SONNENTOR is an Austrian company specialising in the production and marketing of organically grown herbs, teas and spices. SONNENTOR’s basic idea is to offer high-quality organic products that are in harmony with nature. The company focuses on sustainable agriculture and fair trade relations in order to support both the environment and social structures.
Company founder Johannes Gutmann started selling herbs in 1988 in the Waldviertel, a region in the north of Austria right on the Czech border. He travelled from farmers’ market to farmers’ market and was able to win over a number of farmers for his herb company through his persistent work. The SONNENTOR family now has around 1,000 cultivation partners worldwide. With around 350 employees in Austria and Germany, the company generates a turnover of around 49 million euros and exports 68% of its products.
The one-man business has since grown into an international company with sister companies in the Czech Republic and Romania. The product range has long since expanded beyond organic herbs, spices and teas to include coffee, cocoa and fine sweets. This results in a range of around 900 products that are exported to over 50 countries worldwide. SONNENTOR cultivates international relationships not only in sales, but also in cultivation: Organic farms in Romania, Albania, Nicaragua, Tanzania, China, New Zealand, Spain and Kosovo work in regular and personal dialogue with SONNENTOR.
SONNENTOR products are available in the company’s own shops, organic specialty shops, pharmacies, health food stores and in the SONNENTOR online shop.
The commitment to the common good is particularly noteworthy. SONNENTOR regularly publishes a public welfare report in which the company’s commitment to sustainability is presented in a structured form, making it measurable and comparable with other market participants. The combination of ecological responsibility, social commitment and economic innovation makes SONNENTOR a pioneer in the field of sustainability and fairer trade relations.
SUCESS FACTORS
Harnessing Solar Power for Sustainable Operations: Half of the energy required is generated by the company’s own PV systems, which supply around 500,000 kWh of energy per year. A large part of the vehicle fleet (17 electric cars and one electric truck) already runs on solar power. The most recent PV system is located on the roof of the new HimmelHoch high-bay herb warehouse, which was largely built from wood. The remaining electricity requirements are also covered by 100% green electricity from a long-standing partner.
Renewable Energy and Carbon-Neutral Heating: SONNENTOR uses a wood chip system to heat its warehouses and production halls. This uses waste wood from regional organic farmers, which means that only as much CO2 is released as would be produced by natural decomposition in the forest. The plan by 2030 is to achieve 75% self-sufficiency through renewable energy sources at the Austrian site and a vehicle fleet without fossil fuels.
Green Logistics and Efficient Transport: The company relies on environmentally friendly means of transport to deliver its products. This includes the use of electric vehicles and other low-emission transport solutions. By using modern technologies, SONNENTOR optimises route planning in order to shorten transport routes and minimise CO2 emissions here, too.
Supplier Engagement and Sustainable Development: The involvement of suppliers is strengthened by a dedicated cultivation team. It initiates and promotes dialogue and joint activities. These include working group meetings, joint field days, training events and on-site visits. Innovative ideas on resource-conserving production, supply security and quality standards are developed together, which is achieved through networking with experts from research and science.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Packaging Solutions:SONNENTOR is constantly working to reduce the amount of packaging material and is always looking for new, environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional packaging materials. A large proportion of the current packaging consists of biodegradable materials such as wood fibre films and tea bags made from banana fibre. These materials can decompose naturally and have as little impact on the environment as possible. The cardboard boxes used are made from wood from FSC®-certified forests. This ensures that the wood comes from sustainably managed forests. Around 94% of SONNENTOR’s packaging can be recycled. A separate packaging guide (digital and printed) and QR codes on the tea bag sleeves provide information on proper disposal.
Fair Trade and Social Responsibility in Sourcing: SONNENTOR sources around 60% of its raw materials from direct trade, i.e. either directly from individual organic farms or via cultivation partners that have been individually checked. This avoids intermediate trade and unnecessary price speculation, which helps suppliers to establish a long-term existence. The aim is to promote regional structures and organic farming worldwide. Of course, some of the raw materials also come from regional organic farmers. The company adheres to a Code of Conduct that is based on international guidelines and ensures social standards in the supply chain. This is signed by all suppliers.