Big Dutchman releases inaugural ESG & sustainability report
Taking steps to ensure a more sustainable future for generations to come
February 26, 2025
Big Dutchman is proud to announce the release of our first-ever Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) & Sustainability report for 2024, marking a significant milestone in our company’s 86-year history. This report reflects our long-standing commitment to responsible business practices all across the globe and outlines the steps we are taking to ensure a more sustainable future for generations to come.
At Big Dutchman, sustainability has always been embedded in our values – since our beginnings as a family-owned business to becoming a global leader in agricultural solutions. Our ESG initiatives are focused on reducing our environmental footprint, supporting our employees and partners, and upholding strong ethical business practices.
Highlights from the 2024 ESG report:
- Reducing Carbon Footprint: We have taken concrete steps to lower our emissions, including investing in photovoltaic systems that will generate 50% of the electricity at our German headquarters beginning in 2025. We also provide a fleet of electric vehicles and a variety of bikes available for employees to lease, offering a more carbon-friendly way to commute to the office.
- Circular Economy Initiatives: Our innovative recycling project repurposes used manure belts into new products, reducing plastic waste and cutting CO2 emissions by up to 80%.
- Sustainable Innovation: From air-cleaning systems that minimize emissions to new business areas like solar energy solutions and insect farming, we continue to push the boundaries of sustainable agriculture.
- Commitment to Social Responsibility: With over 3,100 employees across 48 nations, we are dedicated to fostering diversity, providing career development opportunities, and ensuring ethical labor practices throughout our supply chain.
- Information Security: Cybersecurity is a top priority as we safeguard over 8,600 IT systems worldwide. To stay prepared for evolving threats, we introduced a standardized security concept in 2021. Our crisis team can respond within minutes, and our backup communication systems ensure continuity. Most importantly, we empower our team through ongoing cybersecurity training and easy phishing reporting – because awareness is the strongest defense.
This report is just the beginning of our ongoing journey to create a positive impact in the agriculture industry and the world. We invite you to read through our 2024 ESG & Sustainability report and join us in our mission to take action for future generations.
