-called sling truck that travels between different production units and local contractors.
- We collaborate with suppliers to encourage them to choose transport options with a lower climate impact.
- A carpooling project has been initiated in partnership with Energikontoret Sydost to increase opportunities for our employees to carpool to work.
Acting against environmentally harmful products
- We work to minimize the use of environmentally harmful products, which involves careful evaluation of purchases.
- One of Holtab's larger environmental concerns has been the use of solvent-based primer. Since Q3 2022, this primer has been replaced with a water-based one, reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by 96%.
- A new painting methodology will also reduce the amount of primer used.
- New washing routines have lowered zinc emissions from the wash hall, and the municipality now assesses that it has no noticeable impact on wastewater.
Healthier work environment
- We have a zero-accident vision for the workplace.
- We work proactively to prevent accidents, work-related injuries, incidents, discrimination, harassment, and bullying. If we become aware of incidents or signs of ill-health, we act immediately by taking corrective measures.
- Managers are strengthening their knowledge of sustainable work environments.
- To promote good health, we invest in preventive wellness initiatives and work closely with our occupational health services.
Increased gender equality
- Since we actively decided to attract more women to Holtab, the percentage of women has increased from 10% to 20%.
- We have launched an electrical training program for women in collaboration with Montico.
- We promote careers in the electrical industry to school students, including through IGEday, which is aimed at girls in secondary school.
- We also highlight the issue of gender equality through our partnership with athlete Stina Nilsson.
- We offer our employees menstrual products in selected restrooms in Tingsryd.
Development work in Nepal
- We collaborate with Build up Nepal, which builds earthquake-proof houses in impoverished areas.
- We have contributed to hydropower and electrification in the village of Jyamrung.
- We assist with microloans for people who need capital to start businesses.
- Volunteers from Holtab regularly travel to Nepal to provide technical expertise.
Strengthening the local community
- Holtab sponsors Tingsryd’s hockey team, several local football clubs, and other non-profit organizations within sports and culture. The goal is to strengthen the community and contribute to a good upbringing environment for the youth in the municipality.
