Sustainable by principle. High quality by conviction.
Sustainability is a term that is often overused these days. For us at Rohleder, however, it is far more than just a buzzword for marketing. It is the foundation of everything we do, deeply ingrained in our DNA since 1946. When we talk about sustainable production, we mean a holistic approach: from the fibre to the finished fabric, from the person at the loom to the energy that powers it.
As a family business, we do not think in terms of quarterly figures, but in terms of generations. We ask ourselves: How can we produce fabrics that enrich our customers’ lives without jeopardising the livelihoods of future generations? Our answer is our fabric mill in Konradsreuth. A place where environmental protection and high-tech are not opposites, but mutually dependent.
Sustainability through local sourcing
Why is location so crucial to the environmental footprint? Quite simply: shorter transport distances reduce CO₂ emissions. Whilst the majority of global textiles often travel thousands of kilometres before reaching the consumer, our development, manufacturing and finishing processes all take place under one roof. Here in Konradsreuth, Upper Franconia.
We are proud that our fabrics are manufactured in Germany. But we go one step further. We also select our suppliers according to strict criteria. The majority of our yarns come from Germany and other European countries. This not only guarantees the highest quality, but also ensures that social and environmental standards are upheld right from the raw material extraction stage. We only process materials whose origin we trust.
Our approach to water
Water is a precious resource. In our own production facilities (finishing), we have implemented processes that drastically reduce water consumption. Thanks to innovative methods, we now use up to 70% less water for many processes than we did just a few years ago. Some of this water comes from our own ponds. This is a natural cycle that we utilise and protect.
Solar power for weaving machines
When you look at the roofs of our production halls, you’re looking at a power station. Our solar panels generate a significant proportion of the electricity we need to power our weaving machines. Environmentally conscious energy generation right on site makes us more independent and reduces our impact on the climate. But we go even further: we cover 100% of our remaining energy requirements with certified green electricity. Every time the sun shines over Konradsreuth – and even when it isn’t – we at Rohleder produce woven fabrics using green energy.
Carbon neutrality
We are proud to be the first weaving mill in Germany to be certified as climate-neutral. We meticulously track our CO2 emissions, work continuously to reduce them (e.g. through LED lighting, heat recovery and electric vehicles) and offset unavoidable emissions through high-quality climate protection projects. This is our contribution to a positive carbon footprint.
Durability is the real key
In a world of fast fashion and disposable products, we are setting an example of durability. The most sustainable fabric is the one you don’t have to replace. If a sofa needs reupholstering after two years because the fabric has worn out or faded, that is a waste of raw materials, energy and labour.
Rohleder Textiles are designed to last for decades thanks to their properties.
- Durability: High abrasion resistance ensures that the fabric does not thin or even wear through, even in the midst of everyday family life.
- Lightfastness: The colours remain vibrant, so the fabric still looks as good as new even after years of use.
- Easy care: Stains can be easily removed without ruining the furniture.
By producing fabrics that last, we are making an active contribution to combating the throwaway society. We process materials in such a way that they last for generations. That is quality that pays off – for you and for the planet.
People at the heart of everything we do
Sustainability rests on three pillars: ecology, economy and social responsibility. The last of these is often overlooked, yet for us it is crucial. Responsible corporate governance must be judged by how it treats the people who make success possible in the first place.
We are committed to Germany as a business location and safeguard valuable jobs here. We pay fair wages and offer benefits that go beyond the standard. But we wanted to do more. To improve the work-life balance of our production staff and keep the weaving profession attractive to young people, we were one of the first industrial companies in the region to introduce a four-day working week with full pay.
The result? Well-rested, motivated staff, fewer sick days and a noticeably positive atmosphere on the shop floor. People who enjoy coming to work do a better job. And in the end, you can feel this attention to detail in every metre of our high-quality fabrics. We act fairly and transparently because we know that a company is only as healthy as its employees.
Transparency for download
Here you will find our latest sustainability report, containing all the facts, figures and targets. Find out more about our commitment to sustainability.
