Sustainability
Packaging
In our packaging, we strive to use renewable raw materials and recyclable material as far as possible. For example, about 70% of our packaging in 2024 consisted of wood, cardboard and ferrous metal. However, in order to make our products weatherproof, we also use plastics. Our packaging films consist of between 0% - 95% already recycled plastic and are 95% recyclable.
Wood
We mainly use spruce wood for our products and aspen wood for most of the interior fittings of a sauna. This comes mainly from Scandinavia and the Baltic States. Mainly Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia and Lithuania. Due to the cold climate and the resulting tight growth rings, the wood is particularly robust and weather-resistant and is suitable for use in the garden. Most of the pressure-impregnated wood comes from Poland.
Forests
Even though wood is a renewable raw material, we feel responsible for ensuring the continued existence of this raw material. On the occasion of its 30th anniversary, Karibu together with Planet Tree 3,000 trees planted in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
Print media
The CO₂ emissions generated during catalogue production are Evers ReForest program compensated by reforestation projects. We use FSC-ready paper for printing. In the future, this will also affect instructions, delivery notes, etc.
Bees
More than 80% of the native crop and wild plant species are dependent on pollination by our hard-working honey bees. Unfortunately, bee populations are declining worldwide ( Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Community ). For this reason, about 400,000 bees now live on the site in Bremen in 8 beehives, which Karibu give a home to ( This is where our bees come from )
Logistics
The reuse of raw materials is an essential part of working in the most resource-efficient way possible. For this reason, we shred used cardboard to obtain filling material for our packages. For some of our shipments, we use programs from our shipping partners (e.g. GLS Klimaprotect 2020 or DHL GoGreen Plus) that support measures to reduce and offset transport emissions.
We also manufacture disposable pallets from residual wood. On the one hand, this reduces our waste and at the same time gives us the opportunity to manufacture them according to our ideas for our internal logistics.
Green electricity
We need energy to manufacture our products. Our production sites are supplied with electricity from renewable energies. In Bremen, the electricity is purchased from WVV and in Klosterfelde from E.ON.
In addition, a new solar system will be installed on the site at the Bremen site (project start in 2025). It helps to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and contributes to the energy transition by using renewable energies.
E-charging stations
E-cars and e-forklifts are becoming increasingly important in today's world. For this reason, we provide our employees with charging stations for the cars on the premises. At both locations, electric forklift trucks are used in the production and warehouse halls.
Machines in production
We are proud that our machines are equipped with the latest technologies. This allows us to work efficiently and at the same time save resources, such as electricity.
Colors
Ours Karibu colors are tested for the highest quality and have no harmful substances, as they are made on the basis of natural oils (DIN53160 EN 71/3 Saliva and sweat fastness). Our paint manufacturer for the Karibu paints from the Paint Shop compensates for production emissions through certificates. The paints were tested and recommended by the Institut für Baubiologie Rosenheim GmbH (IBR) (for VOC, biocides, heavy metals and radioactivity).
Home office
The Corona pandemic has accelerated the introduction of home office at Karibu. In addition to the reduced risk of infection, working from home can help to reduce individual commuting and thus reduce fuel consumption and traffic-related CO² emissions.
