PROFIT FOR A BETTER FUTURE
“As a responsible and forward-thinking family business, we have always embraced the mantle of accountability not just for our own future but for generations yet to come. We are acutely aware of the far-reaching impact of our actions today on the world of tomorrow. We strongly believe that the role of companies is undergoing a transformation – only those who really take responsibility for our planet and the well-being of people will have a future and only a changed economy can help ensuring a future for our planet.
Our goal is to be a pioneer on purpose, a role model that shows that businesses can drive positive change. That's why we have decided to radically change our business model, one we term 'profit for'. In this model, the pursuit of profit is not an end in itself but the necessary means to doing good." -
Per Ledermann, CEO of the edding Group
Acting responsibly in all areas
We view economic success as a key prerequisite for enabling the continued development of our company and for integrating environmental and social considerations into our decisions. The "profit-for" strategy provides the framework for incorporating economic, environmental, and social aspects into our decision-making processes.
Through responsible actions, we aim to create long-term, viable solutions for our company while taking the interests of employees, society, and the environment into account in our decision-making.
Social impact
In our view there is nothing more beautiful than a colourful group of people where everyone is being treated equally, feels empowered to speak up and diversity is being embraced. Our goal is to make an impact on people daring to be who they are by protecting and promoting the freedom of self-expression. Our actions in this impact area are aligned with the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s):
The environmental impact of our business activities
We take environmental aspects into account in our decision-making processes and continuously refine our approaches in this area.
To better understand the impact of our business activities, we track and calculate our greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂e). We use the insights gained from this to identify potential areas for action and develop measures to reduce emissions.
Internal impact
We believe that the key to creating impact starts with us. That's why we ensure that every employee within the edding Group can use their competences to the fullest and receive help if needed to be the best version of themselves. We offer our employees an attractive and healthy work environment, actively support diversity & inclusion within the organisation and provide life-long learning opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and emergency assistance.
The role of economic success
For the edding Group, economic success is a key prerequisite for the company’s long-term development. It provides the financial means to invest in products, processes, and innovations, as well as in selected projects and initiatives.
As part of our "profit-for" strategy, we aim to take economic, environmental, and social aspects into account when making business decisions. We view economic success as the foundation for securing the company’s long-term development and creating scope for future initiatives.
Furthermore, we prioritize dialogue and collaboration with business partners and other stakeholders. Our goal is to address shared challenges along the value chain and develop solutions through dialogue.
Explore our stories
Permanent Democracy
On 26 March 2026, the edding brand and the Berlin-based streetwear brand IRIEDAILY launched their joint initiative “Permanent Democracy” in Berlin, calling on people to play an active role in fostering a vibrant democracy. The initiative was prompted by growing social polarisation and the rise of anti-democratic movements. Democracy cannot be taken for granted and thrives on people standing up for it. This idea is summed up by the guiding principle: “Permanent Democracy – only good when it’s used”.
Hamburg's longest table
On 21 June 2025, over 100 different organizations set a strong signal for a diverse, open society with Hamburg’s longest table for democracy, diversity and cohesion at Rathausmarkt.
PCR aluminium
Making good things even better.
edding return box
Simply collect & return your empty markers
Refill ink
Fill it up again and again and again!
Our engagement
The “Bundesdeutsche Arbeitskreis für Umweltbewusstes Management” (BAUM) is one of the largest corporate networks for sustainable business in Germany. Since its foundation in 1984, BAUM has been supporting companies across all sectors in introducing and developing environmentally conscious and sustainable corporate management. The aim is to jointly advance the transformation to a socio-ecological market economy in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement. The edding Group has been a member of BAUM since 1991 and has thus been actively committed to sustainable business practices within the network for over three decades.
Wherever possible, we, as an employer, establish the necessary prerequisites to achieve the best possible work-life balance. For example, we are a founding member of a charity and the associated charitable GmbH “Beruf und Familie im Hansebelt” offering various services that make it easier to combine work and family. Our employees in the Hansebelt area are therefore able to benefit from free emergency childcare at home or in the office as well as childcare cover in special situations.
The centrepiece of this initiative is a document. It is the Charter of Diversity in the literal sense and a self-commitment of the signatories to promote diversity and appreciation in the world of work. The edding Group signed the Charter of Diversity, because we embrace diversity and find it important that everyone feels welcome and valued - regardless of age, ethnic origin and nationality, gender and gender identity, physical and mental abilities, religion and world view, sexual orientation and social background.
Under the motto ‘Made in Germany – Made by Diversity’, more than 155 German family businesses are now calling for greater tolerance and openness in society – including the edding Group. Diversity in companies is an essential foundation for economic success and secure jobs – regardless of origin or background. As a family-owned company, the edding Group enjoys a high level of credibility and is an active member of our society: promoting diversity and equal opportunities are important components of the edding Group's profit-for strategy.
The :do Foundation, founded by Carl-Wilhelm Edding, supports refugees and migrants. This topic is particularly close to our hearts, as migration often takes place because people are deprived of the right to be themselves. The :do Foundation provides support with the aim of enabling refugees to make a self-determined new start. This includes legal assistance and protected spaces as well as medical, psychological and material care. At the same time, the focus is on cultural and social integration activities. edding supports the foundation in various areas, because as part of its ‘profit-for strategy’, the company has set itself the goal of making an important contribution in the area of ‘social impact’ in addition to ecological sustainability.
The edding Group officially joined the UN Global Compact in May 2022.
Based on 10 universal principles on fair labour conditions and the Sustainable Development Goals, the UN Global Compact pursues the vision of an inclusive and sustainable economy for the benefit of all people, communities and markets, today and in the future.
We joined this ecosystem for family businesses in 2021. Maschinenraum brings together the most courageous, forward-thinking German-speaking companies with more than 450,000 employees to connect and share experiences, knowledge, resources and capabilities. In this ecosystem, we support each other in all core areas of transformation, discuss common challenges and share best practices to learn, grow, and shape the future together.
Welcoming Out is an initiative that uses a visible symbol to encourage people to support queer individuals in coming out and to stand up for acceptance. As a patron, the edding Group is committed to creating a working environment in which everyone feels welcome and safe – regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or lifestyle. Appreciation, openness and fair treatment are at the heart of the edding Group's corporate culture, because diversity and inclusion are the basis for innovation, creativity and sustainable success.
“Wirtschaft für ein Weltoffenes Sachsen” is a strong network of companies, politicians and experts that has been promoting tolerance, diversity and democratic values in Saxony's economy since 2016. The aim is to create an open working environment and promote social cohesion. With the founding of V.D. Ledermann in 1992, the traditional production of writing instruments in eastern Saxony was preserved and made fit for the future – today, more than half of all edding products come from Bautzen. V.D. Ledermann has been an active member of the association since January 2024 and works together with the network to strengthen the positive image of the region.
Let's talk
Do you have a question about sustainability within the edding Group? Simply send us an e-mail.
