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Aftersales - The term aftersales refers to technical and commercial services which customers can obtain after a purchase if needed (customer service). These could include maintenance and repair services.
Asia Floor Wage (AFW) - The Asia Floor Wage (AFW) Campaign is an association of over 70 unions and labour rights organisations, mostly from Asia. Together, they pursue the aim of calculating and implementing a minimum living wage for countries that export textiles. The calculation takes regional differences in the cost of living into account and includes every necessary expense that a household or family has to pay. These include expenditure on food, rent, clothing, pension contributions, childcare and education. The basic wage calculated in this way is intended to provide a basis on which wages can be negotiated.
Aid by Trade Foundation - The Aid by Trade Foundation works with various partners from industry, politics, science and research, and civil society to contribute to fighting poverty and protecting the environment in developing countries, especially in Africa.
4C Association/4C standard - The Common Code for the Coffee Community Association (4C) is a global association of coffee producers, retailers, industry and further members from various areas of society. The association is committed to a continuous process of improving social, environmental and economic conditions for people whose livelihoods depend on work involving coffee. The 4C standard includes 30 social, environmental and economic principles for those involved along the raw coffee supply chain.
atmosfair - Founded in 2005 as a non-profit limited liability company (gGmbH) in Germany, this organisation offers people travelling (for instance) by plane the chance to offset their greenhouse gas emissions on their website.
Audit - An audit is a review procedure which serves to ensure compliance with standards and guidelines.
Auxiliary burner - Auxiliary burners are used in the coffee roasting process to bring the roaster’s catalytic converter to its operating temperature.
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Boreal - The boreal zone is a climatic zone located between approximately the 50th and 70th lines of latitude on the earth’s northern hemisphere. It includes parts of Russia, Scandinavia and Canada.
Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) - Founded in 2002, the BSCI is a non-profit organisation based in Brussels. The BSCI’s principal aim is to safeguard social responsibility standards in global supply chains.
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Carbon footprint - The term carbon footprint refers to the total CO2 emissions caused by a product, a company or an individual. For example, a carbon footprint states how much CO2 was emitted in the process of manufacturing a specific product.
Cash crop - Agricultural produce grown for sale or export rather than to meet personal needs.
Climate footprint - A climate footprint reflects the quantity of greenhouse gases that a company emits within a set timeframe and area of applicability.
Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) - Founded by the Aid by Trade Foundation (see also Aid by Trade Foundation), the CmiA initiative aims to promote ecologically and socially responsible as well as economically sustainable cotton cultivation in Africa – thereby improving living conditions for small farmers and their families.
CO2 emissions - CO2 emissions are the quantity of CO2 emitted during the production of a specific product.
CO2 equivalent - The CO2 equivalent shows the relative contribution of a specific quantity of a greenhouse gas to the greenhouse effect. Carbon dioxide is used as a comparative value. The warming effect is usually considered over a timespan of 100 years.
Code of Conduct - The Code of Conduct consists of standards and values for ethical business practices and good corporate conduct. It serves to convey these practices and principles to all company employees, who should therefore feel committed to conducting business ethically, behaving fairly and complying with all laws.
Coffee & Climate - Launched to the public in April 2011, the “Coffee & Climate" initiative aims to prepare coffee farmers around the world for the consequences of climate change. Scientific knowledge about climate change will be put into the context of traditionally used cultivation methods, and easily understandable, practical tools will be developed. Tchibo is a founder member of this initiative, together with four other internationally operating coffee companies and the Hanns R. Neumann Stiftung.
Cooperative - In the coffee industry, a cooperative is a group of coffee farmers who aim to jointly operate as a single enterprise. Activities include reciprocal support in coffee cultivation, processing and joint marketing. Cooperatives are characterised by support for their members, self-help, responsibility for their own affairs and autonomy.
Corporate governance - Corporate governance is the organisation and shaping of management and monitoring processes. The fundamental rules abided by in this process can stem from legislation, result from collective agreements or become applicable upon the company’s joining an association.
Corporate Involvement Program - Through its Corporate Involvement Program (CIP), Social Accountability International (SAI) supports companies as they implement its SA8000 standard (see also Social Accountability International [SAI], SA8000).
Corporate volunteering - Corporate volunteering is voluntary work undertaken by employees of a company for charitable purposes.
Corporate Involvement Program - Through its Corporate Involvement Program (CIP), Social Accountability International (SAI) supports companies as they implement its SA8000 standard (see also Social Accountability International [SAI], SA8000).
Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) - Founded by the Aid by Trade Foundation (see also Aid by Trade Foundation), the CmiA initiative aims to promote ecologically and socially responsible as well as economically sustainable cotton cultivation in Africa – thereby improving living conditions for small farmers and their families.
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Derivatives - Derivatives are financial tools whose prices align with currency fluctuations or price expectations for other investments.
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) - GIZ (German Society for International Cooperation) is the Federal Republic of Germany’s national organisation for development and cooperation.. It was formed in January 2011 as a merger of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (Association for Technical Cooperation) (GTZ), Inwent – Capacity Building International, and the German Development Service (DED). As a federal enterprise, GIZ supports the German federal government in its international cooperation to promote sustainable development, and is actively involved in international educational work.
Deutsches Institut für Service-Qualität (DISQ) - DISQ (German Institute for Service Quality) is an independent market research institute specialising in improving service quality. DISQ’s assessment procedures are based on mystery tests, which are carried out without the knowledge of the company under examination.
“Double opt-in” system - In the “double opt-in” process, users are requested to confirm their subscription to a newsletter in a second step, by clicking on a link sent to them via email. This process is considered to be more secure than the single “opt-in” process, which does not include additional confirmation.
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ECOM - The ECOM Coffee Group has operated worldwide for over 60 years as a trade and export company, and has dedicated itself to forging and expanding strong partnerships across the globe.
CO2 emissions - CO2 emissions are the quantity of CO2 emitted during the production of a specific product.
Energy management system (EMS) - An energy management system consists in the systematic coordination of energy consumption (purchase, distribution and use), taking environmental and economic factors into consideration.
Energy efficiency - Energy efficiency indicates the degree to which energy consumed is fully exploited. Maximum energy efficiency takes place when a desired gain is achieved with the lowest possible consumption of energy.
Energy management system (EMS) - An energy management system consists in the systematic coordination of energy consumption (purchase, distribution and use), taking environmental and economic factors into consideration.
Environmental auditing/environmental balance - These terms refer to a comprehensive concept for summarising and evaluating the effects on the environment associated with companies, products and production processes, such as greenhouse gas emissions, acidification or cumulative energy expenditure.
Environmental auditing/environmental balance - These terms refer to a comprehensive concept for summarising and evaluating the effects on the environment associated with companies, products and production processes, such as greenhouse gas emissions, acidification or cumulative energy expenditure.
ETI Base Code - The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) was founded in 1998 by companies, unions and NGOs to develop and disseminate best practices for implementing fair labour practice codes. The ETI’s aim is to harness the combined power of its members in order to push for compliance with international labour standards and respect for human rights along the entire supply chain – tackling issues that individual companies would not be able to address alone. Based on the conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the ETI Base Code lays down basic rules for hiring and treatment of employees.
EU directives “Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment” (2002/96/EG) and “Restriction of Hazardous Substances” (2002/95/EG) - In effect since January 2003, Directive 2002/96/EC concerning electric and electronic devices aims to reduce the increasing quantity of electronic waste. Among other things, the directive stipulates that countries should establish a national collection system for electronic devices. Aiming to eliminate problematic component parts from electronic devices, Directive 2002/95/EC regulates the use of hazardous substances in appliances and parts.
External value - A currency’s external value is its value in relation to foreign currencies. For example, the external value of the euro can be described in terms of US dollars.
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Fairtrade - The FAIRTRADE seal stands for fair trade, which aims to improve living and working conditions for small farmers in countries where crops are cultivated. In particular, this involves paying a minimum price to small farmers as well as a premium to be spent on community projects. Fairtrade also promotes sustainable cultivation methods.
FLEGT Action Plan - FLEGT is an acronym for Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade, and aims to improve monitoring of wood imports into the European Union. The key objective of the plan is to reduce trading in wood products stemming from illegal sources.
Fluid bed roasting - This coffee roasting method roasts raw coffee in jets of hot air. The method is characterised by short roasting times at temperatures of up to 400 °C.
Food Guideline - Tchibo outlines all of its basic rules for how food should be handled in its Food Guideline. The range of topics encompasses everything from quality standards and interaction with suppliers to how foods should be dealt with when they are being sold.
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) - The FSC® is a non-profit organisation which advocates sustainable forest management. The FSC® certification label on wood and paper products guarantees that these originate from responsible forestry.
FTS standard - Tchibo developed the Forest Tracing System (FTS) to make sure that wood stemming from exhaustive cultivation and protected types of wood are not used in Tchibo’s product range.
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Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) - GIZ (German Society for International Cooperation) is the Federal Republic of Germany’s national organisation for development and cooperation.. It was formed in January 2011 as a merger of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (Association for Technical Cooperation) (GTZ), Inwent – Capacity Building International, and the German Development Service (DED). As a federal enterprise, GIZ supports the German federal government in its international cooperation to promote sustainable development, and is actively involved in international educational work.
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) - In a participative process, the GRI develops standards for compiling sustainability reports. The initiative is constantly developing its guidelines further through continuous communication with various stakeholders.
Green Dot - The Green Dot (Grüne Punkt) is a German trademark which identifies packaging materials that are collected and then recycled or professionally disposed of after they have been used.
Stiftung Gemeinsames Rücknahmesystem Batterien (GRS) - Foundation that organises a standard, Germany-wide system for consumers to return used batteries. The foundation was set up by leading battery manufacturers and the Zentralverband Elektrotechnik- und Elektronikindustrie (German central association for the electrical and electronics industry) and is funded by its users: The manufacturers and importers pay disposal cost contributions for the foundation’s services, according to the number and type of batteries they sell.
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International Coffee Partners (ICP) - ICP is an international private sector initiative. It helps coffee farmers and their families in developing countries to strengthen their competitive edge on the international coffee market and improves their living conditions, while also conserving natural resources.
International Labour Organization (ILO) - Founded in 1919, the ILO is now a United Nations specialised agency which strives to foster social justice, human rights and labour rights. The ILO is currently made up of 183 member states. ILO conventions refer to basic employee rights such as freedom of assembly and association, the right to collective bargaining, working hours regulations and anti-discrimination rules.
Institut für Markt-Umwelt-Gesellschaft (imug) - Founded in 1992 and based in Hanover, Germany, imug is an independent consulting firm focused on socio-ecological innovations. It supports companies in shaping relationships with stakeholders.
Indirect goods - The term “indirect goods” refers to goods that do not go directly into a product following the production process. Instead, these goods are used to maintain the company’s general operations.
International Labour Organization (ILO) - Founded in 1919, the ILO is now a United Nations specialised agency which strives to foster social justice, human rights and labour rights. The ILO is currently made up of 183 member states. ILO conventions refer to basic employee rights such as freedom of assembly and association, the right to collective bargaining, working hours regulations and anti-discrimination rules.
International Standard on Assurance Engagements (ISAE) 3000 - Issued by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB), the ISAE 3000 provides a guide for examining non-financial data, such as the information found in a sustainability report. ISAE 3000 focuses on testing statements to make sure they are complete and accurate.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) - The ISO is the international association of national standards bodies. Each of the 150 member states is currently represented by one ISO member. The ISO develops technical standards which apply throughout the world as well as procedural standards, for example in quality and environmental management.
Issues management - Issues management refers to the way in which an organisation systematically addresses the demands and issues posed by its environment.
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LED - LEDs are semiconductor devices that light up as soon as they are connected to an electrical current. Thanks to their comparatively long lifespan and low energy consumption, LEDs are replacing conventional light bulbs in many areas of application.
Low-temperature catalytic converters - Catalytic converters are built into coffee roasters to keep odorous substances released during the roasting process at a low level. A catalyser is a substance which makes a chemical reaction possible and/or speeds it up without being an active part of the chemical reaction. The catalyser converts the escaping odorous material at a relatively low temperature. Catalytic converters that work at about 400 °C are referred to as low-temperature catalytic converters.
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Metering point concept - This term from the energy controlling field refers to a concept for establishing the type, location and deployment of metering points to systematically and continuously measure energy consumption.
Multi-stakeholder dialogue - In a multi-stakeholder dialogue, the company’s various stakeholders, which may include suppliers, customers and employees, come together to present and debate their various viewpoints and perspectives. The aim of such dialogue is to develop solutions and to resolve any conflicts which may have arisen.
Multi-stakeholder initiative - In the course of multi-stakeholder initiatives, players from government, industry and civil society pool their collective expertise to solve complex problems (see also Stakeholder, Multi-stakeholder process).
Multi-stakeholder organisations - Multi-stakeholder organisations are supported by a range of stakeholders such as companies, trade unions, non-governmental organisations and consumer associations. They aim to foster communication regarding specific issues and to bring about decisions.
Multi-stakeholder process - In a multi-stakeholder process, various stakeholders affected by the same issue join together to undertake a process of change. This allows as many affected parties as possible to take part in decision-making processes.
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Ombudsman - Ombudsmen work as impartial arbitrators and are usually called upon by two or more parties who would like to avoid a court dispute.
Organic cotton - Organic cotton is produced under conditions that meet internationally recognised standards for controlled organic cultivation. (see also Textile Exchange)
Sensory/organoleptic aspects of quality - Organoleptics is a scientific discipline concerned with the perception and processing of sensory impressions. In the case of coffee, these perceptions of aroma and taste are related to factors such as the variety of coffee (arabica or robusta), the soil it is grown in, how the coffee trees are cared for, the method of processing (wet, dry, semi-dry), the method and duration of roasting, the grinding process, the quality of the water used to make the coffee, and the method of making it (filter coffee, coffee machine, espresso machine, French press).
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Packaging materials - Packaging materials are the materials used to produce packaging.
Pellets - Pellets are small, compressed, usually round or cylindrical, bodies made of a particular material (such as wood, metal or fodder). Pelleting makes it easier to handle and transport the material.
Photovoltaic systems - Photovoltaic systems transform solar radiation into electricity via solar cells.
Public Private Partnership - Public Private Partnership is the term for the mobilisation of private capital for state purposes. This can give rise to long-term cooperation between the public and private sectors.
PVC - Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a plastic which can be moulded into a different shape within a certain temperature range. Adding plasticisers and stabilisers makes PVC pliable and therefore highly suitable for technical applications.
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Rainforest Alliance - Founded in 1986, the environmental organisation Rainforest Alliance issues certificates to coffee farmers to evidence their efforts to protect biodiversity and the rainforest in their coffee cultivation and to provide their employees with fair and safe working conditions. Products from farms which fulfil the organisation’s requirements are awarded the Rainforest Alliance CertifiedTM seal.
Raw materials cycle - A raw materials cycle is the term for the cyclical reintegration of production waste into the production process.
Recirculation - Recirculation is the term for an energy-saving technique used in the coffee roasting process, in which the hot air blown onto the cofeee beans to roast them is reused in the circulation of the roasting ventilation in order to save energy.
Renewable resources - Renewable resources are organic materials which stem from forestry or agricultural production.
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SA8000 - The SA8000 standard aims to improve the working conditions of employees of all kinds, including temporary loan workers. The standard is issued by the New York-based organisation Social Accountability International (SAI). Based on guidelines issued by the ILO and the United Nations, SA8000’s stipulations include the following: prohibition on child labour prohibition on forced labour standards in the area of health and safety at work right to freedom of assembly and association and to collective bargaining prohibition on discrimination prohibition on physical or psychological punishment limits on weekly working hours assurance of acceptable wage levels incorporation of management systems to continue to develop the standards set
Social Accountability International (SAI) - Founded in 1997, SAI is a multinational organisation with the aim of improving working conditions for people around the world.Its most important tool in this endeavour is the SA8000 standard (see also SA8000).
Sensory/organoleptic aspects of quality - Organoleptics is a scientific discipline concerned with the perception and processing of sensory impressions. In the case of coffee, these perceptions of aroma and taste are related to factors such as the variety of coffee (arabica or robusta), the soil it is grown in, how the coffee trees are cared for, the method of processing (wet, dry, semi-dry), the method and duration of roasting, the grinding process, the quality of the water used to make the coffee, and the method of making it (filter coffee, coffee machine, espresso machine, French press).
Smartsource - Smartsourcing is how Tchibo procures the raw coffee qualities it needs and which are not available on the market. Projects Tchibo conducts in cooperation with partners from supply chains, standards organisations and coffee producers pursue the aim of making supply chains more transparent and helping coffee suppliers to move step by step from conventional to more sustainable coffee cultivation.
Social audit - A social audit involves an independent expert checking a production facility’s compliance with social responsibility standards. As a rule, this takes place by means of visits to the facility, checks of relevant documents such as timesheets and payrolls and wage sheets, and confidential interviews with a number of workers. The evaluation made by the audit is based on criteria founded on the Social Code of Conduct, laws applicable in the country of production, and international standards and guidelines. If violations of any of these come to light, the auditor draws up a plan of corrective measures to rectify the issues and discusses it with representatives of the facility.
Soil erosion - Soil erosion occurs when wind and water constantly wear away soil. This leads to soil depletion (a shortage of nutrients) and soil destruction.
Stakeholder - Stakeholders are those groups of people who have a claim or expectation of any kind on a company or organisation; the term encompasses both those within the organisation and those outside it.
Stakeholder conference - A stakeholder conference brings together representatives of particular groups of stakeholders to discuss specific issues affecting a company and find solutions acceptable to all.
4C Association/4C standard - The Common Code for the Coffee Community Association (4C) is a global association of coffee producers, retailers, industry and further members from various areas of society. The association is committed to a continuous process of improving social, environmental and economic conditions for people whose livelihoods depend on work involving coffee. The 4C standard includes 30 social, environmental and economic principles for those involved along the raw coffee supply chain.
Subcontractor/subcontracting - A subcontractor takes on parts of a contract which exists between two other companies or organisations and fulfils them on the basis of an agreement with the contractor.
Sustainability - Sustainable development is a process which meets the present generation’s needs without limiting future generations’ chances to satisfy their needs. The process demands equal consideration for environmental, social and economic factors in people’s and organisations’ actions and operations.
Sustainable development - Sustainable development is a process which meets the present generation’s needs without limiting future generations’ chances to satisfy their needs. The process demands equal consideration for environmental, social and economic factors in people’s and organisations’ actions and operations.
Sustainability management - Sustainability management is the integration of social, environmental and economic factors into a company’s management system.
Sustainable coffee qualities/coffees - Tchibo defines all raw coffees that at least demonstrate compliance with 4C, that is, can be traded according to the 4C standard’s principles, and all coffees that are certified to internationally recognised coffee industry standards, i.e. Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, UTZ CERTIFIED or Bio, as sustainable coffees.
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Textile Exchange - Since October 2010, Organic Exchange has been known as Textile Exchange. Textile Exchange is an internationally operating non-profit organisation which has been committed to responsible expansion of sustainable textile production since 2003. It places particular emphasis on organic cotton.
Transport packaging - Transport packaging serves the purpose of making it easier to transport goods and of protecting them during transit. Goods are usually packaged at the production facility, while packaging is generally disposed of by the retailer.
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United Nations (UN) - The UN is an association comprising 192 nations. Its role is to secure world peace, ensure compliance with international law and protect human rights.
United Nations Millennium Development Goals - In 2000, a working group in the United Nations made up of representatives of the UNO, the World Bank, the OECD and several non-governmental organisations outlined eight Millennium Development Goals to be met by the year 2015. Adopted in the course of the UN’s Millennium Summit, the goals are as follows: 1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger 2. Achieve universal primary education 3. Promote gender equality and empower women 4. Reduce child mortality 5. Improve maternal health 6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases 7. Ensure environmental sustainability 8. Develop a global partnership for development
Universal Declaration of Human Rights - The Universal Declaration of Human Rights explicitly states the United Nations’ commitment to the principles of human rights. It was adopted on 10 December 1948 with the UN General Assembly Resolution 217 A (III). The declaration is made up of a total of 30 articles.
UTZ CERTIFIED - This organisation, which changed its name from UTZ Kapeh to UTZ CERTIFIED in 2007, stipulates fundamental rules for the production and selling on of coffee. For example, farmers are trained on the correct use of fertilisers or on the mechanisms of the global coffee market. Additionally, the organisation lays down basic rules for fair treatment of employees.
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4C verification - The 4C Association’s verification process (see also 4C Association/4C standard) is essentially made up of eight stages, including an inspection to determine the extent of compliance with the requirements of the 4C Association’s standards.
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Whistleblower - Generally, a whistleblower is someone who draws attention to malpractice in an organisation at the risk of negative consequences for him- or herself.
World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF) - The WWF is one of the largest international organisations committed to protecting nature and the environment. Founded in 1961, the organisation is active in over 100 countries and funded by more than five million supporters.