To me, sustainability means doing business with a long-term perspective. It means more than protecting the environment, even though that aspect continues to be a primary concern. Rather, sustainability means responsible actions on the part of managers and employees, modern products that conserve resources, safe working conditions, and last but not least, support for social and humanitarian initiatives. As the sole shareholder, I am pleased to see ALTANA AG present its first comprehensive sustainability report after two environmental reports to account for its activities. Above all, I am impressed that this report also includes an honest assessment of challenges and future goals in spite of the achieved successes. After all, sustainability always means honesty and not window-dressing.
Sustainable business is not a voluntary option, but an indispensable prerequisite for corporate success. I am convinced that only those companies that practice responsible management on the basis of a shared culture of values will have a chance in the market. Ultimately, they are the companies that qualified and motivated employees want to work for.
Accordingly, management with a long-term perspective, protection of our natural resources, and clear rules for working together are much more than a moral obligation of every company. They are indispensable for earning profits and for reinvesting them to make a contribution to social development.
I hope you will enjoy reading this sustainability report of ALTANA AG.

Susanne Klatten
Sole shareholder and deputy chairwoman of the Supervisory Board