CRUZBER, one of the European market’s major manufacturers of roof racks, roof bars and transport accessories, evaluate the organisation’s main sustainability improvements. In recent years, the company has taken a decisive step in its commitment to environmental and societal sustainability, consolidating its goals of contributing to a more responsible, balanced and respectful future.
From recognising the importance of integrating sustainable practices in all activity areas, CRUZBER has taken on the challenge of improving sustainability performance in a continuous and structured manner that includes its whole supply chain. In this way, the entire strategy and long-term objectives have a focus that goes beyond the present day and seeks, not only to preserve, but to improve current practices that will impact positively on future generations.
In recent years, CRUZBER has implemented various actions within different areas of sustainability, reflecting a comprehensive commitment to the environment, society and the economy. Each initiative demonstrates the organisation’s effort to incorporate responsible practices in its operations, aligned with the principles of sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These actions include: the optimisation of resources; the reduction of environmental impacts; and the strengthening of equality, inclusion and well-being of the working community, consolidating its responsibility as an organisation that is committed to sustainable development.
Advances in Environmental Policy through significant sustainability investments
The signing of the CRUZBER’s Environmental Policy in August 2024 reinforced the organisation’s commitment to environmental care. With policy adherence, CRUZBER is committed to operating with responsibility to the environment, ensuring regulatory compliance with its production processes. The Environmental Policy reiterates CRUZBER’s determination to: integrate sustainable practices; promote efficient use of resources; reduce emissions; and promote a culture of environmental responsibility throughout the entire organisation and with its suppliers and strategic partners.
For Environmental Policy compliance, CRUZBER now evaluate aspects such as air quality and the reduction of waste and noise emissions, as well as establishing measures to reduce chemicals and waste. In the energy field, continuous improvement is promoted in all operations, encouraging energy efficiency measures and the use of renewable energy.
CRUZBER has managed to significantly reduce its energy consumption in recent years thanks to the optimisation of resources and investments in energy efficiency. In 2024, the organisation’s total energy and propane gas consumption was reduced by 18% and 8% respectively in comparison to 2022’s figures. During the same time period, CRUZBER has improved its energy self-sufficiency by 22%, thanks to the installation of photovoltaic panels at its headquarters. These positive results underline the company’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and to integrate renewable energy into its operations. Aspects, such as the replacement of lighting fixtures with LED technology, also contribute significantly to reducing energy consumption and minimising environmental impact.
Although, without a doubt, the greatest contribution to environmental sustainability has been produced by the new paint plant installation. This new investment, which was implemented during the second half of 2023/beginning of 2024, has made it possible to reduce atmospheric emission sources and contributes significantly to the improvement of air quality. Additionally, the new paint plant installation incorporates an advanced paint dust recovery system, allowing surplus paint dust to be reincorporated back into the production process. This results into a substantial reduction in both waste generated and paint consumption, strengthening CRUZBER’s operational process efficiency.
To improve sustainable and responsible water resource management, CRUZBER has invested in a new water treatment plant, equipped with an advanced reverse osmosis system, to operate alongside its previously installed water treatment plant. With the implementation of both of these water treatment plants, CRUZBER is now able to optimise the reuse of water in its operations, guaranteeing high quality standards, whilst reducing the consumption of one of life’s most scare, yet necessary, natural resources.
Commitment to safety, health and inclusion within a rewarding work environment
The application of CRUZBER’s Occupational Health and Safety Policy has contributed to providing excellent results in recent years. When compared with other companies within the same sector, CRUZBER has recorded a very low occupational accident rate, with significantly lower accident severity, and reduced sick leave periods. In 2024 alone, work-related accidents were 77% lower, with 94% less severity, and 74% lower than average sick leave periods by comparison.
Even comparing these figures within the company’s history, the data reaffirms the corporate focus of responsible health and safety management, i.e. a work culture focused on accident prevention and the wellbeing of its people. 2024’s accident rates fell by 55%, were 64% less severe and the duration of sick leave was reduced by 26% when compared with 2021’s results.
This positive data results from investment in training for the identification, prevention and management of occupational risks, in order to create a safe work environment, and reflect the organisation’s commitment to promoting a strong and sustainable culture of accident prevention. In 2024, CRUZBER provided more than 290 hours of health and safety employee training.
This comprehensive approach to training and sustainable development is, not only reflected in occupational safety, but also reinforces CRUZBER’s commitment to inclusion and the creation of a diverse and equitable professional environment. Through its commitment to education and inclusion, CRUZBER promotes the development of future professionals and promotes labour integration. The company has signed various agreements with local educational and training centres, which allow it to promote continuous learning, boost employability and train future professionals in key skills for the sector. These agreements connect education with the workplace, contributing to internal professional growth and the incorporation of talent into the company.
As part of its social commitment to inclusion, CRUZBER actively collaborates with specialist employment centres and has people with disabilities on its staff. Through this alliance, people with disabilities account for more than 30% of the CRUZBER workforce. This allows for the creation of employment opportunities among groups at risk of exclusion, promoting their integration in the professional field, and contributes to the creation of a more diverse and equitable environment. CRUZBER’s commitment to labour integration and diversity was demonstrated in October, when the company was granted the Award for Immersion of People with Disabilities by the company, SMART. This award underlines the company’s efforts to promote an inclusive environment in which all people, regardless of their abilities, have the opportunity to develop their potential.
CRUZBER has a well-established workforce, with balanced age profiles, experience and the ability to face present and future challenges. The turnover rate (16%) is well below the Andalusian average in the sector (23.7%), demonstrating the two-way commitment of the company to the workers and that of the workers to the company. It also exemplifies CRUZBER’s commitment to job stability and professional development. The company is faced with the challenge of incorporating a greater number of women into a sector dominated by men, although, initial results show that CRUZBER employs 5% more women than the national average for the steel and metallurgical sector in Spain.
CRUZBER makes a unique commitment of offering salary compensation above both average and industry agreement to its employees as well as offering a series of additional benefits, such as private health insurance. These measures contribute to the well-being and stability of employees and reaffirm the organisation’s commitment to the professional and personal development of its team, fostering a favourable and motivating work environment.
CRUZBER’s Equality Plan together with its Equality Committee reflect the company’s commitment to equality and inclusion in the work environment. The Equality Plan establishes specific measures that guarantee equal opportunities, the promotion of diversity in selection processes and professional development. The Equality Committee, made up of representatives from different areas of the organisation, oversees the Equality Plan’s implementation and effectiveness. With these initiatives, CRUZBER promote a corporate culture based on respect, diversity and equality as fundamental pillars of its development and commitment to balanced gender representation at all levels of the company.
Commitment to ethics and sustainability in the supply chain
Ethics and regulatory compliance are fundamental pillars that guide all of CRUZBER’s operations. Since its inception, the company has had a firm commitment to working with integrity and transparency, ensuring strict compliance with applicable laws and regulations, throughout its supply chain. Collaborating with sustainable suppliers ensures responsible production, respect for the environment and the well-being of communities – promoting practices that foster economic and social development in a balanced and respectful manner.
For this reason, CRUZBER has begun a detailed study of all the agents involved in its supply chain to guarantee ethical behaviour in their operations, as well as to ensure that each of them complies with the standards of transparency, sustainability and social responsibility. Part of this commitment is reflected in the company’s strong commitment to local suppliers, which account for 78% of the total, compared to other suppliers.
A small example of the company’s level of commitment to sustainability is the acquisition of Auara water bottles. Every bottle purchased from this socially sustainable company helps to bring drinking water to developing countries. In the last quarter of 2024 alone, CRUZBER contributed to generating 3,672 litres of water.
CRUZBER continues to make steady progress in its sustainability strategy by integrating responsible practices ranging from resource optimisation and environmental protection to employee well-being and social development. The company is committed to continuing to drive innovation and ethics in all its operations, contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future. Through its actions and decisions, CRUZBER demonstrates that respect for the environment and people are fundamental pillars for building solid and responsible growth. As it faces new challenges and opportunities, CRUZBER remains firmly committed to continuing to drive responsible practices that benefit both current and future generations, ensuring a positive impact in all aspects of its activity.