Sustainability Statement
At IMPRESS, we understand progress to mean much more than technological innovation. Our vision combines economic success with responsibility - towards our environment, society, and everyone who works with us. This understanding shapes our actions at all levels and is at the core of our strategic orientation.
Environmental responsibility
We pursue the clear goal of continuously reducing our ecological footprint. Through targeted measures, we are reducing our CO₂ emissions, optimizing the use of resources, and focusing on environmentally friendly technologies. Our aim is not only to meet legal requirements, but to exceed them – for the benefit of our planet and future generations.
Social responsibility
An inclusive, diverse, and fair working environment is a key factor for our long-term success. Different perspectives and experiences make us stronger and more innovative. In addition, we are involved in social projects and support initiatives that bring about concrete improvements in our region and beyond.
Corporate governance
Integrity, transparency, and accountability is the foundation of our governance. We adhere to the highest standards – not only to secure trust, but also to set benchmarks. The interests of our stakeholders guide our decisions, and we are determined to exercise this responsibility with the utmost care.
Our goal remains clear:
We want to shape the interface between technology and responsibility – with innovation that is ecologically, socially, and ethically sustainable.
Shaping the Future, Honoring the Past
2026
We are pleased to announce the publication of our first ESG report, marking one of our first major milestones on our journey into the future. It also provides a foundation for our next steps.
2025
As part of our strategic orientation and commitment to sustainable action, we decided to apply for membership of the UN Global Compact. We have been members since February 2025, joining a global association whose principles we have long supported. Joining the UN Global Compact is an official act that clearly demonstrates our commitment to transparent communication and continuous improvement.
2023
In October 2023, the company's management team decided to consolidate all the efforts that had already been made in the area of sustainability. The aim was to further integrate these efforts into the organisation and its actions. This resulted in the launch of the ESG project, which will support us in achieving our long-term goals.
2022
The new impress SHE policy was published, outlining the next steps in our sustainability strategy.
2020
Another product development to protect our environment was achieved in 2020 with our finish foil being formaldehyde-free.
2011
In 2011, prudent business practices and the now much-used term 'sustainability' were a key theme in the development of business activities and product development. Since then, our plant in Austria has been certified to ISO 14001, ISO 50001. Since 2011, we have only purchased paper from certified sources.
ESG Strategy & Targets
Combat climate-change and foster circular economy
We are committed to cost-efficient production that minimizes environmental harm. Our efforts focus on limiting our impact on soil, water, and air.
We actively work to protect the environment and conserve resources by consistently upgrading to more efficient equipment and technology.
This investment helps us reduce the environmental footprint of our products and processes.
Continuous improvement for the protection of nature
Empower our employees
Our employees are our most valuable resource and the heart of Impress.
Our top priority is to create secure jobs and a work environment where everyone feels comfortable. At Impress, we place great importance on fostering a company culture of growth and learning, enabling our employees to grow personally and deliver innovative solutions for our clients.
A place where employees are valued and supported
Sustainability governance and responsible business
Ethical and responsible business practices are central to our sustainability efforts.
By fostering a culture of responsibility and transparency, we ensure that every decision is aligned with our ethical principles.
Clearly defined roles and responsibilities allow us to integrate sustainability across all levels of the organization, ensuring that our commitment is reflected throughout the Impress structure.
Ethical governance as the foundation for sustainability
Our Commitment
Our Commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
At impress, we believe that sustainability is not just a responsibility — it is an opportunity to shape a better future for people, the planet, and the industries we serve. Our commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) reflects our dedication to creating long-term value through innovation, responsible resource use, and collaboration across the value chain.
The SDGs provide a global framework for addressing the world’s most pressing social, environmental, and economic challenges. As a company operating in the surface and decor industry, we have identified specific goals where we can make the greatest positive impact. These goals guide our sustainability strategy and the continuous improvement of our operations, products, and partnerships.
Our Focus Areas
-
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being
We are committed to ensuring safe, healthy, and inclusive working conditions for all employees. By promoting occupational health, safety, and well-being, we foster a culture of care and responsibility across all our sites worldwide. -
SDG 4 – Quality Education
We invest in the continuous learning and professional development of our employees. Through training, apprenticeships, and knowledge-sharing initiatives, we empower our teams to grow and to contribute to the advancement of our industry. -
SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
impress is actively increasing energy efficiency and transitioning toward renewable energy sources in production. Our goal is to reduce carbon emissions and to make our manufacturing processes cleaner and more sustainable. -
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
We promote fair labor practices, respect human rights, and drive sustainable economic growth by creating long-term employment opportunities and fostering innovation throughout our organization and supply chain. -
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Innovation is at the heart of impress. We continuously invest in advanced technologies and sustainable production methods to strengthen our industrial infrastructure and to develop products that combine design, performance, and responsibility. -
SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
We are committed to circularity and resource efficiency. By optimizing material use, reducing waste, and designing products with sustainability in mind, we aim to minimize our environmental footprint and contribute to a more circular economy. -
SDG 13 – Climate Action
We recognize the urgency of climate change and are taking action to mitigate our impact. Through decarbonization initiatives, energy optimization, and emission reduction targets, impress is contributing to a more climate-resilient future. -
SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Transparency, integrity, and ethical conduct form the foundation of our business. We uphold fair and compliant business practices and foster trustful relationships with our stakeholders.
Our Commitment to the UN Global Compact
In February 2025, impress proudly joined the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative. This step underscores our commitment to responsible business practices and to contributing to a sustainable global economy that benefits people, the planet, and prosperity alike.
The ten principles of the UN global compact a impress
Human Rights
Support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights.
We are committed to upholding human rights throughout our value chain, ensuring dignity, equality, and respect in all our business relationships.Make sure that we are not complicit in human rights abuses.
We actively assess and mitigate risks in our supply chain, fostering ethical partnerships and transparent sourcing practices.
Labour
Uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining.
We respect and support the rights of employees to freely organize and to engage in open dialogue, promoting fair and constructive collaboration.Eliminate all forms of forced and compulsory labour.
impress maintains strict standards to ensure that all work is freely chosen and that labor rights are protected at every level of our operations.Effectively abolish child labour.
We are firmly committed to preventing child labor and require the same ethical standards from all our business partners.Eliminate discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.
Diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity are essential to our culture. We value the unique perspectives and talents of every individual.
Environment
Support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges.
Our sustainability strategy is grounded in foresight and prevention — aiming to reduce risks and protect natural resources for future generations.Undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility.
We continuously improve our environmental performance by optimizing material use, minimizing emissions, and advancing energy efficiency.Encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.
Through innovation and collaboration, impress develops products and processes that combine performance with environmental responsibility.
Anti-Corruption
Work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.
Integrity is at the core of our corporate conduct. We maintain strict compliance standards, transparent governance, and zero tolerance for corruption in any form.
Our Commitment to FSC® Certification
At impress, responsible sourcing and sustainable forest management are key pillars of our commitment to environmental stewardship. Since 2011, impress has been continuously certified under the FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®) system — reflecting our long-term dedication to a safe, fair, and transparent approach to using wood-based resources.
The FSC® certification ensures that materials originate from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. This standard aligns perfectly with our sustainability strategy and our contribution to global initiatives such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Global Compact.
