Bosch is one of the world's most innovative corporations. We register a patent almost every working hour. Bosch has always produced pioneering developments - for instance the ESP car safety system, which has already saved many lives. Other examples are power tools that are especially small and high-performing, or security solutions that automatically detect dangers. Products from Bosch are an essential part of our daily lives, making them more comfortable and safer.

But to Bosch, innovation means more than that. In addition to top technical performance, Bosch also addresses its responsibility to people and our future. We are not just interested in individual products. The entire corporation's operations, its attitude to environmental protection and commitment to social issues, are characterized by this responsibility.

Responsibility for the environment
A corporation that develops and produces as much as Bosch bears considerable responsibility for the environment. This is why we ensure that the entirelife cycle of our products is as eco-friendly as possible. That means a product's environmentally friendly production, clean, economic operation and reintroduction into the raw materials cycle at the end of its life.

One impressive example is the Motronic engine control system that is used by almost all vehicle manufacturers today. It makes cars cleaner and more economic. Since its introduction, more than 575 million tons of exhaust gases have been saved in this way. And the approximately 50 million vehicles driving with Motronic today save more than 30 billion liters of fuel a year.

Bosch household innovations also help the environment. Today, dishwashers and washing machines are exceptionally thrifty in their use of water: Since 1990, the water consumption of our household appliances has been reduced by between
30 % and 50 %. We run a recycling center for old power tools: Every year, it converts 560 tons of old machines into valuable raw materials.

The way people treat each other is also directly significant for our future.We regard fairness and honesty as important preconditions in our interaction with staff, business partners and society.

That Bosch has joined the UN initiative "Global Compact" is an indication of how important these values are to our company. In doing so, Bosch has publicly bound itself to adhere to high social standards. And we also promote general global recognition and acceptance of such standards.

Bosch bears special responsibility for its associates. We consider equal treatment of all associates as vital. We promote our staff and offer them equal opportunities. An appropriate wage is also important - everywhere in the world.

Bosch believes in treating its partners and suppliers fairly. Only by being fair, we can expect our partners to act as responsibly as we do.

Bosch is committed to honesty and respect of human rights throughout the world. We combat corruption resolutely. And Bosch is particularly intent on ending child labor.

Bosch regards innovation and responsibility as inseparable. We are committed to ensuring that our business operations will continue to be in harmony with social interests in the future.