Precious to Us
Precious metals are indispensable. They enable technological transformation and innovation needed for a more sustainable world. However, our commitment goes beyond our products’ contribution to a better world.
We strive to realize the potential of precious metals responsibly and underline this commitment with our pledge to responsibility: precious to us. More information on our sustainability strategy, ambitions, and progress can be found in our Sustainability Update.
Maximize Impact, Minimize Harm
We are proud of the positive impact our precious metals products have. The modern life enjoyed by all today would not be possible without them. While platinum group metals are used in many industrial applications, gold and silver are essential to the electronics and photovoltaics industries and are valued as investment products and in jewelry. Therefore, we see it as our duty to realize the huge potential of precious metals responsibly.
As impressive as precious metals are, they do also have drawbacks. The huge demand for precious metals cannot nearly be covered by recycling, so mining is indispensable. However, their extraction and processing are very energy- and carbon-intensive and can adversely impact workers, nature, and nearby communities. That is why we work to maximize the benefits of precious metals for people and the planet while steadily reducing their negative impact.
Our Precious Metals Products Foster a Better World
E-Mobility
Contact materials for electrical connections and safety switches are necessary for electromobility.
High Process Efficiency
Our Karstedt catalysts are used for the production of high-quality silicones that are used, for example, in medical applications.
Platinum-containing highly potent active pharmaceutical ingredients help to defeat cancer.
Replacing Fossil Resources
Catalysts enable the replacement of fossil feedstocks by renewable feedstocks in chemicals production.
Enabling Green Hydrogen
Catalysts enable sustainable energy supply in production, purification, storage, and transport of green hydrogen.
Enhancing Product Lifetime
The antimicrobial effect of AGXX particles helps to prevent the spread of dangerous germs and the economic damages caused by biocorrosion.
Reducing Emissions
Our catalysts clean exhaust air in engines or industrial processes.
Wind Turbine Efficiency
Precious metals wires and slip ring applications are used in wind turbines to transmit electrical power in pitch control systems.
Platinum bushings are needed for the production of glass fibers, which for example are used in the manufacture of wind turbine blades.
Reducing Harmful N₂O
Catalytic gauze systems reduce emissions of the greenhouse gas N2O in fertilizer production processes.
Our Pledge to Responsibility
Climate, resources, and people are precious to us. We pledge to act accordingly. To systematically decarbonize our business. To look for new ways to conserve resources and promote a circular economy. To prioritize the well-being and interests of the people in our company, in nearby communities, and along our value chain. Just as importantly, we expect the same from our business partners, both upstream and downstream.
We are convinced that our industry can make a successful transition toward sustainability, but we can only achieve this by working together: from miners to refiners, processors, and users of precious metals. Our aim is to lead by example and to propel positive change in our industry. We set rigorous standards for our own business and actively encourage the adoption of similar standards along the entire value chain.
Sustainability Updates & ESG Ratings
Learn more about our strategy, ambitions, and progress regarding climate, resources, and people in our Heraeus Precious Metals Sustainability Update 2025. It serves as a voluntary supplement to the Heraeus Group’s Sustainability Report.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
In 2015, the United Nations Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It sets out 17 goals, which aim to transform our world: They are the call to action to end poverty and inequality, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy health, justice, and prosperity.
We support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and continuously review, adapt, and examine our own contributions, actions, and measures to achieve them.
With our business and responsibility activities we support the highlighted SDGs in particular.
