Knauf is an international, family-owned company and locally supplies people around the world with sustainable building materials. These are used in particular to build and renovate urgently needed and affordable housing. Our environmentally friendly insulation materials make a vital contribution to reducing the carbon emissions of buildings and are hence an indispensable tool in the fight against climate change.

We condemn the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, and support and comply with all EU, UK and US sanctions against Russia. Immediately after the start of the war, the Knauf Group halted new investments in Russia.

Over the past 30 years, Knauf has acquired or built 14 production sites in Russia and is responsible for its 4,000 employees. We have opted to remain in the Russian market until further notice, because we want to meet our responsibility as a family-owned company, especially in the current difficult situation, and do not want to release our long-serving employees into a position of job insecurity.

Raw materials mining, production and sales take place locally, and the employees manufacture exclusively with regional raw materials for the Russian market.

Regarding the allegations by TV show “Monitor”:

Knauf fully complies with all legal and sanctions requirements at all times. We decisively reject the accusation that we do not do so.

The TV report suggests that building materials are being imported from the EU to Russia. This is definitely not the case. Knauf does not supply from the EU to Russia or Mariupol. Since February 2022, Knauf has no longer exported goods from Russia or imported goods to Russia.

It is important for us to emphasize: Knauf produces building materials and is not involved in construction projects as owner or investor. Knauf has no direct supply contracts with consumers or those who process Knauf products in Russia. Our products reach end users in Russia via many different dealers who operate independently from Knauf. We have no influence on how and where end users utilize our products.

Regarding Knauf’s commitment in Ukraine:

At the start of the war, Knauf immediately brought all the employees at its largest plant in Soledar in the Donbass to safety, organised the relocation of around 200 families from Bakhmut to Kyiv and provided them with accommodation. The Soledar plant, in which Knauf invested around 200 million euros, was completely destroyed during the war.

After the destruction of Soledar we immediately reinvested in Ukraine and commissioned and expanded an already decommissioned plant in Kyiv in order to provide the 450 employees with a livelihood and secure the local supply of building materials. Knauf has continuously invested in the protection of its employees and plants.

Knauf not only supports its employees and their families with food, cookers and emergency generators, but also provides social and charitable aid through various organisations and projects, for example, by supplying food and urgently needed aid.

Knauf is currently planning the construction of a new plant in Western Ukraine.