Knauer (Berlin, Germany) has been awarded The Franz von Mendelssohn medal for 2012 by the Berlin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) and the Berlin Chamber of Crafts (HWK). The award is in recognition of the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) concept.

The company, in collaboration with the Technical University of Berlin, assessed the environmental impact of selected Knauer products through the entire product life cycle. One of the major findings was that the PLATINblue (ultra high performance chromatography) UHPLC system was one of the best energy-saving systems worldwide.

Knauer also engages in a range of social projects with Caritas (Catholic humanitarian organization, Berlin). Knauer encourages employees to volunteer time to causes within the community. Additionally, Knauer participates in a number of nation-wide events aimed at promoting the scientific education of young people. Knauer Explorers club (KEK in German) was set-up in 2010 as a laboratory aimed at the education of physics and chemistry basics to children with reference to Knauer instruments.

“I am very delighted about this award because it confirms that we take our responsibility towards society and environment seriously and that we take action. We do not focus on just one ‘good deed’, but rather out of conviction, we engage in many different ways. My co-workers value this attitude and they support the implementation of a lot of ideas. Our efforts far exceed the size of the company”, commented Alexandra Knauer, CEO and owner of Knauer.

For more information please visit www.knauer.net