Our Responsibility
As a family-run company, ELA Container focuses on reliability, strong values, and entrepreneurial foresight. Sustainable management and conscious use of our resources are not optional for us; they are a given.
We combine economic stability with ecological and social responsibility – today and with future generations in mind. This attitude is deeply rooted in our company and shapes both our daily operations and strategic decisions.
Our Pillars of Sustainability
To fulfill our corporate responsibility comprehensively, we focus on three key ESG areas:
+ Climate and environmental action (Environment)
+ Social responsibility (Social)
+ Compliance and integrity (Governance)
These areas form the foundation of our sustainability strategy, helping us minimize our environmental impact, strengthen social values, and consistently adhere to ethical and legal standards. We pursue the goal of achieving measurable improvements along the entire value chain – step by step and with a long-term perspective.
ELA Container is committed to the responsible use of resources and advances climate protection along the entire value chain. We continuously work to reduce our total emissions and minimize and mitigate climate risks. Our emissions are recorded and analyzed annually in accordance with the GHG Protocol across Scopes 1, 2, and 3. We reduce direct CO₂ emissions by using low-emission vehicles and optimizing route planning. We address indirect emissions by purchasing energy from renewable sources and implementing sustainable procurement processes across the supply chain.
Our modular product design promotes durability, reusability, and repairability. In the rental business, in particular, we establish closed-loop systems by repairing and reusing products after they are used. In the future, we will focus more on using recyclable materials in our products, increasing the share of secondary materials and implementing advanced designs for recycling. This approach further closes material cycles, combining ecological responsibility with economic efficiency. These efforts help to minimize raw material consumption and reduce environmental impact.
The well-being of our employees is our highest priority. We provide safe working conditions and promote diversity, equal opportunities, and a healthy work-life balance. Our workplaces are ergonomically designed, and we support physical and mental well-being by providing training and health programs. Flexible working models accommodate individual life situations, and we continuously develop our safety standards to ensure long-term health and protection.
At ELA Container, we take responsibility across the entire supply chain and expect the same from our business partners. Compliance with international standards regarding human rights, working conditions, environmental protection, and ethical conduct is fundamental to us. We ensure these expectations through our selection processes, policies, and self-commitments. We strive to establish long-term strategic partnerships based on shared values that foster innovation, accountability, and development.
Our modular space solutions comply with high safety and quality standards. We rely on carefully selected materials, proven standards, and careful product development. Our products undergo extensive testing to ensure they meet all performance and safety requirements and guarantee long-term reliability.
As well as meeting legal requirements, compliance means putting our internal rules and ethical principles into practice every day. As a family-owned company, we combine regulatory compliance with clear values. We demonstrate integrity by making fair decisions, behaving transparently, and taking responsibility. We take a clear stance against misconduct – at all levels and in all areas.
ELA Container provides a secure, confidential, and anonymous whistleblower system for reporting potential violations of legal or ethical requirements. The system facilitates structured processing and safeguards whistleblowers from discrimination. We actively contribute to preventing misconduct and strengthening the integrity of our company. All reports are carefully reviewed, and measures are implemented to improve processes and promote a positive corporate culture.
Transparent communication is essential for building trust and fostering development. For the 2025 financial year, we plan to publish our first external sustainability report, documenting our ESG progress and measures publicly. We rely on open and traceable communication, which helps us to continue pursuing our goals and move in the right direction to achieve long-term success.
Certifications and Memberships
Since 1998, ELA Container has been a member of vereinbar e.V., an association that has been promoting family-friendly working conditions in the Emsland region for over 30 years. The association is a well-established regional initiative comparable to family-friendly business networks in other European countries.
In 2022, we joined the Diversity Charter and are actively committed to maintaining a respectful and discrimination-free work environment. The Diversity Charter is a nationwide initiative aligned with EU diversity and anti-discrimination standards.
Since 2025, we have been a member of the Success Factor Family network and are committed to family-conscious HR policies and improved work-life balance. Funded by the German federal government, this network is comparable to international “family-friendly employer” programs.
Since November 2025, ELA Container has held the “Family-Friendly Company” seal in recognition of its commitment to family-oriented structures and flexible working conditions. This seal is awarded regionally, but it is based on recognized European quality standards for employer attractiveness.
ESG Documents and Company Guidelines
Our sustainability work is guided by clear standards and transparent guidelines. Below, you will find key documents that define our standards and commitments internally and externally.
- ➤ Code of Conduct for Business Partners (PDF)
- ➤ Supplier Self-Assessment (PDF)
- ➤ Supplier Self-Assessment for Freight Forwarders (PDF)
- ➤ Manual for Freight Forwarders - DE (PDF)
- ➤ Policy Statement on Respect for Human Rights & Environmental Protection (PDF)
- ➤ ISO14001 (PDF)
- ➤ ISO50001 (PDF)
- ➤ ISO45001 (PDF)