Beyond the Green Logo: What Sustainability Really Means at Linde Material Handling

In today's corporate landscape, the concept of sustainability has moved far beyond a marketing slogan or a glossy annual report. It is now a fundamental pillar of business strategy, directly impacting everything from brand reputation and risk management to long-term profitability. At Linde Material Handling Australia, we understand that true sustainability is a journey of continuous action, not a destination. It’s an approach we’ve been building and refining for over a decade, integrating it deeply into every facet of our operations from the design of our products to the well-being of our people.

It isn't just about a "green logo". Our commitment, which has been independently validated and recognised with the EcoVadis Platinum rating, placing us in the top 1% of over 125,000 companies globally, is a testament to our comprehensive, action-oriented approach. It’s a holistic view that extends well beyond carbon emissions to encompass human rights, diversity, and ethical business practices across our entire value chain.

The origins of an action-oriented strategy

Since 2012, Linde has been systematically developing and strengthening its sustainability strategy. This has been a proactive recognition of evolving global challenges and the responsibility we have as a market leader. Our strategy is guided by a clear vision: to create lasting value by integrating environmental and social objectives into our business processes. As part of the KION Group, we have committed to achieving climate neutrality along our entire value chain by 2050, aligning our efforts with the international Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

For us, this means focusing on the full product lifecycle, from initial design to end-of-life recycling. It means developing equipment that is not only powerful and efficient but also designed for durability and ease of maintenance, extending its lifespan and minimising waste.

Key focus areas: Climate, people and principles

Our sustainability strategy is built on four key pillars that correspond to the EcoVadis assessment: Environment, Labour & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. This structured framework ensures that our efforts are comprehensive and measurable.

• Climate change and environmental protection: We are committed to reducing our environmental impact, from our own production facilities to the solutions we provide our customers. Our innovations are centred on this goal. We’re at the forefront of the shift from traditional internal combustion engines to electric-powered forklifts, offering high-performance, zero-emission alternatives. Our advanced battery technologies, including lithium-ION and hydrogen fuel cells, provide energy-efficient solutions that help businesses significantly reduce their carbon footprint and operational costs. We’ve also implemented measures to optimise energy, water, and waste management across our operations.
• Labour and human rights: We believe that a sustainable business is one that prioritises its people. Our commitment to human rights is non-negotiable, and we have a zero-tolerance policy for child or forced labour. We are dedicated to ensuring a safe and hygienic work environment for all employees and contractors, with robust Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) management systems. A sustainable company thrives on diversity, so Linde invests in talent and inclusion, offering apprenticeships, supporting women in technical roles, and fostering equal opportunity recruitment.
• Ethics: Ethical conduct is at the core of our business. We operate within a robust Code of Compliance that addresses anti-bribery, anti-trust, and data protection.
• Sustainable procurement: We also extend this commitment to our supply chain, conducting rigorous assessments to minimise risks like modern slavery. This diligent process ensures that our partners share our values and that we are collectively contributing to a more responsible global economy.

Integration across Australian operations

In Australia, this global strategy is brought to life through local action. Our team works hand-in-hand with customers to implement solutions that not only enhance productivity but also align with their unique sustainability goals. From a tailored energy management system that helps a customer like Fonterra transition its fleet to electric, to offering electric heavy-duty forklifts that rival the power of their diesel counterparts, we provide tangible solutions for real-world challenges. Our focus on circularity — through our used and rental truck businesses — ensures that our products have a second life, further reducing resource consumption.

What EcoVadis Platinum means for you

Our EcoVadis Platinum rating is more than just a badge of honour; it’s a direct benefit for our customers and partners. It signifies that when you partner with Linde MH, you are choosing a supplier that has been rigorously vetted against global sustainability standards. It provides a third-party assurance that our claims are backed by documented evidence and a proven track record of continuous improvement.

In an environment where supply chain sustainability is under increasing scrutiny, our Platinum rating gives you a competitive advantage. It demonstrates your commitment to partnering with responsible and ethical suppliers, helping you meet your own ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) targets and providing confidence to your stakeholders.

Sustainability isn’t a separate initiative, it’s the way we do business

At Linde MH, sustainability isn’t a bolt-on, it’s a strategic differentiator. Partnering with us means aligning with a business who already walks the walk when it comes to sustainable practices i.e., reducing emissions, elevating safety, embedding ethics and investing in people. You don’t just get forklifts, you get peace of mind and shared long-term value.

If you want to keep up to date with the latest in material handling sustainability, reliability, safety and innovation visit our Content Hub and subscribe to our quarterly newsletter. For the latest news and updates on all things Linde MH, follow us on LinkedIn.

SHARE