Stjerne-Chrom joined the UN Global Compact in 2023 and reports on relevant ESG key figures referred to in Section 99a of the Danish Financial Statements Act. We have selected four Sustainable Development Goals where we believe we can contribute the most: Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
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Stjerne-Chrom A/S · Surface treatment — family-owned since its founding
This report shows how Stjerne-Chrom works to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals and uphold the ten principles of the UN Global Compact. We contribute purposefully to four goals:
6 Clean Water and Sanitation7 Affordable and Clean Energy8 Decent Work and Economic Growth12 Responsible Consumption and Production
Published June 2026
Statement from management
Stjerne-Chrom A/S is committed to upholding the ten principles of the UN Global Compact, and compliance with the principles is part of our business DNA.
Stjerne-Chrom is a family-owned company, and sustainability is a prerequisite for the company's operation.
We have reviewed the UN Sustainable Development Goals and decided where we can contribute the most – and that we must be able to document our efforts.
During 2025 we provided information for the review of our environmental permit, including information about wastewater treatment and discharge; this work is not yet complete. We experienced a water leak at the company that caused a large amount of contaminated water and damage to buildings and equipment. All water was collected and taken for treatment at NG Nordic. As a result, we have focused on updating our risk assessment to avoid this type of incident again; we have installed a "Dantaet" water-safety system with SMS alarms to avoid unintended consumption and possible damage to buildings, installations and the environment.
On the working-environment side, we continue our work to improve the ergonomic working environment; we have introduced more automatic dosing of chemicals so that lifting is eliminated. Employees on the newest line use exoskeletons for loading and unloading, which prevents wear on muscles and skeleton.
Stjerne-Chrom works with continuous improvements in environment, quality and working environment. We set ambitious goals and work to be a good workplace with room for everyone.
Stjerne-Chrom has a Code of Conduct used in communication with our stakeholders. The Code of Conduct describes how we, as a company, act in relation to the ten principles of the Global Compact.
Our primary suppliers are smaller local craft businesses, goods transporters and chemical suppliers – here we have 3 large ones; 2 Danish and 1 German. All of our customers are European.
Employees, customers and suppliers are all familiar with Stjerne-Chrom's Code of Conduct and will comply with it.
We have produced this report to show how we work to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We are ready to report on ESG key figures when our customers request it and any legal requirements apply.
6
Goal 6 · Clean Water and Sanitation
Water and wastewater
Stjerne-Chrom works purposefully to reuse water in production. We discharge our process wastewater well below the discharge limits in our wastewater permit.
Stjerne-Chrom uses water in its processes. Since April 2023, water consumption has been monitored continuously in real time, and we work purposefully to ensure that as little water as possible is used. In 2025 we installed a monitoring system so that unintended consumption is avoided.
Water consumption is kept as low as possible through several measures:
All rinse tanks in production have return rinsing, which is continuously controlled.
Hot tanks are automatically covered at night.
Rinse water can to some extent be used to set up active tanks for surface treatment, and we do so where possible.
Water consumption (m³)
Year
Total
Wastewater
Sanitary
Evaporation and production
2025
1,382
488
96
798
2024
1,284
498
125
661
2023
1,208
675
93
440
2022
1,445
843
111
491
Water consumption by wastewater, sanitary use and evaporation and production of water, 2022–2025.
Water consumption was lower in 2023 than in 2022; this is because we closed a process line. In Q3 2024 the new process line started up, which also shifts consumption towards evaporation and production of water. The new plant contains approx. 45 m³ of water. In 2025 water consumption rose, but so did activity. Water consumption is expected to rise further in 2026.
Distribution of water consumption
2025
Evaporation and production of water58 %
Wastewater35 %
Sanitary7 %
2024
Evaporation and production of water51 %
Wastewater39 %
Sanitary10 %
Distribution of water consumption 2025 and 2024 – evaporation and production make up the largest share.
Wastewater
The wastewater is treated primarily in our own wastewater treatment system and filtered through ion exchangers, so the quality of the discharged water is as good/clean as possible. We have a smaller amount of wastewater containing complexes that we cannot treat ourselves; this water is disposed of for treatment at NG Nordic. In addition, we have some process water with low pH, which is sent to NG Nordic for treatment. We discharge water via the public treatment plant.
Wastewater samples are taken on an ongoing basis and analysed by Eurofins, an accredited laboratory. Stjerne-Chrom has max. concentration requirements and requirements for max. discharge volumes for wastewater in its environmental permit and wastewater permit; these requirements are met.
The amount of wastewater was lower in 2023, 2024 and 2025 than in 2022; this is because we have rebuilt production. The newest plant was commissioned in Q3 2024 and third-party inspected and approved in December 2024. The wastewater volume is expected to increase slightly as the new line reaches full production.
There was one wastewater sample in 2025 with a deviating result of minor significance – the pH value was slightly lower than assumed in the wastewater permit. No further action was taken, as we expect to be able to meet the required pH value.
Wastewater analyses – results
Below are the accredited analysis results from Eurofins for the past four years. All concentrations are in µg/l; the limit value is ≤ 200 µg/l for cadmium and ≤ 500 µg/l for the other metals. The discharge volume is given in m³/year.
Analysis results 2025
Date
Cadmium
Chromium
Copper
Nickel
Tin
Zinc
Discharge (m³/yr)
Limit values
≤ 200
≤ 500
≤ 500
≤ 500
≤ 500
≤ 500
1,500
15-01-2025
0
0.8
5.7
5.8
1
5
01-04-2025
0
0.7
8.5
87
1
5
26-08-2026
0
1.8
1.2
28
1
5
10-10-2025
0
3
90
270
1
27
Average (µg/l)
0.00
1.58
26.35
97.70
1.00
10.50
488
Transport (grams discharged)
0.00
0.77
12.86
47.68
0.49
5.12
Limit values and measured concentrations in µg/l. Total discharge 488 m³ in 2025.
Analysis results 2024
Date
Cadmium
Chromium
Copper
Nickel
Tin
Zinc
Discharge (m³/yr)
Limit values
≤ 200
≤ 500
≤ 500
≤ 500
≤ 500
≤ 500
1,500
12-01-2024
0
1.6
110
53
1.3
9
05-04-2024
0
25
60
53
3.7
15
11-07-2025
0
3.9
19
37
1
5
08-10-2024
0.067
260
710
110
43
160
28-10-2024
0
0.8
3.1
12
1
5
Average (µg/l)
0.01
58.26
180.42
53.00
10.00
38.80
498
Transport (grams discharged)
0.01
29.01
89.85
26.39
4.98
19.32
Note: The 08-10-2024 sample (highlighted) showed elevated concentrations above the limit values for several metals.
Analysis results 2023
Date
Cadmium
Chromium
Copper
Nickel
Tin
Zinc
Discharge (m³/yr)
Limit values
≤ 200
≤ 500
≤ 500
≤ 500
≤ 500
≤ 500
1,500
18-01-2023
0
11
28
17
2.9
42
14-04-2023
0
3.3
37
23
1
31
04-07-2023
0
0.9
13
47
1
5
13-10-2023
0
15
88
38
15
28
Average (µg/l)
0.00
7.55
41.50
31.25
5.67
26.50
675
Transport (grams discharged)
0.00
5.10
28.01
21.09
3.83
17.89
Total discharge 675 m³ in 2023.
Analysis results 2022
Date
Cadmium
Chromium
Copper
Nickel
Tin
Zinc
Discharge (m³/yr)
Limit values
≤ 200
≤ 500
≤ 500
≤ 500
≤ 500
≤ 500
1,500
13-01-2022
0
11
54
36
1.5
5
19-04-2022
0
6.6
19
7.8
1
39
15-07-2022
0
0.5
140
46
1.6
8
20-10-2022
0
8.5
5.8
14
1
5
Average (µg/l)
0.00
6.65
54.70
25.95
1.28
14.25
843
Transport (grams discharged)
0.00
5.61
46.11
21.88
1.07
12.01
Total discharge 843 m³ in 2022.
New measures in 2025
After our water leak in 2025, we worked to minimise the risk of excess water consumption and implemented an IT system, "Dantaet", to prevent unintended water consumption and prevent leaks from spreading. The system has SMS alarms and is assessed to be effective.
Reuse of sulphuric acid from production to neutralise wastewater has been implemented; this has meant that we have phased out the use of hydrochloric acid in wastewater treatment. Wastewater treatment works extremely effectively relative to the discharge requirements.
7
Goal 7 · Affordable and Clean Energy
Energy and climate
Stjerne-Chrom has a climate ambition to produce as much energy on site as possible for its own consumption. We work purposefully to phase out fossil fuel for heating by 2030 and to be as energy-efficient as possible in production.
Stjerne-Chrom uses electricity and gas for production. All transport is carried out by customers or transport companies.
In 2023 we implemented an energy monitoring system that also includes a meter for our own production of solar energy for electricity. A meter for production of solar energy for hot process water was installed in 2024. In 2025 we installed software intended to make the use of surplus solar energy more efficient, as the energy is used in our hot-water production.
Fuel types (kWh)
Fuel type
2025
2024
2023
2022
Natural gas (process and heating)
446,071
400,213
536,701
709,577
Solar energy displacing gas
9,133
8,720
Not measurable
Not measurable
Electricity purchased from grid
567,540
483,968
443,954
689,223
Solar energy for electricity used in production
84,287
82,373
84,472
Not measurable
Solar energy, electricity sent to grid
5,019
10,361
12,023
Not measurable
Free cooling, electricity displaced by free cooler
Not measurable
NA
NA
NA
Note: The energy monitoring system did not work for all of 2023, so manual readings were also used. Natural gas is converted using a factor of 11 kWh per Nm³. A new free cooler was installed in 2026; a meter is expected to be set up in Sept. 2026.
Natural gas consumption was lower in 2024 because we were in the middle of a rebuild in production. Our oldest production plant was closed as of 1.1.2023, and the new plant was commissioned in Q3 2024, which also meant fewer m² to be heated. Natural gas consumption rose as expected in 2025, when our new plant was in operation. Total electricity consumption rose as expected in 2025, as the newest line is in operation and production is increasing.
CO₂ emissions (tonnes)
The calculations are made in the Klimakompasset tool. We have used Klimakompasset for calculations since 2022 and have a good handle on Scope 1 and 2. We have begun data collection for Scope 3 and have a good dialogue with our suppliers, who show great willingness regarding data delivery.
Scope 1 (tonnes CO₂): 2022 → 202569.82 → 54.59
Scope 2 (tonnes CO₂): 2022 → 202546.84 → 37.90
CO₂ emissions in tonnes by Scope 1 and Scope 2 – comparison of 2022 and 2025.
Note: CO₂ emissions have fallen, which is linked to the rebuild of production that took place throughout 2023. The new production line was not put into use until Q3 2024. The 2025 CO₂ emissions have fallen from the 2022 level, partly because the share of biogas in the natural gas has increased.
Electricity consumption
Stjerne-Chrom has an ambition to produce part of our energy on our own site, and we therefore installed solar panels for electricity production in 2022. Our plant is built with insulated tanks and efficient control to avoid energy waste. We use free cooling as part of the process cooling; this displaces electricity from the grid or from solar energy and thereby reduces CO₂ emissions. We plan to invest in a new free cooler in 2026 that better matches the size of our production.
Heating
Stjerne-Chrom uses natural gas for heating; this has naturally prompted considerations about switching to e.g. heat pumps or district heating, but no decision has been made at present.
38 %biogas in natural gas 2024
40.4 %biogas in natural gas 2025
2030goal: fossil-free heating
The biogas content of the natural gas is increasing. In 2024 the average content was 38 %, and in 2025 the share of biogas rose to 40.4 %. We supplemented with heating of process water using solar panels back in 2018. We have obtained intelligent control of the solar panels and rebuilt the plant for hot process water so that we can use as much solar energy as possible ourselves. This will mean a further displacement of natural gas for heating process water.
8
Goal 8 · Decent Work and Economic Growth
Working environment and employees
Stjerne-Chrom works to introduce robot technology in parts of production. We work together with employees for a good and safe working environment – including prevention of accidents in both the psychological and physical working environment.
Stjerne-Chrom is challenged by the shortage of labour for industry.
3workplace accidents in 2025 – none with absence
2011OHS-certified since
Gender distribution in production
Women25 %
Men75 %
The gender distribution remains 25 % women in production.
We see new technology as an opportunity and have worked to obtain control systems in production that are as efficient as possible, so production time is reduced. This means we can carry out our surface treatment with the least possible consumption of resources for both materials and labour.
On the newest line, employees use exoskeletons when loading and unloading items; this reduces the risk of wear and fatigue for employees.
We have introduced robot technology to remove time-consuming processes that were also challenging in the ergonomic area in terms of repetitive work and noise. Our first robot process for glass blasting has been a success.
All new projects involve both environmental and working-environment considerations, and we maintain close dialogue with both professional advisers and our working-environment organisation.
12
Goal 12 · Responsible Consumption and Production
Resources and waste
Stjerne-Chrom sorts, handles and disposes of waste with the waste hierarchy in focus – that is, reuse, recycling and energy recovery, in that order. We are ready, on request from customers, to deliver relevant ESG key figures to the extent our data is sufficient.
Stjerne-Chrom works with both resource consumption and waste minimisation. Our raw-material consumption is water, electricity, gas for heating and chemicals for production.
We have our own laboratory that performs process control to ensure our surface treatment is of the right quality. It matters greatly that we carry out the surface treatment correctly, as we are often the last processing step before assembly – and if we fail, the items must be scrapped. That is why quality is important to us. All complaints are handled thoroughly, and we use this work to make improvements so we get better and better.
The laboratory is an important part of quality control of our active baths, and the baths are correctly adjusted so that excess consumption of chemicals, water etc. is avoided. When the baths are optimised, we avoid mistreatments and scrapping of customers' goods.
Stjerne-Chrom has waste from production. We use approved receivers, but we also have waste that must go to landfill due to a lack of recycling options. This waste consists of glass-blasting media with aluminium residues; the waste is clean without paint residues, but cannot currently be recycled.
Note: The amount of waste was greater than before, as we have included wastewater and building waste from the water-leak incident.
Certifications
Stjerne-Chrom has been OHS-certified since 2011 and is certified to the following international standards by DNV:
Stjerne-Chrom's Code of Conduct describes how we, as a company, act in relation to the ten principles of the UN Global Compact. Employees, customers and suppliers are all familiar with and comply with our Code of Conduct.
