Purpose & Stakeholder Governance
1. Purpose
The purpose of ekomia GmbH is to achieve a significant, measurable positive impact on society and the environment through its business activities. This purpose is legally anchored in Section 2, Paragraph 3 of the supplementary agreement to the articles of association dated March 22, 2020:
“The further purpose of the company is to achieve a significant positive impact on the common good and the environment through its business activities.”
ekomia designs and sells solid wood furniture that makes a measurable contribution to environmental protection through longevity, repairability, and the use of certified natural materials. Our focus is on minimalist design and a high-quality user experience in line with social and ecological standards – with the aim of helping to shape the transformation of the economy towards greater ecological responsibility.
2. Relevance to the Business Model
The furniture industry is one of the most resource-intensive industries worldwide. Mass production, synthetic materials, and short product lifecycles cause significant environmental damage. ekomia deliberately positions itself as an alternative:
- Solid wood from certified forestry (FSC/PEFC) as a core material – not as a marketing promise, but as a fixed product requirement
- Longevity and repairability as a business model – furniture is constructed to be used for generations
- European production in Germany and the EU to minimize transport distances
- Transparency regarding materials and origin as a basis of trust for our customers
Our purpose is therefore not a communication measure, but the foundation of our entire business model. It explains why ekomia exists and how we create long-term value. Every major corporate decision – from product development to supplier selection – is measured against these principles.
3. Integration into Corporate Strategy
3.1 Product Development
Every product must meet the following criteria before being included in the product range:
- Solid wood from FSC- or PEFC-certified sources
- Plant-based oils, the ingredients of which are fully transparently disclosed on the product page
- Repairability planned right from the start through permanent support for replacement parts, screws, and connections
- Timeless design that outlasts short-lived trends and avoids premature replacement
3.2 Supplier Selection
The selection of production partners follows binding ecological and social criteria defined in our internal guidelines:
- Production in close cooperation with workshops in Germany and the EU to reduce transport emissions
- Materials and components are sourced regionally at the respective production site whenever possible
- All production partners and service providers commit to compliance with our guidelines for environmental and social standards
3.3 Product Range Strategy
The “Buy Less” approach represents a deliberate renunciation of artificial growth in favor of quality and longevity. ekomia actively provides customers with instructions for care, upcycling, and repair in order to extend the lifespan of the products. This principle stands in contrast to short-term sales maximization and demonstrates how our corporate purpose guides strategic decisions.
3.4 Stakeholder Governance
Pursuant to Section 6, Paragraph 8 of the supplementary agreement to the articles of association, the managing directors consider the effects on shareholders, employees, suppliers, customers, communities, and the environment in all decisions. Business development and social impact are weighted equally.
4. Key Performance Indicators and Goals
| Area | Current Status (2025) | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Packaging (renewable / recycled / recyclable) | ~80% | 90% by the end of 2027 |
| CO₂ Footprint | Corporate CO₂ footprint in preparation | Data-driven CO₂ footprint and reduction plan as part of the V2.1 recertification |
| Transparency | Principles, processes, and data published transparently on ekomia.de; reforestation projects documented with location data | Continuous expansion of the data baseline |
5. Communication to Stakeholders
The corporate purpose is communicated consistently both internally and externally:
- Website ekomia.de: Publication of material origin, certifications, and ecological principles
- B Corp recertification according to V2.1 standards as a public commitment to independently verified standards in the areas of social, environmental, and corporate governance
- All employees act in accordance with the principles defined in the mission statement
- Suppliers and production partners are contractually bound to our environmental and social guidelines
- Customers are actively supported in repair, care, and upcycling through videos and specific repair kits