Sustainability
Responsibility
Since 1905, as a family business based in the Fichtel Mountains, we have been committed to treating our region’s resources responsibly. For several decades we have implemented many of the measures now outlined in the Farm-to Fork initiative. Working in harmony with nature is central to our business model and as such is guaranteed by our articles of association. The principle of sustainability is not only implemented but continually and comprehensively improved, paying attention to our environment, economy, and society.
The Meaning of Farm to Fork
The Farm to Fork initiative was adopted by the European Union in 2020 and aims to improve both soil fertility and productivity. It ensures a fair income for farmers whilst securing sustainably produced food at reasonable prices. PEMA adheres to these principles through its collaboration with local cultivators. The Farm to Fork strategy should also assist the European Union to become carbon neutral by the year 2050.
Our supply chain is based upon the region an its people
Rye, which is suited to the barren soil of the Fichtel Mountains, is the most important raw material used by PEMA. Within a 30km radius over fifty farmers responsibly produce and deliver their Rye directly to our production facilities. There is no need for any detours via a third-party mill. For over thirty years, through our cooperative partnership with the local farmers we have built up a community of cultivators producing quality rye for PEMA.
Through controlled contract farming we can guarantee that the grain will not be genetically modified. Through contract farming we know that there will be crop rotation and our Rye will be cultivated without the use of pesticides and weedkillers. Through contract farming we can ensure a fair price for the grain and give our farmers an acceptance guarantee.
Environmental protection through technology
By steadily improving our energy efficiency and by saving water throughout our production process we illustrate our commitment to both environmental and climate protection. Catalytic converters filter the exhausts from our ovens and the residual heat is used for heating and hot water. Already some 20% of our company vehicles are electric and can be charged on site using renewable energy. PEMA is a member of the ‘Association of Environmentally Friendly Companies’ [QuB : Qualitatsverbund Umweltbewusste Betriebe] and the Bavarian environmental covenant [Umweltpakt Bayern].
Our 100% recyclable packaging not only guarantees long lasting freshness but also contributes to the conservation of resources and our goals of achieving zero waste.
Our corporate philosophy now includes exploring innovative ways to reduce CO2 as well as complete traceability of our raw materials throughout production.
What do we mean by traceability?
At PEMA safety and quality go hand in hand. PEMA’s quality controls monitor and document our complete manufacturing process beginning in the fields and concluding with the distribution of the finished bread. The journey that each pack of bread takes can be traced back throughout the manufacturing process.
The L-number printed on every packet enables us to determine to the exact minute when that bread was baked, as well as which farmer grew the rye.
Biodiversity protection
On PEMA’s premises, directly adjoining the river Eger, we have a large meadow that is covered in native flowering plants, offering the perfect habitat for all sorts of insects. On the edge of our company grounds is a large natural garden filled with native plants and shrubs. Our educational centre, the ROGG-IN also has its own rye-garden created around the traditional three-field system offering an ideal environment for all sorts of insects. In 2019 we received the award "Blühender Betrieb" literally meaning ‘Business in Bloom’.