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.
Our 2025 Sustainability Report has been published. Read how we turn sustainability into practice.
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.
Learn more
Social Well-being
We prioritize the well-being of our people and create opportunities for continuous development.
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EcoVadis Gold — world-class recognition
The world’s leading organization for assessing corporate sustainability, EcoVadis, has awarded EWQ the Gold medal, a recognition granted to only 5% of the 150,000+ companies evaluated globally.
The recognition reflects the quality of the company’s sustainability management system and demonstrates a commitment to promoting transparency throughout the value chain. EcoVadis is a leading global sustainability assessor that evaluates companies’ environmental, social, and ethical performance.
ISO 14001
The ISO 14001 environmental certification demonstrates that our operations meet the requirements of the international environmental management standard and support continuous improvement.
The certification reflects our commitment to reducing environmental impacts and improving resource efficiency. It also strengthens our credibility and builds trust among our stakeholders.
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
Carbon footprint grows less than revenue
EWQ Supplier Code of Conduct: 100% signed
Our goals
eNPS target: 70
Net Zero 2035
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.
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.
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- Carbon footprint growth should be slower than revenue growth by the end of 2026 (baseline year 2025)
- Carbon handprint calculation by 2029
What makes up our carbon footprint?
EWQ’s carbon footprint for the year 2025 was 3708,94 tCO₂e. The calculation is based on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG) standards and guidelines, and has been verified by a third party.
Processing, use, and end-of-life treatment of sold products
Purchased goods
Transport and distribution
Business travel and commuting
Direct emissions (service vehicles, scope 1) and purchased energy (scope 2)
The remainder comes from waste and investments.
We take responsibility for the emissions generated by our operations by supporting domestic carbon sink projects.
We contribute to climate action by financing verified emission reduction projects implemented in Finland that enhance natural carbon sinks and support Finland’s carbon neutrality target for 2035. In 2025, we retired a total of 73 tCO₂e worth of HiiliPlus+ climate units, covering our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions and partially our Scope 3 emissions, including commuting, business travel and waste.
Social Well-being
We build responsible business by prioritising well-being, promoting equality, and respecting human rights. Based on these principles, we continuously develop our operations and set targets to advance well-being across our entire value chain.
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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 (2025 3%) 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.
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- Maintain zero workplace accidents
- Employee engagement and satisfaction with the company
- Increase employee upskilling and career development
- Promoting equality, fairness and respect
Transparency and Good Governance
Good governance ensures responsible and sustainable business across the entire value chain. We follow ethical, transparent practices and expect the same from our partners.
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All primary suppliers are committed to our sustainability requirements, which are structur edaround four key themes: human rights and labor principles, environmental responsibility, responsible business conduct, and data protection, information security, and the responsible use of technology. 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.
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We base our sustainability work on our strategy, values, and clear principles that guide everything we do. We operate transparently and in compliance with applicable laws across all our markets. Our sustainability efforts are managed systematically, with progress regularly reviewed at both management and board levels. We continuously develop our practices to ensure responsible and sustainable operations now and in the future.
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- 100% of suppliers to sign the EWQ Supplier Code of Conduct by 2026
- Prioritize Finnish partners
- CSR risk assessments for new partners
- 100% audit coverage for factories in high-risk countries (acvhieved)
- Sustainability training for those making purchases
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Through EWQ’s Whistleblowing channel, you can confidentially report any observed misconduct, such as harassment, bribery, fraud, or money laundering. All reports are handled promptly and carefully, and, if necessary, the matter will be referred to the authorities. The channel is open to everyone involved in EWQ’s operations.
Data protection
Data protection is a core part of our responsible business practices. We ensure that all data is handled securely, reliably and transparently by trained professionals. Our services and customer relationships are built on strong data protection, supported by high-quality, energy-efficient data centres located in Finland.
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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 securely—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.
We have a reporting channel for reporting information security incidents, and the observationsaremonitoredaspartofcontinuous riskmanagement.
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- Zero data breaches on an annual basis
- Keep data within the EU, accessed only by professionals
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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