Interview with Luise Rosemeier, Corporate Responsibility Manager at Wünsche Group

Luise Rosemeier is the Corporate Responsibility Manager at Wünsche Group. We talked to her about her work, learnings, plans, goals, and what sustainability means to her personally.

“Instead of resisting change or clinging to outdated models, embracing uncertainty and cultivating a mindset of continuous learning is paramount. This lesson has reinforced the importance of flexibility, not just in strategies or plans but in thought and action.”

What does sustainability mean for you?

Luise Rosemeier: “To me, sustainability is like building a bridge that connects today’s world to the future. It’s not just about constructing a pathway that serves our immediate needs; it’s about ensuring that this bridge is strong, resilient, and inclusive.

The three main pillars of this bridge are the environment, society, and economy. The environmental pillar represents our commitment to the planet, ensuring that we don’t deplete resources or harm ecosystems. The societal pillar stands for fairness, equity, and community well-being, recognizing that every person’s welfare contributes to our collective success. The economic pillar emphasizes growth and progress but in a responsible, ethical manner.

Just as a bridge requires careful design, alignment, and maintenance, sustainability requires us to thoughtfully balance these three pillars. We must build our bridge in a way that not only serves us today but can support the journey of future generations. It’s about a thoughtful, intentional approach that respects our interconnectedness and responsibility to each other and to the world we share.”

What motivates you to work in sustainability?

LR: “Working in sustainability is more than a job for me; it’s a commitment to the future. Having a little son, I often find myself thinking about the world he’ll grow up in. What drives me every day is the desire to contribute to a planet that will not only sustain his generation but those to follow.

It’s not just about recycling or reducing emissions; it’s about a mindset shift that supports responsible growth and development. By being mindful of our choices, whether in business, politics, or daily life, we can create a world that thrives on balance and respect for nature.

In short, my motivation is rooted in love—for my family, for humanity, and for the Earth. I want to play my part in leaving behind a legacy that’s not only prosperous but also kind and responsible.”

What would you rate your most successful measure for more sustainability in the last years, and why?

LR: “Reflecting on our sustainability efforts at Wünsche Group, we’ve pursued a balanced and committed approach.

First, on the social compliance front, we’ve laid emphasis on human rights and fair working conditions in our supply chains. Our extensive Social Compliance Monitoring System reflects our strong commitment to transparency and accountability. Despite our own efforts, we are actively engaged in collaboration with industry initiatives like amfori and the Accord, both in Bangladesh as well as Pakistan, to enable continuous improvement for the well-being of the workers in our supply chains.

In the environmental domain, we have taken meaningful strides. The establishment of a process for the accounting of our Scope 3 emissions, though a complex process, has provided a more detailed insight into our CO2 footprint. This, along with the establishment of an environmental management system and our responsible chemical and wastewater management, lays the foundation upon which we build our environmental efforts. It’s the starting point for developing and implementing a strategy that includes ambitious targets and effective measures.”

How did you become a sustainability manager?

LR: “I began my career as a political scientist, consulting on large-scale projects in the energy and infrastructure sector in Africa. Yet, my passion for sustainability kept calling me. Realizing the pressing issue of climate change, I decided to pursue a master’s degree in International Business and Sustainability at the University of Hamburg. I have since gained hands-on sustainability experience across various industries like retail, food, textiles, hard goods, and electronics.

Currently, I work as a Corporate Responsibility Manager at Wünsche Group, where I actively contribute to driving sustainability initiatives within the company.

Becoming a sustainability professional was not just a career move but a culmination of lifelong learning, activism, and a profound desire to make a difference. It’s a role that allows me to combine my academic knowledge, professional skills, and personal passion to contribute positively to the world.”

What do you do to make your own life more sustainable?

LR: “Sustainability has been a core value for me, shaped by my upbringing in an eco-conscious household. A major turning point for me was learning about the plastic island floating in our oceans, which inspired me to become a Zero Waste activist for many years. Over time, I’ve recognized climate change and global warming as the most pressing issues. This realization has led me to adopt more climate-conscious practices in my daily life. I’ve shifted to a more plant-based lifestyle, focusing on responsible consumption and reducing waste. Traveling is an area where I’ve made a significant change; I have avoided flying for several years, opting for more sustainable modes of transportation. In line with this commitment to sustainability, my family has been living car-free forever, further reducing our environmental impact.

I’m also active politically as a member of the Green Party in Hamburg, working on local initiatives and policies that align with my values. While these actions might seem like small choices in the grand scheme of things, they’re part of my broader effort to live responsibly and encourage others to do the same. For me, sustainability isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about consistent, thoughtful choices that align with a more sustainable future.

What’s something new you learned in the past year?

LR: “In the last year, one profound realization I’ve come to embrace is the transformative power of adaptability. As the world around us rapidly evolves, it has become increasingly evident that the most resilient individuals and organizations are those that can adapt and pivot quickly. Instead of resisting change or clinging to outdated models, embracing uncertainty and cultivating a mindset of continuous learning is paramount. This lesson has reinforced the importance of flexibility, not just in strategies or plans but in thought and action. Whether facing global challenges like the pandemic or the intricate nuances of sustainability, adaptability is the cornerstone of progress and success.”

What do you think companies lack to become better at sustainability?

LR: “Sustainability is more than just a buzzword; it’s a fundamental shift in how businesses operate. What many companies seem to lack is holistic thinking. While many firms are embracing sustainability in some parts of their business, few see it as an integral part of every decision, from supply chain to consumer engagement. This segmented approach limits the potential impact and often leads to isolated initiatives that might be well-intentioned but fall short in creating systemic change.

Furthermore, the business world often gravitates towards quantifiable outcomes, understandably so. However, sustainability metrics can be challenging to define and measure. Instead of getting discouraged or focusing on short-term wins, companies need to prioritize long-term sustainable strategies, even if the benefits aren’t immediately quantifiable.

Lastly, the siloed nature of businesses today hinders collaboration. To genuinely drive sustainability, cross-functional cooperation and industry-wide collaborations are vital. Just as ecosystems thrive through biodiversity and interconnectivity, businesses need to cultivate diverse perspectives and partner beyond their usual scope. Only by doing so can we reimagine and rebuild systems that serve both our planet and its people.”

What do you think the world needs most to fight global warming and pollution?

LR: “The fight against global warming and pollution requires a collective realization that we are part of an interconnected ecosystem. First and foremost, this means shifting away from linear thinking and embracing a more systemic approach, where we recognize that our actions reverberate throughout the world. We need a shift from the ‘me-first’ mentality to a ‘we-first’ philosophy.

The challenge is immense, but I believe the solutions lie in collaboration, innovation, and a shared sense of responsibility. This includes governments creating incentives for clean energy, businesses prioritizing sustainability, and individuals making conscious choices in their consumption. Every stakeholder has a part to play, and no action is insignificant. What’s crucial is that we all start acting now.

We also need to foster an environment that encourages creative solutions. This includes investment in research and development, supporting startups with sustainable innovations, and creating platforms for dialogue across sectors and industries. If we truly want to make progress, we must be willing to explore new paradigms and be courageous enough to challenge our existing systems.”

What’s the biggest thing hindering you from implementing changes for more sustainability?

LR: “One of the substantial obstacles to implementing sustainable changes is the mindset that prioritizes immediate economic growth over long-term environmental responsibility. Too often, sustainability measures are seen as costly burdens rather than vital investments in our future.

This narrow focus on short-term costs can hinder progress, as it overlooks the broader benefits of sustainability and the potential risks of inaction. However, I believe that we’re gradually recognizing that the real costs lie in ignoring sustainability.”

If you had one wish from a legislative point of view to make your job easier – what would you wish for?

LR: “If I were to pinpoint one wish from a legislative perspective, it would be the establishment of a comprehensive, unambiguous, and universally adopted set of sustainability standards. Currently, companies navigate a labyrinth of fragmented guidelines and regulations, leading to inefficiencies and sometimes even conflicting efforts. A harmonized, globally recognized framework would streamline efforts, eliminate the guesswork, and ensure that everyone is working from the same playbook. Furthermore, this would hold organizations accountable, fostering a transparent and competitive environment that drives genuine sustainability advancements rather than mere box-ticking exercises. While achieving consensus on such a framework is undeniably challenging, the rewards in terms of clarity, efficiency, and collective progress would be immense.”

If you had one wish from your manager and your colleagues – what would you wish for?

LR: “My wish from both my managers and colleagues would be a continuous commitment to breaking down barriers and fostering collaboration across various functions and departments. Sustainability, innovation, and progress are not confined to single divisions but require a holistic approach where every individual contributes their expertise and perspective. I hope for an environment where we openly discuss challenges and fears, and where creativity and interdisciplinary exchange are encouraged. By embracing this collective approach, we can create solutions that are more robust, balanced, and capable of driving real transformation. Change doesn’t happen in isolation; it thrives when everyone participates, learns, and grows together.”

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