Circular economy
Approaches to reducing resource consumption in the economic cycle
Sustainability and ESG are widely used terms. Sustainability describes a forward-looking perspective in which environmental, social and economic aspects are considered over the long term in order to preserve the foundations of life and business for future generations. In the corporate and financial sectors in particular, these aspects are commonly summarized under the term ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance). Sustainability is defined differently across regulatory, scientific, and economic contexts. Regulatory requirements, such as the EU Taxonomy or the EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation, provide a framework for individual sustainability aspects while leaving room for company-specific specification.
The specific meaning of sustainability for Commerzbank AG’s products, services, and business activities is set out in the ESG Framework. It defines the relevant criteria and distinguishes, in particular, between the Bank’s own business and external client investment and insurance business, including asset management and securities business (“third-party business”).
What does circular economy mean?
Ideally, the concept of the circular economy aims at complete waste avoidance as well as effective use of raw materials and thus reduction of raw material consumption. This is a systematic and holistic approach rather than incremental efficiency gains.
Circular economy means in particular:
- Use of recyclable resources in product design
- Use of substances that are low in pollutants to avoid hazards
- Use of materials with documented suitability for the intended use
- "build to last" - development of products with the longest possible service life
- Repair, refurbishment or reuse of products
- Feeding into the cycle through repurposing and second use as well as reuse of the individual components of products
- Community use of products to reduce the volume of production
Compared to a linear economy, a circular economy has positive effects on the environment and climate and thus contributes to sustainability. Through the efficient and circular use of resources, among other things, CO2e emissions are avoided and already scarce resources are used less.
How does Commerzbank take circular economy into account in its banking business?
At the same time, Commerzbank is setting a good example by focusing internal activities specifically on achieving a circular economy:
New life for used paper towels
In the sanitary facilities of Commerzbank AG, paper towels are generated as waste, particularly at larger back‑office locations. Since 2016, paper towels have been separately collected at selected sites and sent for material recycling. By September 2025, around 264 tonnes of paper had been returned to the material cycle.
Commerzbank is thus implementing the "Tork PaperCircle" project of Essity, a Swedish manufacturer of sanitary paper. Following successful piloting, the recycling project was extended to 14 Commerzbank office buildings.
Recycled paper and paper consumption
Recycled paper is predominantly used in internal operations. In parallel, measures to reduce paper consumption are being implemented, in particular through the digitalisation of processes. The development of paper consumption is regularly analysed in order to identify further reduction potential.
Procurement and take-back cycle for office materials
In the procurement of office supplies, Commerzbank takes into account requirements regarding reusability and the use of materials with recycled content, where these have been defined for the respective product group. Return boxes are available in the central material stores, through which used plastic pens, regardless of manufacturer, are collected and sent for material recycling.
Driving to work with the leased bike
Employees of Commerzbank AG can benefit from leasing high-quality bicycles or e-bikes. The bank leases the bike and lets the employee use it. By deducting it from their gross salary, employees can achieve an individual tax advantage compared to a private purchase. In addition, the bike lease package includes insurance against theft, vandalism and battery damage for e-bikes. For Commerzbank employees, this means they save taxes, do something for the environment and promote their health.
Use of bicycles for business trips
Commerzbank employees can use the more than 15,000 bicycles of the bike-sharing provider "Call a Bike" throughout Germany free of charge. They can be used for business trips to other locations or customer appointments.