Corporate Social Responsibility
Our founding story in 1969 by the visionary and innovative entrepreneur Manfred Swarovski is a tale of circular economy, recycling, and social responsibility. Manfred recognized the potential of broken flat glass, which, when rounded into micro glass beads, can be converted into a road safetyproduct andmake road markings visible at night. Then in the 1990s, SWARCO was the first company to bring the highly energy-efficient light source LED in traffic lights and variable message signs to market. True to our guiding principle of improving the quality of life by making the travel experience safer, quicker, more convenient and environmentally sound, our software solutions in urban and interurban traffic management contribute to optimized traffic flow and help reduce emissions, avoid congestion and accidents. This positively supports the environmental balance of our business partners.
Manfred Swarovski highlighted early on that you can only have lasting success if you think not only of yourself, but also of others. For SWARCO, entrepreneurship also means taking social responsibility for employees and for and for our environment.
Why Corporate Social Responsibility?
Corporate Social Responsibility or CSR in short, is an interdisciplinary topic contributing to the long-term development of businesses and societies by promoting responsible and sustainable practices. By addressing environmental challenges, supporting community development, and fostering social inclusion, we can help build a more resilient and equitable future, aiming at one major objective – preserving the nature and enabling collective well-being for future generations to come. Click on the below pilars to see how we take our Corporate Social Responsibility at SWARCO.
We believe that leading the way in CSR is not just about meeting legal or ethical requirements—it’s about driving positive change and setting the standard for responsible business practices. While certain tenders may require CSR compliance, we are committed to going beyond mere obligations. For us, CSR is not just a box to check but an opportunity to actively contribute to a sustainable future.
Our commitment to sustainable CSR actions goes hand in hand with supporting our customers in their journey toward a greener future. By embedding sustainability into everything we do, we want to help them meet their sustainability goals. Together, we create opportunities for growth while driving positive environmental change. Our efforts are designed to provide real value to our customers – aiming to build a stronger and more sustainable future together.
Retaining competent staff is crucial to safeguarding experience and knowledge that a company has built up over many years. Attracting new staff brings a breath of fresh air into existing structures and promotes innovation and new approaches. Meaningful CSR activities make people feel being part of a community, and working for a sustainable company motivates them to give their best.
"For us, sustainable management and corporate responsibility in social and ecological terms are not just lip service, but have been a daily reality for many years."
Günther Köfler, CAO, SWARCO AG
Our CSR Focus Points
We focus on Energy & Emissions, Employee Satisfaction and Eco & Circular Product Design. Learn how we contribute to a better world, and click on the examples below to read stories from our SWARCO companies worldwide!
- Decarbonization: Reducing CO2 emissions and energy consumption
- Switch to green electricity for all SWARCO companies (provider / self production)
- Promotion of zero-emission vehiclesin our company carfleet
- Use of waste heatand other alternative energy sources
- SWARCO employees participating in voluntary projects
- CSR partnerships, donations and sponsoring for social & ecological cause
- Inclusion, diversity, and equality
- Outlook: CSR Awareness Trainings & Zero Harm Campaign
- LCA assessment for key products and product groups
- Identification and development of more sustainable products
- Implementation of circular economy concepts, e.g., zero waste and recyclable packaging
- CSDDD – Sustainable Supply Chain
Our CSR Campaigns in Action
Young Mobility Ambassadors
The central idea of our SWARCO Young Mobility Ambassadors program is to improve road safety with and for young people. We want to motivate youngsters to actively think about how they can travel intelligently and safely in our rapidly changing world of mobility. in a collaborative project involving public institutions, pedagogic experts, and researchers.
Circular Economy
The basic principle is to keep every product at the highest value-added stage for as long as possible. As innovator, developer, producer, system integrator and service provider, we in SWARCO cover most of the way of the value chain of our products. This puts us in a formidable position to become frontrunner in green solutions and to boost circular economy within the power of our business.
"Social responsibility means giving something back to society. Young people are the next generation of adults who will take on responsibility in communities in the future. With the SWARCO Young Mobility Ambassadors program, we want to give them the opportunity to actively participate in shaping and taking responsibility for the future of mobility."
Danijela Stevinovic, Project Leader for the Young Mobility Ambassadors Program, SWARCO AG
Every step is important and will get us closer to a more sustainable future. We ask our employees to take part in taking our Social Responsibility by:
- Understanding how they impact environmental and social standards in the company;
- Trying to increase positive effects and decrease negative effects on the environment and on humans related to their role;
- Motivate leaders, employees, and colleagues to think about a more sustainable way of doing their job.
Do you have ideas and input on what could be done in SWARCO to improve our environmental and social standards? Get in contact with our CSR team: csr@swarco.com.
"Sustainability is an integral part of our corporate philosophy. We align our corporate responsibility with business, social and ecological criteria and are convinced of the competitive advantages of sustainable action.”
Daniel Meier, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), SWARCO AG
Want to read more about our CSR Strategy? The SWARCO’s CSR Playbook provides a roadmap for our employees and partners to integrate CSR into our daily business, guiding our decision-making and driving meaningful social and environmental impact while creating long-term value for all our stakeholders. Get your digital copy!
Get your digital copy:
SWARCO’s Sustainability Report gives an overview of our Corporate Social Responsibility strategy, certification and reached goals, and provides insight in sustainability strategy in traffic technology on a global level.
SWARCO
Young Mobility Ambassadors
Program
For school classes from 8th to 13th grade
A joint project with pupils aged 14 to 19 to improve road safety on the way to school.
We support this and provide teaching materials to help teachers.
Have we piqued your interest? Then send us your expression of interest
Zero Harm
Be Aware. Take Care.
