- January 27, 2023
Punch Powertrain’s management team has launched a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy, as part of its transformation process. By integrating CSR into the company’s DNA and making it a key part of their operations, the company is committing to making a positive impact in the communities in which it operates.
In the past years Punch Powertrain has been recognized for its leading practices and policies, adhering to a strict code of ethics, which it applies to the company internally, as well as to its downstream supply chain. Furthermore, the company adheres to a profound focus on sustainability and clean energy, offering affordable innovations and more sustainable products in the field of automotive powertrains.
While exhibiting positive behaviors, the majority of initiatives and policies previously originated from a drive towards progress and best practices in the industry, rather than a pre-meditated overall strategy. In order to institutionalize CSR in its operations, Punch Powertrain established a sustainability steering committee at executive level, defining a strategy and plan.
CSR Philosophy
The CSR charter, published internally in the end of 2022, outlines the company’s philosophy:
“We are committed to our vision “Our Powertrains drive a sustainable world!” within our company, as well as in the societies in which we operate.
Punch Powertrain targets 8 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations in which we aim to deliver a meaningful contribution.
To drive decisive action, our GEAR UPPF Values and policies, as part of our business strategy, provide directives to improvements towards society and humanity.
Our target includes complete climate neutrality by 2035.”
Punch Powertrain targets 8 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations in which we aim to deliver a meaningful contribution.
Going forward, the company focuses on 8 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 1: No poverty
SDG 5: Gender equality
SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation SDG 5: Gender equality
SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy
SDG 9: Industry innovation and infrastructure
SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production
SDG 13: Climate action
SDG 15: Life on land
The CSR philosophy is aimed to be fully embedded in the business strategy in 2023, resulting in the first external audit and sustainability report publication in 2025. The company’s sustainability goals include “Climate neutrality by 2035.”
Change Agents driving action
To support these efforts as a grass roots movement, the company established a network of CSR advocates, or “Change Agents”. Following an internal appeal over 40 colleagues (representing over 2% of the company globally) committed to systematically drive positive action.
“We are utmost proud to see such high level of engagement from our teams to contribute to our company’s sustainability efforts!” states Steffen Baetzel, Chief Quality Officer at Punch Powertrain and the leader of the company’s CSR. “The creativity and enthusiasm displayed by our community is truly inspiring. We welcome more innovative ideas and look forward to implementing them and sharing our progress with the world in the near future.”
The group of Change Agents provides a continuous connection of the executive steering committee with the overall organization and vice versa. Both executive steering committee and change agents meet on monthly basis, defining actions and assessing progress. The executive management hereby provides support and takes decisions to further shape the CSR efforts.
Based on the CSR year planning, the initiatives will be highlighted and honored during company-wide town hall meetings and year-end conclusions. By promoting and supporting these efforts, Punch Powertrain is strengthening its commitment of being a future-oriented, sustainable and socially responsible organization.
Partnership spirit
Punch Powertrain is actively involved in various networks and partnerships aimed at promoting sustainability. One such partnership is with the industry association – Agoria. Another example is the company’s membership in “Project Pura”, a networking organization focused on sustainability. True to Punch Powertrain’s partnership spirit, the aim of these collaborations is to share best practices, ideas and lessons learned.
