Transparent figures
The GRI Guidelines require numerous aspects to be met in sustainability reporting. Apart from clear information on targets, measures and processes, the company has to collect and publish detailed figures.
This includes, for example, data on energy consumption, wastewater volume and staff composition. These are each allocated to defined topics and disclosures, producing a code based on a combination of numbers and letters. For example, the code for the topic “Energy” is GRI 302. In accordance with GRI standards, this GRI disclosure comprises various disclosures and compulsory requirements on reporting on the topic of energy such as “energy consumption within the organisation”, “energy consumption outside of the organisation” and “energy intensity”. The individual codes for these disclosures are: GRI 302-1 (energy consumption within), GRI 302-2 (energy consumption outside) and GRI 302-3 (energy intensity).
Moreover, the Uelzena Group – in compliance with GRI – has defined its own disclosures and allocated them to existing topics to make the additional key figures transparent for the organisation and to enable a better assessment by third parties. For instance, the topic “Economic performance” has been expanded to include the Uelzena disclosures UG 201-MG (milk price paid) and UG 201-EK (equity ratio) and a chronological comparison.
The Uelzena Group has already published the standard economic key figures and details on raw materials in its Annual Report. Here is an overview.
OVERVIEW OF KEY INDICATORS OF THE GROUP
| Disclosure | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | ||
| Receipt of milk raw material | MKG | 788 | 827 | 860 | |
| UG-MG | Milk price payments | CENT/KG | 35.44 | 53.82 | 40.55 |
| 102-7 | Turnover | MEUR | 766 | 1077 | 931 |
| Annual net profit | MEUR | 6.74 | 7.62 | 12,32 | |
| 102-7 | Employees (until Dec 31) | TOTAL | 790 | 832 | 845 |
| 102-7 | Liabilities | MEUR | 171 | 219 | 189 |
| UG-EK | Equity ratio | PERCENT (%) | 34.4 | 30.9 | 35.9 |
| 102-7 | Balance sheet total | MEUR | 297 | 359 | 344 |
| 201-1 | Direct economic value generated | MEUR | 768 | 1082 | 935 |
| Distributed economic value | MEUR | 754 | 1114 | 906 | |
| Retained economic value | MEUR | 14 | -32 | 28 | |
Annual average milk price for unprocessed milk paid to the member companies of Uelzena eG (UG-MG): 2022 the milk suppliers were paid a milk price for raw milk (4.0% fat, 3.4% protein) of 40.55 euro cents per kilogram (ex ramp dairy, without VAT). This is significantly less than in the previous year (53.82 cents/kg), but still above the average of previous years. The reason for this is the increased volume of raw milk, which led to supply pressure and the associated decline in revenue.
Revenues (sub-indicator GRI 102-7): The consolidated Group revenue in 2023 fell compared to the previous year: from around 1.077 billion euros to around 931 billion euros. Sales revenue fell due to the development of raw material prices.
Equity ratio (UG-EK): At 35.9 per cent, the equity ratio in 2023 is significantly higher than in the previous year. This development is due to retained earnings from the financial year. The Uelzena Group aims to always have sufficient equity, as a solid financial basis is important for the company to realise its strategic plans for the future. And the higher the equity ratio, the greater the financial stability, which strengthens the company's creditworthiness.
Value generated and distributed (GRI 201-1): The direct monetary value generated fell from 2022 to 2023.The distributed value also decreased, from around 1.114 billion euros to 906 million euros.
RAW MATERIAL AND MATERIAL INPUT (IN TONNES)
| Disclosure | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
| 301-1 | Agricultural and product related materials1 | |||
| Dairy raw materials and semi-finished goods2 | 783,085 | 826,706 | 859,540 | |
| of which raw milk | 695,379 | 743,676 | 777,941 | |
| of which cream | 69,636 | 64,047 | 57,822 | |
| of which skimmed milk and buttermilk concentrate | 17,967 | 18,366 | 23,777 | |
| of which skimmed milk/buttermilk/milk permeates | 101 | 617 | 0 | |
| Non-dairy raw materials and semi-finished goods2 | 32,624 | 37,147 | 36,728 | |
| Packaging material (total) | 3,834 | 4,252 | 3,996 | |
| 301-2 | Packaging material from recycled materials | 47 % | 42 % | 42 % |
Materials used (GRI 301-1): The quantity of milk raw materials including semi-finished products increased again from 826,706 tonnes in 2022 to 859,540 tonnes in 2023. The quantity of non-dairy raw materials including semi-finished goods fell slightly from 37,147 tonnes to 36,728 tonnes.
Recycled input materials used (GRI 301-2): In 2023, the same amount of recycled packaging material was used as in the previous year at 42 per cent. The total amount of packaging material decreased to 3,996 tonnes.
1 100% of the quantities of the product-related procurement material groups have been considered as long as they were recorded in kg. No information is provided for adjuvant and process materials because the amount sourced have been considered to be negligible.
2 New allocation of semi-finished goods from 2016
PRODUCT SALES (IN TONNES)
| Disclosure | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
| Butter, butterfat, premix | 50,060 | 48,894 | 48,984 | |
| Cheese | 31,801 | 30,830 | 33,017 | |
| Milk powder | 85,241 | 77,384 | 82,950 | |
| Delicatessen, sweetened condensed milk | 26,541 | 24,332 | 20,330 | |
| Specialty products1 | 42,514 | 46,899 | 45,054 | |
| 102-7 | Total sales of main product groups | 236,157 | 228,339 | 230,336 |
Quantity of products provided/sales (sub-indicator to GRI 102-7): Total sales in the main product groups increased from 2022 (228,339 tonnes) to 2023 (230,336 tonnes).
1 Summary of instant beverages, health products, specialty dry products and contract drying
ENVIRONMENT & PRODUCTION – ENERGY
| Disclosure | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | ||
| 302-1 | Energy consumption within the organisation | ||||
| Gas purchased | KWH | 243,554,787 | 253,292,689 | 253,292,689 | |
| Electricity purchased | KWH | 11,410,691 | 10,633,150 | 10,633,150 | |
| Electricity sold | KWH | 1,565,058 | 5,440,594 | 5,440,594 | |
| Energy input1 | KWH | 253,400,420 | 258,485,245 | 258,485,245 | |
| 302-3 | Energy intensity based on energy input | KWH/KG | 1.246 | 1.209 | 1.209 |
| of this gas | KWH/KG | 1.197 | 1.184 | 1.184 | |
| of this electricity | KWH/KG | 0.048 | 0.024 | 0.024 | |
| Production quantities for all Uelzena sites2 | TONNES | 203,399 | 213,886 | 213,886 | |
| 305-1 305-2 | Total direct and indirect greenhouse emissions | TONNES | 35,585 | 33,554 | 37,247 |
| 305-4 | Intensity of greenhouse gas emissions3 | KG/KG | 0.175 | 0.157 | 0.182 |
| 305-5 | Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions | ||||
| Referred to base year 2012 | TONNES | -15,656 | -17,687 | -13,994 | |
| RELATIVE | -30.6 % | -34.5 % | -27.3 % | ||
| Referred to the production quantity in kg (intensity) | KG/KG | -0.118 | -0.136 | -0.112 | |
| RELATIVE | -40.4 % | -46.5 % | -38.1 % | ||
Energy consumption within the organisation (GRI 302-1): Absolute energy consumption fell from 258,485,245 kWh in 2022 to 245,483,669 kWh in 2023. Energy consumption per production tonne and energy intensity (GRI 302-3) also fell. Instead of 1.209 kWh/kg in 2022, it was 1.198 kWh/kg in 2023.
Total direct and indirect greenhouse emissions (GRI 305-1 and 305-2): Absolute greenhouse gas emissions increased compared to the previous year - from 33,554 tonnes to 37,247 tonnes. The greenhouse gas intensity (GRI 305-4) has deteriorated and stands at 0.182 kg/kg. The absolute value of the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in relation to the base year 2012 (GRI 305-5) has also deteriorated compared to the previous year.
1 Purchased energy minus sold energy; energy use without marginal consumption of heating oil
2 Production quantities not consolidated but stated additively. The energy intensity based on energy input is higher than the energy intensity calculated based on consumption (energy input incl. own electricity x efficiency = energy consumption).
3 CO2 emission referred to the production quantity in kg
ENVIRONMENT & PRODUCTION – WATER AND EFFLUENTS
| Disclosure | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | ||
| 303-3 | Total water removal by source | ||||
| Water consumption, total | M3 | 1,189,964 | 1,151,713 | 1,134,720 | |
| of this wells | M3 | 978,324 | 922,770 | 900,782 | |
| of this municipal | M3 | 211,640 | 228,943 | 233,938 | |
| Water consumption per tonne of product produced | M3 / TONNE | 5.85 | 5.38 | 5.54 | |
| 303-4 | Waste water volume1 | M3 | 840,766 | 797,361 | 844,500 |
| Waste water volume per tonne of product produced | M3 / TONNE | 4.13 | 3.73 | 4.12 | |
| Waste water load in kg COD per tonne of product produced | KG / TONNE | 8.15 | 10.00 | 06.0096 | |
| 303-5 | Total water consumption | M3 | 349,198 | 354,352 | 290,220 |
| Total water consumption per tonne of product produced | M3 / TONNE | 1.72 | 1.66 | 1.42 | |
Total water consumption (GRI 303-5) has fallen from 354,352 m3 to 290,220 m3. Total consumption per tonne of product has also decreased, from 1.66 m3/t in 2022 to 1.42 m3/t in 2023.
Total wastewater volume (GRI 303-4): At 844,500 m3 , the volume of wastewater in 2023 was higher than in the previous year (797,361 m3 ). The volume of wastewater per tonne of product produced also worsened: from 3.73 m3/t (2022) to 4.12 m3/t (2023).
1 Waste water only for the Uelzen and Bismark sites; waste water quantities for the Ratzeburg site are negligibly small; Warmsen site has its own sewage treatment plant
ENVIRONMENT & PRODUCTION – WASTE
| Disclosure | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | ||
| 306-2 | Total weight of waste by type and method of disposal | ||||
| Total weight of waste | TONNES | 1,318.67 | 1,635.13 | 2,010.56 | |
| of that waste that is independent from the production quantity1 | TONNES | 36.31 | 127.53 | 159.43 | |
| of that waste that is dependent on the production quantity | TONNES | 1,282.36 | 1,507.6 | 1,851.14 | |
| of this recyclable | TONNES | 1,083.08 | 1,320.44 | 1,664.53 | |
| of this not recyclable | TONNES | 199.28 | 187.16 | 186.61 | |
| percentage of recyclable waste | RELATIVE | 84.5 % | 87.6 % | 89.9 % | |
Total waste that is dependent on the production quantity per product produced | KG/TONNE | 6.3 | 7.05 | 9.03 | |
Total weight of waste by type and method of disposal (GRI 306-2): The total weight of waste increased from 1,635.13 tonnes in 2022 to 2,010.56 tonnes in 2023. The proportion of recyclable, production volume-dependent waste in 2023 increased further to 89.9 per cent.
1 Waste which is independent from the production quantity includes construction waste, garden waste and outdated files
EMPLOYEES – TOTAL, CONTRACT TYPE, TURNOVER
| Disclosure | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
| 102-7 | Total | 790 | 832 | 845 |
| Female | 236 | 250 | 250 | |
| Male | 554 | 582 | 595 | |
| 102-8-a | Permanent employment | 712 | 743 | 755 |
| Female | 212 | 224 | 226 | |
| Male | 500 | 519 | 529 | |
| Temporary employment | 29 | 34 | 39 | |
| Female | 11 | 9 | 13 | |
| Male | 18 | 25 | 26 | |
| Apprenticeship/internship | 49 | 55 | 51 | |
| Female | 13 | 17 | 11 | |
| Male | 36 | 38 | 40 | |
| 102-8-c | Full time | 737 | 743 | 769 |
| Female | 190 | 196 | 182 | |
| Male | 547 | 576 | 587 | |
| Part time | 53 | 60 | 76 | |
| Female | 46 | 53 | 68 | |
| Male | 7 | 7 | 8 | |
| 401-1-a | Newly hired employees1 2 3 | 52 | 72 | 58 |
| Female | 20 | 14 | 25 | |
| Male | 32 | 58 | 33 | |
| of them aged less 30 | 17 | 25 | 20 | |
| of them aged between 30 and 50 | 23 | 44 | 32 | |
| of them aged over 50 | 12 | 3 | 6 | |
| 401-1-b | Employee Turnover1 2 3 | 62 | 68 | 63 |
| Female | 23 | 19 | 21 | |
| Male | 39 | 49 | 42 | |
| of them aged less than 30 | 19 | 17 | 15 | |
| of them aged between 30 and 50 | 17 | 27 | 25 | |
| of them aged over 50 | 26 | 24 | 23 | |
Total number of employees (GRI 102-7) and total number of new employee hires: the Uelzena Group's business is growing. The number of employees is also increasing in line with this development. In 2023, the total workforce increased by 13 to a total of 845 employees.
The employee turnover rate (GRI 401-1-b) fell slightly from 8.17 per cent in the previous year to 7.46 per cent in 2023.
1 Employee-related performance indicators refer to all employees and sites of the Uelzena Group. Headcount is known.
2 Sites are located within Germany, therefore no breakdown by region.
3 Apprentices and interns not included.
EMPLOYEES – LOST DAYS AND TRAINING
| Disclosure | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | |
| 403-9 | Number of fatalities as a result of work-related injury | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rate of recordable work-related injuries1 | 30.50 | 24.94 | 43.86 | |
| 403-10 | Lost days per employee due to accidents or occupational diseases | 0.56 | 0.65 | 0.66 |
| 404-1 | Average hours per year per employee for training and further education | 3 | 2.5 | 8.5 |
| UG-DA | Average age of the staff in years | 41.1 | 38.8 | 40.8 |
| UG-BZ | Average period of employment in years | 11.1 | 12.7 | 11.5 |
The rate of work-related injuries (GRI 403-9) rose significantly to 43.86 in 2023. As in previous years, there were no fatalities due to work-related injuries in 2023.
The average annual hours per employee spent on training (GRI 404-1) was 7.1 hours in 2023 and therefore slightly lower than in the previous year.
The average period of employment (UG-BZ) rose slightly again in 2023 - from 11.5 years in the previous year to 12.1 years.
1404-9: Rate is the number of lost time injuries (1 day and more) per 1 million hours worked (Lost Time Injury Rate (LTIR)).
PROPORTION OF REGIONAL SUPPLIERS IN TOTAL MATERIAL EXPENSES
| Disclosure | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
| 204-1 | Proportion of regional suppliers in total material expenses | |||
| Packaging material1 | 80 % | 76 % | 77 % | |
| Non-dairy raw materials2 incl. semi-finished goods | 65 % | 50 % | 65 % | |
| Dairy raw materials3 incl. semi-finished goods | 77 % | 79 % | 83 % | |
| Total material expenses of the Uelzena Group | 76 % | 76 % | 81 % | |
| Proportion of regional services in total service expenses | 17 % | 18 % | 17 % | |
| UG-RBM | Proportion of regionally procured milk raw materials | 94 % | 95 % | 96 % |
Percentage of expenses to suppliers local to the operation (GRI 204-1): 81 per cent of expenditure on agricultural raw materials and packaging materials goes to regional suppliers, such as dairy farmers or sugar producers. This corresponds to an increase compared to the previous year. 17 per cent of the Uelzena Group's expenditure on services in 2023 will go to local suppliers. This is one percent less than in 2022.
Percentage of expenses to suppliers local to the operation (UG-RBM): Traditionally, the Uelzena Group procures a very high share of dairy raw materials from local sources. In 2022, similar to the previous year, it was 95 percent. Minor fluctuations in this value are normal and do not indicate a general trend. The Uelzena eG is a cooperatively organised dairy. Liquid milk raw materials are particularly important. The quantity of milk raw materials delivered by the members who hold cooperative shares determines – in addition to the reserves – the amount of equity. This indicator is important for several groups of stakeholders; it also serves to determine regional sourcing. In contrast, GRI 204-1 is defined and accounted for by the GRI organisation as a value share. Uelzena eG therefore uses two similar indicators in order to cater for all information requirements.
1 Regional supplier for packaging materials: Germany: headquarters of the supplier is decisive
2 Regional supplier for non-dairy raw materials: Raw materials and semi-finished goods of suppliers headquartered in Germany
3 Regional supplier for dairy raw materials: 150 km radius around production sites of the Uelzena Group