At GLS*, we are committed to doing the right thing and strive to apply the highest standards in every aspect of our operations, ensuring ethical practices and responsible growth on both the local and global level. Transparency, accountability and legal compliance ensure that the trust placed in us is protected and upheld with the utmost integrity.
This page offers insights into our policies, ratings, and further key documents that reflect our dedication to responsible business practices.

In our dedication to advancing ESG initiatives, we actively engage in external certifications and ratings. We seek verification, external confirmation, and appreciate external feedback. This approach not only reinforces our commitment but also offers valuable insights from independent experts. Their assessments boost transparency and provide critical feedback, guiding us in the effective implementation of our ESG strategy.

CDP

GLS, as part of International Distribution Services plc (IDS), once again completed the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) rating with a “B” grade (on a scale of A to D-). The CDP rating assesses companies’ progress towards environmental stewardship. The latest assessment was completed in October 2024. The answers to the questionnaire are submitted and reassessed annually.

Find our answers here as part of International Distribution Services

 
ecovadis

In 2024, GLS was awarded the EcoVadis Silver medal with 70 points, positioning us within the top 8% of all companies assessed worldwide. EcoVadis evaluates companies on its holistic sustainability management system in four areas: Environment, Sustainable Procurement, Ethics and Labour & Human Rights. The certificate is renewed annually, and the latest one is valid until May 2025. A submission for the year 2025 is under review and results are expected in Q3, 2025.

 
SP

GLS as part of IDS, has met the criteria to be featured in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2024 for Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA). This assessment evaluates various aspects of ESG across industries. Companies listed in the Yearbook must rank within the top 15% of their industry and achieve a CSA Score within 30% of their industry’s top-performing company. IDS scored in the top 10% of companies assessed, a significant accomplishment considering the increased number of companies assessed this year - 9,400, up from 7,800 in the prior year.

 
child with light bulb

All entities operating under the GLS trademark have gained the πŸ”—EN 16258 certification for the establishment and maintenance of a standardised methodology for calculating and declaring both energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with transport services. The conformity was attested with audit report no. A-21011499, certified by DEKRA . The latest certificate was received in December 2023 and will be valid until December 2026.

 
ISO 14001

ISO 14001

All entities operating under the GLS trademark in the EU and Serbia1 have gained the ISO14001:2015 certification for their environmental management system, certified by DEKRA. The certification attests that all above-mentioned GLS entities are establishing and maintaining a standardized methodology for calculating and declaring both energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with transport services. The conformity was attested with audit report no. A-21011499. The latest certificate was received in December 2023 and will be valid until December 2026 - including yearly surveillance audits.

1 Except General Logistics Systems Italy S.p.A. which is certified by a local certification body


 

As an internationally operating parcel service provider GLS stands for fair competition, integrity and responsibility.

employee holding at parcel locker
 

The Code of Business Standards forms the basis of all business activities of GLS. Furthermore it shows the obligation of GLS towards its stakeholders.

employee holding at parcel locker

GLS expects its suppliers to respect the standards laid out in this Supplier Code of Conduct, implement them using appropriate measures and adhere to them in their business activities.

 
child with light bulb
 

GLS is a subsidiary of IDS. As a UK company, IDS is subject to the requirements of the UK Modern Slavery Act.

child with light bulb

The conservation of resources and the reduction of emissions are of central importance at GLS. Together with its employees, customers and suppliers, GLS wants to become one of the leading providers of sustainable parcel services.

 

Whistleblowing

GLS Group has introduced an informant/ombudsman system to enable employees, business partners and third parties to report criminal acts and similar serious offences on a confidential basis.

More information

*Unless specifically mentioned, GLS refers to all affiliated companies of GLS B.V., operating under the GLS trademark.