Thomann and our Environment

The environment and using sustainable resources is incredibly important to us. Here you can find out what Rock'n'Roll and nature have in common in Treppendorf.

Climate Friendly Treppendorf

Since so many technology giants are moving to be greener, we did not want to fall behind. In addition to the usual legal requirements such as the return of batteries or old electrical appliances, Thomann has taken a few greener measures.

The heat wasted from our data center is fed directly into our heating system. 15 geothermal probes were laid - each with a depth of 100 m - for heating and cooling. In addition, there is a 35 KWp photovoltaic system and three electric charging stations for the cars from our customers and employees.

Batteries

Batteries contain many valuable raw materials that can be recycled. Therefore, used batteries and rechargeable batteries do not belong in the garbage can, but should be recycled. Used batteries and rechargeable batteries can be returned to us free of charge in the store and in the service centre. For our employees, we have also set up collection boxes for used batteries in all buildings on the company premises. As a result, over 150 kg of batteries are collected and recycled every year.

Further information can be obtained from the "Common Take-back System for Batteries" at www.grs-batterien.de, which Thomann is a member of.

Packaging

Thomann ensures all packaging is recyclable. We prefer to use paper, cardboard and recycled plastic air cushions.
For all customers who purchase in the shop, we provide special points in our collection and service centers in which you can leave unwanted packaging. This means you do not need to worry about it once you are at home and can fit more gear in your vehicle. ;)

While we are on the subject, the waste generated at Thomann is separated at the site directly into more than 10 fractions and then sent for recycling via a certified disposal company.

Ecodesign

Never heard of Eco design? Most likely you have, as this includes the so called “light bulb ban”. This ban does not only affect your beloved light bulbs but also appliances and power adapters. For example, modern power adapters must meet certain energy efficiency criteria when it comes to idle power or the ratio between power consumed and supplied.

Many electronic devices are required to have an energy management system. This means, for example, that a guitar amp needs to turn off automatically if it is not in use for a long period of time i.e. standby.

After your next practice break, if the LED does not burn on your Harley Benton amplifier, it is not because someone pulled the plug, but the unit noticed it was not in use, and switched to a standby mode. Do not worry, once you hit the first string, your Harley Benton will automatically turn back on.

Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is taken back free of charge on a one-for-one, like-for-like basis. Waste batteries including rechargeable batteries are taken back free of charge. You are not obliged to make any purchase when returning old batteries. Each local authority must also accept household WEEE and small batteries free of charge at its recycling facilities. All WEEE and waste batteries must be recycled and should not be placed in any of your household wheelie bins. Make sure you always recycle all your old electrical goods and batteries.

Ireland:

Visible Environmental Management Costs (vEMC’s)

Here you will find the visible Environmental Management Costs (vEMC’s) for certain categories of B2C electrical and electronic equipment (EEE).

These are the applicable fees (vEMCs) as of 21st July 2014 inclusive of 23% VAT:

Category 1.2, 1.2a and 1.3 - all large domestic appliances: € 5
Category 5.1 - fluorescent lamps: € 0.15
Category 5.2 - LED light sources: € 0.05
PRL Number / WEEE-Reg.-Nr.: 1128WB

Thomanns Green Team

Since 2018 Thomanns Green-team has made it a priority to become more aware of our environmental protection, waste prevention, energy and resource savings in our daily life. The team, consisting of colleagues from various departments, carry out all sorts of projects around the topic of the environmental protection and sustainability within the company. Such projects include carpooling, water saving measures, organizing veggie days at our T-kitchen and the most buzz worthy, colonization of Thomann’s own bees, plus much more.