Since 1953, Ofrex has stood for reliable supply solutions for the workplace. As a Swiss provider, we take responsibility for the environment and society. We see sustainability as an ongoing commitment: we reduce our ecological footprint, strengthen fair and safe supply chains, and support our customers with transparent information for more sustainable procurement decisions. Ofrex has been ISO 14001 certified for many years and continuously develops its environmental management.
Our initiatives at a glance
Environmental management according to ISO 14001:2015
Environmental management according to ISO 14001:2015
Our environmental management covers all sites and delivery processes and consistently follows the PDCA cycle. We conduct risk and opportunity assessments, keep a legal register up to date, define roles and documented procedures for deviations as well as CAPA. Relevant environmental indicators such as energy, waste, packaging, and logistics-related emissions are regularly collected, internally audited, and evaluated in the management review; external audits ensure certification. Employees are trained, goals with milestones are set annually and aligned with the supply chain – ensuring that improvement remains both demonstrable and practical in everyday operations.
CO₂e balance: Partnership with ClimatePartner
CO₂e balance: Partnership with ClimatePartner
Together, we prepare our annual Corporate Carbon Footprint in accordance with the GHG Protocol (Scope 1–3, where data is available), including documentation of system boundaries, emission factors, and market- vs. location-based electricity. Based on this, we define reduction pathways and prioritize measures for avoidance and reduction. For residual emissions that are currently unavoidable, we contribute to verified projects with high quality standards, without exaggerated neutrality claims. More information about our Carbon Footprint can be found here.
CO₂e compensation: Projects certified according to Gold Standard and Verified Carbon Standard
CO₂e compensation: Projects certified according to Gold Standard and Verified Carbon Standard
We exclusively select climate compensation projects certified under the Gold Standard or the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS). Initiated by WWF and headquartered in Geneva, the Gold Standard expands the Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol with strict ecological and social criteria; each project must demonstrably contribute to the 17 UN SDGs, and only CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O are eligible. The VCS, managed by the non-profit organization Verra, is the world’s most widely used voluntary standard and focuses on transparently documented, independently verified emission reductions in CO₂ equivalents – including clear project IDs, monitoring, and registry retirement. This selection ensures additionality, measurability, and verifiability, and prevents greenwashing; project-based contributions complement but never replace our own reduction pathways.
UN SDGs: Our contribution to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals
UN SDGs: Our contribution to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals
Our work contributes to the UN SDGs, with priority on avoiding and reducing our own emissions. In addition, we make climate protection contributions to certified projects focusing on renewable energies, particularly hydropower, thereby addressing primarily SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), as well as SDG 8 (Decent Work) and SDG 17 (Partnerships) as co-benefits. We select projects according to strict criteria such as certification, additionality, regular monitoring, and verifiable retirement; communication is carried out without greenwashing. Project data is included in the annual CSR update and complements – never replaces – our own reduction pathways.
Our 3-point plan
Our 3-point plan makes sustainable purchasing simple: we curate products so that making the better choice requires no extra effort – durable, refillable, repairable, with clear information on materials, origin, care, and disposal. At the same time, we reduce our operational footprint through consolidated deliveries instead of partial shipments, tailored cartons with minimal filler, and data-based routing. We ensure progress through environmental management in line with ISO 14001 and an annual CO₂ balance according to the GHG Protocol with ClimatePartner. In this way, we bring practicality, value for money, and transparency to every workplace in Switzerland.
Our goals and key figures for a sustainable future
We keep our goals and metrics concise and verifiable: we manage carbon footprint and energy, logistics, packaging and waste, assortment and circularity, supply chain and working environment, as well as data quality and governance. Examples include total and per-shipment tCO₂e, electricity and heat consumption including the share of renewables, consolidation rate and return rate, packaging volume per shipment and recycled content shares, coverage of sustainable alternatives in the assortment, and data coverage and verification rate. We review trends quarterly, compile the CO₂ inventory annually, and, in case of deviations, derive clear corrective and preventive actions with deadlines and ownership.
Succeeding with our supply chain
In the supply chain, we rely on clear standards, pragmatic due diligence, and joint improvements. During supplier onboarding, we collect information on labor and environmental standards, material data, certificates, and packaging details on a risk-based approach; the depth of review depends on origin, product group, and performance. Where necessary, supporting evidence or external audits complement self-disclosures, and information is updated regularly. Together with partners, we reduce packaging, increase recycled content, improve consolidation, and establish return and second-life models; deviations are addressed systematically through defined tolerance ranges, root cause analyses, and CAPA packages.
Contributions on the topic
Here you will find more contributions on sustainability and social responsibility.
UN SDGs – our contribution
We align our sustainability work with the goals of the United Nations (UN SDGs). Priority is given to avoiding and reducing our own emissions. In addition, through ClimatePartner we contribute to certified projects, mainly in the field of renewable energy (focus on hydropower). In this way, we make measurable contributions to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action) and – as co-benefits – to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) as well as SDG 17 (Partnerships). Why the SDGs are our reference point The Sustainable Development Goals connect climate, resources, economy, and social aspects in a global framework. For a B2B supplier like Ofrex, they create a common language with customers and suppliers. We translate the SDGs into clear priorities: first avoid, then reduce, and only for today’s still unavoidable emissions do we make additional climate protection contributions in verified projects. Methodology & Governance: solid basis, clear roles We calculate our CO₂ balance (Corporate Carbon Footprint) annually with ClimatePartner according to the GHG Protocol (Scope 1–3, as far as data is available). The result serves as the starting point for reduction pathways with interim targets. For project-based climate protection contributions, we use certified standards (e.g. Gold Standard, Verified Carbon Standard). Important: climate protection projects do not replace our own measures – they complement them. Priority remains the absolute reduction. Our focus with ClimatePartner: renewable energy The focus is on renewable power generation projects, particularly hydropower. These projects: feed clean energy into the grid (SDG 7), avoid greenhouse gas emissions in the power mix (SDG 13), create local value and jobs in operation and maintenance (SDG 8), are developed in partnerships between operators, auditors, and communities (SDG 17). Depending on the annual portfolio, we also consider project types that address additional SDGs (e.g. biogas/waste-to-energy for SDG 11/12, efficient cookstoves for SDG 3/5/7, or renaturation for SDG 15). However, the priority remains on renewable energy. SDG impact – concretely classified SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy Project impact: Renewable electricity replaces fossil generation and stabilizes local grids. Our contribution: Financing certified renewable energy projects (focus on hydropower) as a complement to our own reduction. SDG 13 – Climate Action Project impact: Demonstrable emission avoidance (tCO₂e) through clean generation. Our contribution: Annual CO₂ balance as a management basis; project-specific climate contributions according to transparent criteria. SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth (co-benefit) Project impact: Local jobs in construction, operation, and maintenance; qualification and safety standards. Our contribution: Preference for projects with documented social standards and occupational safety. SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals Project impact: Collaboration between companies, project developers, auditors, and communities. Our contribution: Cooperation with ClimatePartner and verified project developers; transparent reports and documentation. How we proceed Quality criteria for projects: what we insist on Certification & additionality – only projects with recognized standards and proven additional climate impact. Monitoring & verification – regular, independent audits; traceable project IDs and retirement evidence. Transparency – disclosure of methodology, system boundaries, risks (e.g. water flow, dry periods), and co-benefits. Social & ecological due diligence – protection of biodiversity, water quality, labor and human rights. No greenwashing – projects complement internal reduction; communication without exaggerated or blanket neutrality claims. How we measure and report tCO₂e financed: annually reported climate contribution per project/standard. SDG mapping: documented allocation of project impacts to SDG targets/indicators. Share of renewable energy in the project portfolio: focus ratio per year. Review cycles: annual portfolio review; update of documentation and links to project records. Integration: project data flows into our CSR update; it is provided in addition to operational reductions. Example of a project year Clarify needs: finalize CO₂ balance, identify residual emissions. Define portfolio: prioritize renewable energy projects; add co-benefit projects if appropriate. Due diligence: certificates, monitoring reports, risk check. Contribute & document: booking, project ID, retirement/accounting. Reporting: SDG mapping, KPI update, links to project information.
Supply Chain & Partners
Ofrex anchors sustainability in the supply chain through clear standards, risk-based onboarding, reliable product data (materials, certificates, packaging), joint improvement programs, and transparent KPIs. We address deviations with a structured four-step process – from early warning to transparent communication. Why the supply chain is the lever Most of the ecological and social impact occurs upstream – in material selection, production, and packaging. By steering here in a targeted way, we improve quality, availability, and sustainability at the same time. That is why Ofrex integrates procurement, product data, logistics, and partner development into a continuous improvement process. Our standard: clear requirements, fairly implemented We work with long-term, audited suppliers and communicate expectations openly. These include: legal compliance, prohibition of child and forced labor, occupational safety and health protection, resource protection, anti-corruption, data protection, and transparent product compliance. Depending on the product group, we require evidence such as FSC/PEFC, other environmental and quality labels, or legally relevant conformity certificates. Sustainability is part of performance evaluation – not just an extra chapter. Due diligence: risk-based, pragmatic, effective Onboarding. We record the status of labor and environmental standards, product certificates, material information, and packaging through self-disclosure and document review. Risk management. The depth of review and follow-up steps depend on origin, material risks, product group, and performance. Verification. Where appropriate, we supplement self-disclosure with evidence or external audits. Updating. Information is updated regularly; changes in the supply chain or product are reported promptly. Product and packaging data: the basis for good decisions For buyers to make more sustainable choices, we need structured, comparable data. We ask partners to provide information on: Material composition, recycled and bio-based content Durability, repairability, refill and spare part systems Origin of relevant components (where appropriate) Packaging type, volume, and recycled content Available certificates and test reports This information flows into our assortment labeling, filters (e.g. “recycled,” “refillable,” “certified”), and internal evaluations. For climate-related assessments, we follow the GHG framework; data depth is expanded step by step. Collaboration instead of control: improving together We focus on supplier development with clear goals: reduce packaging, increase recycled content, improve logistics consolidation, and establish take-back and second-life models. Where gaps exist, we agree on Corrective & Preventive Actions (CAPA) with deadlines, milestones, and responsibilities. We actively share best practices – what works in one product group, we scale to others. Handling deviations: structured and transparent For deviations, we rely on a clear four-step process and work with defined tolerance ranges (e.g. > 5% deviation or two consecutive months of negative trend): Early warning – In the quarterly review we identify KPI drifts, assess significance (trend vs. outlier), and check whether data is complete and timely. Cause – We classify the deviation systematically (data quality, methodology/system boundaries, process errors, external effects), use root-cause methods such as 5-Why/Fishbone, and verify emission factors as well as assumptions. Countermeasures – We define a CAPA package with clear responsibilities, deadlines, interim milestones, and expected KPI impact; if necessary, we adjust target paths, resources, or processes and implement tighter monitoring intervals as well as escalation for critical KPIs. Transparency – We document decisions and effects in a traceable way, mark retroactive data corrections, and communicate results including learnings, good practices, and any methodological adjustments in the next CSR update. Closed loop with partners: from pilot to standard process Together with manufacturers and logistics partners, we advance closed loops: take-back programs for suitable product groups (e.g. toner, batteries, durable work equipment), verified second-life processes with clear condition classes, as well as reusable and optimized packaging. The goal is to transfer successful pilots into standard processes – so that resource conservation works in everyday life. KPIs & roadmap in the supply chain We measure progress and anchor accountability. Below are our key figures: Procurement volume signed under Supplier Code of Conduct (%) Share of suppliers with CO₂ inventory or reduction targets (%) Verification rate of relevant certificates per product group (%) Packaging reduction per SKU / recycled content in packaging (%) Take-back volume and second-life rate (units/% per product group) Update rate of supplier data (%/year) Review cycles: Annual supplier evaluation; quarterly KPI reviews; semi-annual improvement dialogues with key partners. Embedding: The supply chain KPIs are linked to our ISO 14001 framework and contribute to the overall CO₂ balance according to the GHG Protocol, which we update annually.
Goals & Key Figures
We make sustainability measurable. Based on our environmental management according to ISO 14001 and an annual CO₂ balance in line with the GHG Protocol (with ClimatePartner), we manage six target areas: carbon footprint & energy, logistics, packaging & waste, assortment & circularity, supply chain & workplace, as well as data quality & governance. For each area we define concrete KPIs, measurement rhythms, and responsibilities. Sustainability has an impact when goals are clear and verifiable. Key figures create accountability, make progress visible, and help prioritize everyday decisions – from procurement to logistics to the supply chain. Our environmental management is organized according to ISO 14001 and is regularly reviewed. The CO₂ balance (Corporate Carbon Footprint) is prepared annually together with ClimatePartner in accordance with the GHG Protocol, including Scope 1–3 where data is available. The base year 2021 serves as a reference; from this we derive reduction pathways with interim targets: 1) Carbon Footprint & Energy Target picture: Reduce emissions in absolute terms and make energy use more efficient and renewable – across all sites, transparently documented. KPIs (selection): Total emissions and emission intensity (tCO₂e total; tCO₂e per shipment / per m² / per order) Electricity and heat consumption (kWh total; kWh per m²) Share of renewable energy in electricity mix (%) Market- vs. location-based electricity balance (documentation & difference) Measurement rhythm: Quarterly monitoring, annual CO₂ inventory with ClimatePartner. Levers: Efficiency at sites (lighting, HVAC), avoiding idle operation, electricity from renewable sources. 2) Logistics & Delivery Target picture: Same service quality with fewer emissions – through consolidation, smart planning, and suitable delivery options. KPIs (selection): Emission intensity per shipment (kg CO₂e/shipment) Consolidation rate (positions/shipment or orders/delivery) Failed delivery rate and return rate (%) Share of lower-emission transport (e.g. e-vehicles, % of tours) Measurement rhythm: Monthly tracking, semi-annual optimization with logistics partners. Levers: Data-based route planning, meaningful delivery windows, avoiding partial deliveries. 3) Packaging & Waste Target picture: “As much as necessary, as little as possible” – less material, more recycled content, more reuse. KPIs (selection): Packaging volume per shipment (g/shipment) Recycled content and reuse rate (%) Separately collected fractions & recycling rate (%) Residual waste total (t/year) Measurement rhythm: Quarterly evaluation by material fractions. Levers: Custom-fit carton sizes, recycled fillers, reusable/returnable packaging, eliminating avoidable overpackaging. 4) Assortment, Circularity & Product Transparency Target picture: Sustainable alternatives are easy to find and economically viable. Circular solutions are part of the standard offering. KPIs (selection): Share of ecologically preferred alternatives in the assortment (% of SKUs) Revenue share of sustainable alternatives (%) Refill/spare part coverage per category (%) Take-back volume and second-life rate (units/% per product group) Data coverage on material, origin, care, disposal (% of products with information) Measurement rhythm: Semi-annual portfolio reviews; annual assortment report. Levers: Labeling/filters, curated alternatives, take-back and refurbishment for suitable product groups. 5) Supply Chain & Workplace Target picture: Reliable standards in sourcing practices and a safe, healthy working environment – internally and with partners. KPIs (selection): Procurement volume signed under Supplier Code of Conduct (%) Share of suppliers with CO₂ inventory or reduction pathways (%) Verification rate of relevant certificates (% per product group) Training hours per FTE; accident rate (LTIFR); turnover (%) Measurement rhythm: Annual supplier evaluation; HR KPIs quarterly. Levers: Risk-based onboarding, improvement programs, best-practice transfer. 6) Data Quality, Governance & Reporting Target picture: Reliable figures, clear responsibilities, and reporting without window dressing. KPIs (selection): Data coverage per KPI (%) Share of verified data sets (% / sample rate) On-time delivery of reports (on-time/late) Implemented measures per quarter (#) Measurement rhythm: Quarterly reviews in environmental management; annual CSR update on ofrex.ch. Levers: Defined system boundaries, documented emission factors, external plausibility checks. Target Horizons & Reduction Pathways We work with 12-, 24- and 36-month horizons per KPI. Each goal is assigned to a responsible role and concrete action packages. Deviations from the plan are explained, prioritized, and backed with new milestones. This keeps the roadmap realistic yet ambitious. In case of deviations, we rely on a clear four-step process and work with defined tolerance ranges (e.g. >5% deviation or two consecutive months of negative trend): Early warning – In the quarterly review we identify KPI drifts, assess significance (trend vs. outlier), and check whether data is complete and timely. Cause – We classify the deviation systematically (data quality, methodology/system boundaries, process errors, external effects), use root-cause methods such as 5-Why/Fishbone, and verify emission factors as well as assumptions. Countermeasures – We define a CAPA package (Corrective and Preventive Actions) with clear responsibilities, deadlines, interim milestones, and expected KPI impact; if necessary, we adjust target paths, resources, or processes and switch to tighter monitoring intervals (weekly) as well as escalations for critical KPIs. Transparency – Decisions and effects are documented in a traceable way, retroactive data corrections are marked, and results – including learnings, good practices, and any methodological adjustments – are communicated in the next CSR update.
Our 3-Point Plan
Ofrex makes sustainable procurement in everyday B2B operations simple and measurable. We (1) design the product range so that sustainable alternatives can be chosen without extra effort, (2) manage energy, logistics, and packaging efficiently and data-driven, and (3) continuously improve through clear KPIs, ISO 14001 processes, and a CO₂ balance according to the GHG Protocol together with ClimatePartner. Why a 3-Point Plan? Since 1953, Ofrex has supplied companies across Switzerland with workplace solutions. This creates responsibility: sustainability must work in day-to-day business – without undermining quality, price, or availability. Our 3-Point Plan translates this goal into clear action areas with responsibilities, KPIs, and annual review. 1) Procure – making the sustainable choice the standard We start where the impact is greatest: in purchasing. More substance in the range. We prioritize durable, refillable, and repairable products, as well as items with recognized environmental and forestry certifications or high recycled content. Sustainable alternatives are not just “available” but a real option in relevant categories. Transparency in full sentences. We are gradually expanding product information: material composition, origin, care, disposal, availability of refills and spare parts, and – where useful – notes on expected lifespan. The goal is for procurement managers to identify and compare more sustainable options without additional effort. Circulation from the start. We develop take-back and second-life offerings for suitable product groups (e.g., toners, batteries, durable work equipment) with clear condition descriptions and verified quality. This keeps resources in use longer, reduces waste, and makes total cost of ownership more predictable. Support instead of dogma. Our team curates alternatives, sets up filters (e.g., “recycled,” “refillable,” “certified”), and supports transitions. We ensure that ecological criteria align with quality, availability, and process costs. 2) Manage – controlling energy, logistics, and packaging efficiently We reduce our operational footprint where it matters daily. Energy & climate. We cut consumption at our sites (efficient lighting, optimized heating/cooling, avoiding idle times) and gradually increase the share of renewable energy. Residual emissions that cannot yet be avoided are addressed with high-quality climate projects; the focus remains on real reduction. Logistics & delivery. We consolidate orders where service levels and urgency allow, plan routes data-driven, and reduce empty runs. Together with delivery partners, we test lower-emission options, including e-vehicles on suitable routes. Every error-free, consolidated delivery saves material, distance, and time. Packaging & waste. “As much as necessary, as little as possible”: custom-fit carton sizes, preferably recycled or reusable filling materials, avoiding unnecessary packaging. Piloted reusable and returnable packaging is scaled once it proves operationally feasible. Clean master data, clear communication, and robust processes help systematically prevent returns. 3) Improve – consistently developing people, data, and the supply chain We anchor progress in organization and metrics. ISO 14001 anchors practice. Our environmental management is aligned with ISO 14001. Responsibilities, audits, and improvement cycles interlock – from goal setting to implementation. CO₂ balance according to GHG Protocol. Together with ClimatePartner, we calculate our Corporate Carbon Footprint annually (Scope 1–3, where available). From the results, we derive reduction paths with interim targets and prioritize measures that demonstrably work. People & collaboration. We invest in the health, safety, and skills of our employees. In the supply chain, we work with long-standing partners, expect clear standards (labor and human rights, safety, anti-corruption, data protection), and support them in emissions measurement, target setting, and circular solutions. Deviations are addressed with structured improvement programs.