People-oriented

Providing prospects. Daring to take on projects for the future.

Our responsibility

1.547 kg

save of CO₂

annually through “Der Grüne Punkt”.⁽¹⁾

1.000 +

Trees planted

through our imPLANT-A-TREE initiative. ⁽²⁾

When developing new ideas, we take inspiration from what is perhaps the most ingenious innovator of all: nature. Protecting it and consistently aligning our business practices with that commitment is a matter of course for us. But acting responsibly means even more to us. We support reforestation projects in Germany with PLANT-MY-TREE®, are transitioning to a digital working environment and enter into partnerships to offset emissions from shipping.^[3] We recognise our responsibility not only to our customers, but equally to our employees, our region and our industry.

Responsibility
is our foundation for the future.

Responsibility

As an independent German commercial enterprise, partner of the health care sector and employer, we have the responsibility to make and act on carefully thought-out decisions. Instead of focusing exclusively on financial interests, we aim to achieve maximum added value for society, future generations, our employees, and nature. In addition, we have supported aid programs in Africa for many years in order to improve ophthalmological care there.

Alternatives

We continually seek forward-looking alternatives across all areas of our business. At our headquarters in Mannheim, we work in an innovative building that uses an ice storage system and photovoltaics. We choose shipping partners that enable us to offer carbon-neutra_l shipping (UPS annual report).^[3] We not only plant trees in Germany but have also launched our own initiative: imPLANT-A-TREE.^[2] We are increasingly adopting alternative approaches in the manufacture of our intraocular lenses, too: since 2025, 1,200 photovoltaic modules with a total capacity of approximately 420 kWp have contributed to the electricity supply for our IOL production.^[4]

Resources

For us, less is often more. Responsible resource use is embedded in our corporate mission. We therefore reduce material and energy use in our internal processes, make transport and delivery as environmentally friendly as possible, and set benchmarks for resource-efficient manufacturing with our award-winning single-use instruments.^[5]We are working towards realising our vision of a closed recycling loop for ophthalmic instruments.

What we do precisely

Instruments that set an example

Our single-use instruments combine the highest levels of precision and functionality in a disposable product. Above all, they demonstrate that single use and resource conservation need not be mutually exclusive. ⁽⁵⁾

Find out more about our SUIs

Shipping

Transport and shipping are among the most carbon-intensive aspects of our products. We offset the emissions generated by shipping by planting trees. Through our shipping provider UPS, 7.83 tonnes of CO₂ were offset between January and December 2025._[3]

Icon Fabrikgebäude mit Sonne, die auf Solarpaneele scheint

Company building

1stQ’s headquarters and logistics centre are located in Eastsite Elysium – an innovative building that uses an ice storage system and photovoltaic installations to harness energy from renewable sources.

Digital processes

By using digital document management systems and digital workflows, we consistently reduce paper use across our company.[6]

IOL Production

Since 2025, 1,200 photovoltaic modules with a total capacity of approximately 420 kWp have contributed to the electricity supply for our IOL production.[4]

Icon eines Blatt Papiers mit einem klickenden Mauszeiger darauf

Promotional materials

Through digital brochures, QR codes and videos, we make content accessible at any time and help reduce paper use.

Research

We rethink materials, explore new approaches and test applications, such as bio-based plastics derived from sugar cane and castor oil for our instrument handles.

Planting trees together

Together with PLANT-MY-TREE®, we launched the imPLANT-A-TREE initiative. Here partners become sponsors: As a tree sponsor, you actively contribute to reforestation in German and emissions offsetting.

Participate now

Plant a tree yourself