ESG at POLYTECH

Environmental, social and governance principles guide how we operate at POLYTECH. ESG influences how our employees, our partners and our investors evaluate us, and how we innovate for the future. Across healthcare systems, ESG criteria are becoming structural decision factors in procurement and collaboration.

Many ESG elements are already part of our daily work. Our objective now is to formalise them further, quantify our progress and communicate it more consistently.

Environmental Responsibility

Reducing our impact while improving efficiency

Since November 2024, we have reduced production waste by 35.71% through optimised manufacturing processes.
 

Dry-heat sterilisation

POLYTECH uses dry-heat sterilisation, eliminating the use of ethylene oxide (EtO). By avoiding EtO, we reduce the handling and emissions associated with this gas and support a safer working environment for employees who work with sterilised products1,2. Dry-heat sterilisation is an important element of our environmental and occupational health approach. 
 

Reusable surgical sizers

Our breast implant sizers are designed for resterilization up to 10 times. This reduces single-use waste in operating rooms and contributes to more resource-efficient clinical practice.

Environmental responsibility POLYTECH

On-site renewable energy

POLYTECH operates several photovoltaic systems at its Dieburg facilities. These installations supply a portion of the location’s electricity needs with on-site renewable energy and form part of our ongoing environmental efforts.


Ongoing environmental initiatives

Our broader environmental programme includes:

  • Energy-efficiency improvements and gradual adoption of renewable energy
  • Material optimisation and responsible resource use
  • Sourcing of hybrid company vehicles
  • Circular economy principles with increased reuse and recycling
  • Reduced paper consumption through company wide digitalisation

These measures strengthen the environmental profile of our operations while supporting consistency and process stability.

Social Responsibility

Diversity, equal opportunities and development

Our global workforce represents 45 nationalities, reflecting the diversity of the communities we serve. 

Gender balance is strong across our organisation:

  • Germany: 55.6% women overall, 26.7% in management
  • Italy: 69.6% women overall, 58.3% in management
  • Other Direct Markets: 58% women overall, 40% in management

We are committed to fair opportunities, balanced representation and transparent processes across all entities.
 

Gender Equality Certification — POLYTECH Italia

POLYTECH Italia is certified according to UNI/PdR 125:2022, the Italian Gender Equality Management System standard.
This certification, issued by an external accredited body, confirms a structured approach to gender equality, including monitoring, action plans and governance mechanisms dedicated to equal opportunities.

The Gender Equality Policy is publicly available on the POLYTECH Italia website.

Social Responsibility POLYTECH

Education and knowledge-sharing

Our educational platforms are important pillars of Social ESG:

  • POLYTECH Academy – digital and in-person learning formats for surgeons, internal teams and partners
  • Natural Breast Beauty – educational content to support informed decision-making and best practice
  • Bright Talents network – initiatives that connect and support surgeons at different stages of their careers

These platforms help elevate surgical expertise worldwide and support better patient outcomes through education and knowledge sharing.

 

Employee Development and Wellbeing

Across POLYTECH, we aim to provide a fair and supportive working environment for employees. This includes:

  • Fair and transparent recruitment and promotion practices
  • Opportunities for employees to build role-related skills

These foundations help create a respectful, inclusive and stable working environment across all sites.

Diversity and balanced representation contribute to effective collaboration and decision-making throughout the company.

Governance & Transparency

Structures that support accountability

Governance provides the framework for transparent and compliant operations. Our approach includes:

  • Clear and transparent decision-making structures
  • Board oversight of ESG-related topics
  • Regular internal and external audits

 

Model 231 & Codice Etico — POLYTECH Italia

POLYTECH Italia adopts Modello 231 and the Codice Etico, in line with Italian Legislative Decree 231/2001.
These frameworks set out governance, control and ethical principles aimed at preventing offences and promoting responsible business conduct.

More information is available here >>

Governance and transparency POLYTECH

Sustainability governance

ESG topics are addressed across the organisation through contributions from relevant functions, including quality, regulatory, HR and operations. Each entity manages sustainability-related responsibilities according to local regulatory requirements and internal processes.

 

Industry association membership

POLYTECH GmbH and POLYTECH Italia are members of national and international MedTech professional associations. These memberships support alignment with industry codes of conduct, ethical standards and compliance expectations within the medical technology sector.

 

External auditors

The POLYTECH Group undergoes external financial audits, in line with applicable legal and regulatory requirements. These audits form part of the standard governance framework for ensuring accurate financial reporting.

 

Ethical Business Practices

POLYTECH’s governance framework is grounded in the principles set out in the company’s Code of Conduct and Compliance Handbook. These include:

  • Compliance with applicable laws and regulations across all countries in which POLYTECH operates
  • Integrity in business conduct, including zero tolerance for corruption and strict adherence to anti-bribery rules
  • Fair competition, rejecting anti-competitive practices and complying with competition and trade laws
  • Responsible interaction with customers including documented processes for customer-related service providers
  • Protection of confidential information and personal data, in line with legal and internal data-protection requirements
  • Respect for human dignity, non-discrimination and the protection of human rights in all working relationships
  • A structured internal compliance organisation, including an appointed Compliance Officer and a fully anonymised whistleblowing reporting channel

These commitments form the basis for responsible and compliant operations and support the expectations of regulators, partners and stakeholders in tenders and due-diligence processes.

 

How ESG Strengthens POLYTECH

ESG supports POLYTECH in several ways:

  • Operational efficiency through reduced waste and improved resource use
  • Stronger brand and stakeholder trust through transparent communication
  • Long-term organisational resilience

ESG is not an add-on; it is embedded in how we operate and how we plan for long-term success.

 

Our Commitment

ESG is a shared responsibility that reflects how we work, how we treat people and how we manage our environmental impact. It supports sustainable development, strengthens market trust and contributes to long-term value for all our stakeholders.