In March 2025, Lohmann-koester Mexico successfully completed the SMETA-4 audit one of the world’s most recognized standards for ethical business conduct. This achievement marks a significant milestone—not only for the local team in Guadalajara, but also for the entire Lohmann Tape Group. It was the result of a close collaboration between Lohmann-koester Guadalajara, Lohmann-koester Altendorf, and the Global Sustainability Office, and reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to its global strategy: BEYOND Sustainability.
What is SMETA-4?
The Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) 4-Pillar standard assesses companies across four key areas:
- Labour standards,
- Health and safety,
- Environmental performance and
- Business ethics.
The audit process includes a thorough review of documentation, site inspections, and interviews with employees—ensuring not only compliance with national laws and international conventions but also the promotion of a transparent and ethical working environment.
Collaboration across borders
What made this audit particularly successful was the strong collaboration across three organizational pillars. The local site in Guadalajara led the implementation efforts on the ground. Lohmann-koester Altendorf contributed with strategic support and knowledge sharing, while the Global Sustainability Office ensured alignment with broader corporate goals and provided guidance throughout the preparation and audit phases.
This collaborative spirit exemplifies how sustainability at Lohmann-koester is not the responsibility of one function or location, but a shared mission embraced across all levels of the organization.
Part of something bigger: BEYOND Sustainability and BEYOND Excellence
The SMETA-4 audit in Mexico is more than a compliance milestone—it is a tangible result of the organization’s strategic pillars: BEYOND Sustainability and BEYOND Excellence. The corporate vision goes far beyond environmental protection, embedding sustainability as a core principle in every aspect of the business—from product development and procurement to social responsibility and ethical governance. A successful audit is just one example of how this strategy is being put into practice.
An achievement with ripple effects
The insights and best practices gathered during the audit process will now be used to support continuous improvement across the Lohmann-koester network. By documenting successes, identifying opportunities, and sharing knowledge between teams, the company ensures that each audit strengthens the overall system.
Looking ahead
The successful SMETA-4 audit is a proud moment—but not a finish line. It marks the beginning of the next chapter in Lohmann-koester’s sustainability journey. With BEYOND Sustainability as a guiding principle, the company continues to challenge itself to do better—for its people, its partners, and the planet.
