A Better World: Silvia Maier

In a world where environmental and social responsibility is becoming increasingly crucial, businesses are being called upon to reassess their operations and prioritize sustainability. 

At the forefront of this movement is ANVIS Holdings, which specializes in rubber and rubber-to-metal anti-vibration solutions for power plants and the transportation, automotive and rail industries, as well as cutting-edge waterproofing solutions for drinking water, the most essential resource of our planet.

"Our company is dedicated not only to profitability but also to making a positive impact on the world we live in," General Manager Silvia Maier tells The CEO Magazine. "Our business is based on sustainable value creation and responsible corporate governance principles."

As well as supplying eco-friendly, long-life industrial products, the company is committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2025. It is taking tangible steps to fulfill this promise while continuing its impressive output, delivering a whopping 12 millions parts in 2023 and generating sales of US$50million – predominately in Europe and China, although ANVIS Holdings’ supply network is worldwide.

Key are its clearly defined guidelines and responsibilities that ensure sustainability is ingrained in every aspect of ANVIS Holdings’ operations, as it offers alternative solutions to fossil-based plastics with its bioplastics (some compostable) wherever possible in its product range.

"We proactively seek out ways to minimize our environmental footprint and maximize our positive social impact, and we set ambitious targets and regularly evaluate our progress towards achieving them, holding ourselves accountable every step of the way," Maier says.

"We are dedicated to providing our customers with eco-friendly alternatives without compromising on quality or performance."

More than a Buzzword

While many companies talk a big game about their sustainability credentials, ANVIS Holdings doesn’t believe in empty words or promises.

"Sustainability is not just a buzzword for us; it's a fundamental philosophy ingeniously woven into every facet of our operations – from product development to supply chain management," Maier explains. "That’s the benefit of being a small, family owned group – we can make quick decisions."

Since stepping into the role of General Manager in 2020, Maier has overseen major developments that have contributed to the company’s green targets, including the relocation of their plant from a 110-year-old building in Decize, France, to a brand-new sustainably enhanced factory, an investment of US$21.7 million.

As the business reduces its gas consumption by changing production process and turns to heat pumps for heating, CO2 emissions have fallen by 88 percent, while its new factory is certified to the latest RT2012 standards (a set of thermal regulations designed to reduce the energy consumption of buildings by a factor of three). Another switch, this time to closed circuit cooling, has driven a tenfold reduction in water use, while over 2,455 square meters of solar panels now produce 20 percent of the company’s electricity consumption (which increases to 50 percent during certain periods of the year).

"Changing the location also changed the mindset of the workers to focus on waste reduction and also allowed us to have state-of-the-art facilities. We had to analyze everything that we do – check our values to make sure that it was the most sustainable option and the best for the community and the planet," Maier explains.

Of course, Maier says the company would ultimately be nothing without its people, who she believes are the heart of ANVIS Holdings.

"Sustainability is a team effort, requiring collaboration and alignment across all facets of our organization," she points out.

"Our workforce is our greatest asset, and we empower them to drive innovation and creativity in developing sustainable solutions."

Finding Solutions – Together

Being at the forefront of the industry with eco-friendly practices and innovative products is important to Maier, and is also supported by the entire ANVIS Holdings value system.

"As we continue to navigate an ever-changing business landscape, we remain steadfast in our commitment to sustainability, knowing that it is not only the right thing to do but also essential for long-term success," she says.

"Our business is not just about profits; it’s also about creating a legacy of positive change for future generations."

Crucial are strategic partnerships with like-minded businesses, such as rubber compounding company Polymer-Technik Elbe. Thanks to this partnership, ANVIS Holdings is able to supply drinking water solutions for all types of needs in accordance with new regulations.

Maier emphasizes that these principles aren’t just lofty ideals but integral components of ANVIS Holdings’ identity.

"We believe that by operating sustainably and ethically, we can create lasting value for our stakeholders while safeguarding the planet for future."