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Sustainability

Sustainability is part of ACO's DNA


Working on sustainable solutions is an ongoing process that we at the ACO Group are passionate about every day.

Since its founding in 1946, ACO has been dedicated to enhancing water quality. Over the years, we have expanded our expertise to encompass the management of stormwater, rainwater, and wastewater. These efforts have shaped our motto, "ACO. we care for water"—a commitment we uphold in everything we do. We focus on transparent, clear processes to continually refine our systems. Every day, we work toward greater sustainability by utilizing innovative, recyclable, and durable materials, along with production methods that conserve resources.

Iver Ahlmann

“We only see innovations as such if they are sustainable in terms of production and environmental impact."”

Iver Ahlmann
Managing Director ACO Group
Hans-Julius Ahlmann

“Technology will make a decisive contribution to solving the climate crisis. We are innovation leaders in the field of Water-Tech, and that is what drives us.”

Hans-Julius Ahlmann
Managing Director ACO Group

We are drivers of sustainable technical innovations in the field of Water-Tech

We contribute to several UN Sustainable Development Goals, in particular Goal 6

As a third-generation family business, we live social responsibility

UN Sustainable Development Goals

As a third-generation family business and a leader in sustainable innovation, ACO is dedicated to protecting and managing water resources. As a Water-Tech company, we recognize the critical role water plays in enhancing quality of life worldwide. This is why we align our efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly focusing on Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Through our comprehensive ACO WaterCycle strategy, we prioritize sustainable water management and develop resilient infrastructure using durable, future-ready solutions.

Beyond these primary goals, ACO is also committed to advancing Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). As a globally active family business, we are driven by long-term vision and responsibility. Our mission is to become a best-in-class sustainable Water-Tech company, continuously innovating to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Clean water and sanitation

Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Sustainable cities and communities

Our focal points

Our four overarching sustainability focal points are: Environment, Innovation, People and Commitment.

The ACO Group comprises over 50 independent sister companies worldwide, enabling each location to operate locally with direct decision-making and tailored solutions to meet regional needs. This approach ensures short delivery routes and local sourcing of materials, where possible, to reduce our environmental footprint. We prioritize sustainable materials and continuously optimize formulations, such as using recycled content, to enhance the sustainability of our products. We view our suppliers as partners and foster long-term collaborations to drive shared progress in sustainability. Our active participation in industry committees and associations helps shape future standards in water management, supported by our ACO Supplier Code of Conduct.

Every ACO product plays a key role in our integrated water management system: the ACO WaterCycle, which focuses on the principles of Collect, Clean, Hold, and Reuse. This system ensures the efficient and sustainable use of water by collecting, treating, storing, and reusing it. The ACO WaterCycle is constantly evolving, with ongoing projects aimed at reducing our ecological footprint, cutting emissions, minimizing waste, saving energy, and utilizing waste heat.

Our products contribute to the blue-green transformation of infrastructure, supporting sustainable water management.

For example, the ACO ShowerDrain Public X recovers heat from wastewater, while ACO Stormwater Management solutions like ACO Stormbrixx help buffer intense rainfall, protecting infrastructure from flooding. Additionally, our products for rainwater utilization bring sustainable water practices directly into homes, and our grease traps not only purify water but also support future energy resources.

As part of our commitment to sustainability, many ACO products are being certified. The ACO Qmax retention channel has received internal recognition for its low carbon impact, while the ACO Self® gravel grid is certified with the "Blue Angel" eco-label for environmental friendliness.

The more than 50 ACO sister companies around the world are united under the shared values of our family business, often referred to internally as "the ACO family." This strong bond is captured in our mission statement, "ACO. you can rely on a strong family." The parent company, ACO Holding, provides guidance and support for all our global entities. Our origins date back to 1827, and our core values of responsibility, courage, and trust continue to shape our culture. These principles foster a spirit of innovation, mutual respect, and collaboration.

Our commitment to these values extends to the development of our employees. We offer comprehensive training and continuous learning opportunities to enhance their skills and personal growth. ACO provides safe and engaging workplaces, supports flexible work arrangements, and promotes occupational health and safety, making it a unique employer for those looking to shape the future.

ACO is actively engaged in supporting art, culture, and sports across various regions. The heart of our cultural initiatives is NordArt, held at the Kunstwerk Carlshütte, a historic site that marks ACO’s origins. Since 1999, this annual art exhibition has grown to become one of Europe's largest, showcasing works from over 200 international artists and attracting more than 100,000 visitors each year. Additionally, the Kunstwerk Carlshütte and ACO Thormannhalle serve as key venues for the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, hosting renowned concerts.

In architecture, ACO connects visionary minds to explore innovative, sustainable solutions. Our Beyond.aco - Architecture across continents series is an online event that brings together architects, urban planners, and engineers for digital discussions, in collaboration with AIT-Dialogue. This initiative fosters creativity and knowledge-sharing in the field.

ACO’s connection with water extends to sports, particularly sailing. Since 2012, we have proudly sponsored the Musto Skiff World Championships, featuring some of the fastest single-handed skiffs, reaching speeds of up to 20 knots, a testament to our passion for performance and innovation.

Sustainable innovations through research


The ACO WaterCycle
Collect, Clean, Hold, Reuse - the circular, interlocking ACO Water-Tech system for the collection and protection of our vital resource: water

The ACO WaterCycle delivers intelligent, climate-resilient systems for the efficient collection, purification, storage, and reuse of water. We utilize advanced separation and filtration technologies to protect water from contaminants such as fuels, heavy metals, pesticides, microplastics, fats, and even pharmaceuticals like antibiotics. By safeguarding groundwater as a critical resource, ACO products play a vital role in ensuring a sustainable and livable future.

collect: Collecting and absorbing

For example, ACO promotes energy efficiency through wastewater heat recovery. The ACO ShowerDrain Public X heat exchanger shower channel not only collects and drains wastewater but also recovers heat from it. This innovative solution supports the shift towards alternative and renewable energy sources by optimizing energy use, making it a prime example of how ACO products enhance sustainability.

clean: Pre-cleaning and preparation

For example, through sustainable grease separation technology, ACO grease separators play a crucial role in environmental protection. These systems efficiently remove grease and oil from wastewater, preventing blockages, corrosion, and groundwater contamination. Additionally, the collected fats and oils are repurposed as a resource, contributing to the development of future sustainable fuels.

hold: Holding and retaining water

For example, through effective heavy rain and flood prevention, ACO Stormwater Management solutions address the challenges of extreme weather. The ACO Stormbrixx infiltration system captures rainwater from intense storms, storing it for future use during droughts or gradually releasing it into the soil. This process helps replenish groundwater reserves, ensuring water is responsibly returned to the natural cycle.

reuse: Pumping, draining and reusing

For example, by conserving and reusing water resources, ACO vacuum toilets utilize negative pressure to extract blackwater, drastically reducing water consumption. Unlike traditional toilets that require 5-8 liters per flush, the ACO vacuum toilet uses just 1 liter. Additionally, it can operate with alternative water sources like rainwater or condensate collected by ACO systems, making it an efficient solution for sustainable water use.

Our certifications

IThe management system of ACO companies in Germany includes the implementation of the international standards for energy management DIN EN ISO 50001, for environmental protection DIN EN ISO 14001 and for quality DIN EN ISO 9001. Depending on the location, various certificates are available, each of which provides proof of ACO's quality, energy or environmental management systems.

An energy management system in line with ISO 50001 helps ACO efficiently manage and reduce energy consumption. This involves adopting energy-efficient technologies and minimizing energy waste through measures like optimized lighting, improved heating systems, and heat recovery. Additionally, several ACO sites are fully powered by green electricity, supporting our commitment to sustainability.

A quality management system based on ISO 9001 ensures compliance with legal requirements and establishes clear guidelines, structures, and objectives. This standard helps meet customer expectations and maintain high-quality standards. By adopting a process-oriented approach, it supports core operations, identifies areas for improvement, and enhances the efficiency of work processes.

An environmental management system based on ISO 14001 prioritizes environmental protection, reducing environmental impacts, and achieving sustainability goals while considering economic, legal, and social factors. At ACO, we integrate environmental considerations early in product development. Our goals include expanding energy efficiency measures and increasing the use of recycled materials to minimize our ecological footprint.

An information security management system compliant with ISO/IEC 27001 ensures a comprehensive approach to protecting an organization’s information. It establishes rules, methods, and processes to safeguard, monitor, and continuously enhance information security. The primary focus is to maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data across the organization.

Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)

We believe in creating products that not only meet the highest standards of quality but also contribute to a greener, more sustainable future. To provide transparency and accountability, we have obtained Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for several of our product groups.

An Environmental Product Declaration is a verified, standardized document that details the environmental impact of a product throughout its lifecycle—covering everything from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal. By adhering to internationally recognized standards, such as ISO 14025, EPDs allow us to communicate the environmental performance of our products openly and reliably.