Sustainability at EWQ
Sustainability is a key part of our strategy, guiding both our services and continuous operational development.
We advance sustainability on two levels:
1. We consider sustainability a key factor in all decision-making.
2. We help our customers make more sustainable choices.
What does sustainability mean to us?
Our sustainability is built on three pillars: Environmental Responsibility, Good Governance, and Social Well-being. For each area, we set clear targets, metrics, and accountable owners.
We use renewable energy, recycle all electronics, conduct regular certified audits, and actively invest in our employees’ well-being. Just as important, we continuously identify areas for improvement and acknowledge our weaknesses.
What our pillars mean in practice
Environmental Responsibility
We calculate our annual carbon footprint and take responsibility for the emissions generated by our operations.
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Social Well-being
We prioritize the well-being of our people and create opportunities for continuous development.
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EcoVadis Platinum — world-class recognition
The world’s leading organization for assessing corporate sustainability, EcoVadis, has awarded EWQ the highest-level Platinum certification, a recognition granted to only 1% of the 130,000+ companies evaluated globally.
Towards more sustainable retail
We are driving more sustainable retail by embracing digitalization and implementing intelligent, resource-efficient technologies. We put great effort into the sustainability of our solutions, so you do not have to. You can trust that we’ve done the work for you.
Less waste
Electronic price displays enable rapid repricing, especially for products approaching their expiration date. This encourages customers to purchase discounted items before they expire, helping to reduce food waste by up to 25%*.
Energy-efficient choice
Our displays consume up to 31.5% less electricity compared to 2019 models**. The intelligent energy-saving mode automatically adjusts settings based on the viewing environment without compromising the viewing experience.
Efficient recycling
We rely on certified partners to handle equipment recycling.
Product-specific carbon footprint
We provide accurate product-level carbon footprint calculations to support emissions tracking and help our customers reach their sustainability goals enabling more informed and environmentally conscious decisions in their operations.
*The Finnish Grocery Trade Association (PTY) 2025, Natural Resources Institute Finland 2025, K-ryhmä 2025
**Samsung Electronics 2025
Our product-specific emission calculations support our customers in assessing their own carbon footprint.”
Sanni Siilin, ESG & CSR Manager
How our products reduce environmental impact
Energy-efficient displays
Our latest LED screens consume 50–70% less electricity than older models.
Less paper
Electronic shelf labels reduce paper consumption and associated biodiversity loss.
Durable technology
ESL displays are water- and shock-resistant for a long service life
Easy recycling
Simply return used devices to us—we handle recycling through our certified partners.
A more satisfied, efficient workforce in retail
Faster shelf stocking
ESL product-location features can cut shelf-stocking time by up to 50 %
Freed resources
Electronic pricing frees more time for meaningful tasks.
Fewer routines
Automating manual work increases job satisfaction and sense of purpose.
Better workdays
Our Queuing Solutions ease peak-hour pressure and improve staff well-being.
EWQ Queuing Solutions have been awarded the Key Flag Symbol as proof of Finnish design, manufacturing, and domestic employment.
EWQ’s sustainability timeline
Sustainability as part of the strategy
ESG strategy and sustainability owners appointed
Carbon footprint calculation — Scope 1 & 2, and limited Scope 3 (30%)
“Taimiteko project” — new forest planting and youth employment support
Code of Conduct introduced
Audit of the largest supplier’s factory in Vietnam (SMETA)
Process development
Audit of the largest supplier’s factory in Vietnam (SA8000)
Ongoing development of employee well-being and work ability
CSR risk-mapping process for suppliers and partners
Towards systematic practices
Carbon footprint per Greenhouse Gas Protocol — Scope 1 & 2, and limited Scope 3 (70%)
Information security audit
Certifications
ISO 14001 certification
Financing verified carbon sequestration as part of advancing national and international climate goals
The coming years
eNPS target: 55
VSME reporting
ISO 27001 certification
Product-level emissions calculations
EWQ Supplier Code of Conduct: 100% signed
Our goals
eNPS target: 70
SASB reporting
SBT (Science Based Targets)
Sustainability is a part of our daily work
Environment
The environment is a cornerstone of EWQ’s sustainability work. We aim to ensure our operations do not place unnecessary strain on the planet, not today or in the future. We do our part to curb climate change and biodiversity loss by continuously developing solutions that reduce both our and our customers’ environmental footprints.
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We calculate our carbon footprint yearly according to the global Greenhouse Gas Protocol standards and verify it through a third party to ensure transparency and accuracy. Understanding our impacts helps us target reductions where they matter most.
EWQ’s 2024 carbon footprint: 921.5 t CO₂e (Scopes 1, 2 & 3) — equivalent to the CO₂ emissions of 1,441 round-trip flights within Europe.
We continuously reduce our own carbon footprint by improving our operations and finding new ways to cut emissions. In addition, we support climate action by funding emission-reduction projects that contribute to achieving global net zero.
Our goal is not just to support carbon sequestration, but to be part of the solution and actively drive the transition to a climate-resilient future.
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Domestic production is a cornerstone of our environmental responsibility. Finnish design, development and manufacturing of our EWQ ZONE ecosystem and queuing devices help ensure transparency in the supply chain and high quality. We rely on renewable energy, minimize transport distances, and maximize device lifetime. In addition to our own team, we create jobs for design, production, and installation professionals across Finland.
What makes up our carbon footprint?
EWQ’s carbon footprint for the year 2024 was 921.5 tCO₂e. The calculation is based on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG) standards and guidelines, and has been verified by a third party.
Purchased goods
Transport and distribution
Business travel
Commuting
Direct emissions (service vehicles)
The remainder comes from waste and purchased energy.
Social Well-being
Key targets:
- Maintain zero workplace accidents
- Reach eNPS ≥ 70 by 2030 (baseline 2024: eNPS 41)
- Increase employee upskilling
- Promoting equality
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A thriving workforce is the foundation of responsible business. Well-being is not a one-off goal but an ongoing commitment. At EWQ, everyone can contribute, develop, and grow. We provide professional development, organize training and well-being days, and invest in a safe, inspiring work environment.
Our low employee turnover (12/2024 6%) is a result of responsible employer practices. A committed team strengthens our community, deepens expertise, and fosters a positive work culture. Every employee follows EWQ’s Code of Conduct, building trust, integrity, and shared success.
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We adhere to the human rights defined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations and the Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in all our operations. We have zero tolerance for child labor, human rights violations, and discrimination.
Transparency and Good Governance
Key targets:
- 100% of suppliers to sign the EWQ Supplier Code of Conduct by 2026
- Prioritize Finnish partners
- Keep data within the EU, accessed only by professionals
- 100% audit coverage for factories in high-risk countries (acvhieved)
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Good Governance ensures responsible and sustainable business across the entire value chain. We follow ethical, transparent practices and expect the same from our partners.
All primary suppliers are committed to our sustainability requirements. We conduct independent audits and risk assessments (e.g., SMETA and SA8000). We also continuously develop our practices, assess their effectiveness, and influence supply-chain sustainability.
Data protection
Data protection is critical to responsible business. We handle large volumes of data daily and ensure its reliability and security in every situation. Our employees follow clear data-protection principles and receive regular training in practical implementation. All data is handled transparently and responsibly—always by designated professionals.
Our systems are hosted in Finland in highly energy-efficient data centers. Data protection is more than a requirement for us—it is a core principle for building customer relationships and trustworthy services.
Continuous improvement at EWQ
For us, sustainability means continuous development. We measure results, refine our operations, and adapt to a changing world. A sustainable future is built not on single actions, but on long-term collaboration with our customers.
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