Sustainability
Our motto: Every Day A Little Better
Our social and environmental responsibility
OBI’s social and environmental responsibility is part of the “We Enable You” promise. Being a DIY retailer, sustainability principles such as repairing and upcycling are firmly rooted in OBI’s DNA. This is why acting responsibly is a top priority for OBI. With around 250 million customer contacts every year, OBI takes on the responsibility to make a difference, to influence and change things. Under the motto Every Day A Little Better, the OBI organisation constantly reduces the environmental and social impact of its own business activities, while enabling OBI customers to design environmentally friendly homes that are fit for a more sustainable future.
Based on the 17 sustainability topics identified as material, OBI has defined seven action fields that have been prioritised to contribute to a liveable present and future. These are outlined in the ESG strategy “Every Day A Little Better” under the three pillars PRODUCT, PLANET and PEOPLE as well as the foundation GOVERNANCE.
Our Action Fields
Governance
OBI Sustainability Report
Sustainability is a central component of our actions and our 'Alles machbar' promise. After publishing our comprehensive sustainability report for 2023 last year, we now have an interim report for the 2024 fiscal year.
Details about the business model, materiality assessment, and progress within the individual action areas can be found in the OBI Sustainability Report for the financial year 2023.
ESG Highlights
First impact drill made from recycled material
OBI and Bosch Power Tools are presenting the “Universal Impact 800 Closed Loop Edition” in an exclusive partnership. This innovative impact drill is the first product from Bosch Power Tools whose housing is made from 78% recycled material. The material is sourced directly from discarded power tools, thus closing the loop in the tool segment. OBI is the only partner in Germany to offer the “Universal Impact 800 Closed Loop Edition” in all its stores since November.
OBI and Too Good To Go agree on strategic partnership
Since 2016, people in Germany have also been able to save surplus food from bakeries, supermarkets and restaurants from being destroyed - via the “Too Good To Go” app founded in Denmark. Now OBI is launching a pilot project with the world's largest marketplace for surplus food to save edible and ornamental plants using the same principle.
Public commitment to the Scope 3 Taskforce
As a founding member of the EDRA/GHIN Scope 3 Taskforce, OBI is committed to its goals and the Science Based Targets Initiative.
Adoption of the updated Code of Conduct for Suppliers and Business Partners
Read Code of ConductOBI puts a stronger focus on human rights and environmental aspects.
Successful piloting of the Euro Plant Tray system in 47 OBI stores
OBI advocates for reusable solutions in the industry.
OBI wins the German Sustainability Award 2023
On November 23, 2023, OBI was officially awarded the German Sustainability Award in the DIY stores category, Europe's largest award for ecological and social commitment.
Signing of Diversity Charter
OBI commits to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Introduction of green electricity in Germany
OBI fosters the use of electricity from more sustainable sources within the company.
One year without paper leaflets
OBI is a pioneer in phasing out paper leaflets, saving around 9,000 tons of paper per year (estimate based on own calculations).
We all speak DIY
OBI has translated the community's favorite online tutorials into many languages to make creativity and self-efficacy possible for everyone.
End for fireworks
At OBI, we already decided in 2020 to stop the sale of fireworks in all centrally controlled stores and to permanently remove them from the range.
