Company Directory - Knauf
Company Details - Knauf
Knauf
WebsiteKnauf is a global manufacturer of building materials and construction solutions, offering a comprehensive range of products and services for the construction industry.
CCI Score
CCI Score: Knauf
-6.00
Latest Event
Knauf Insulation Lobbying Efforts
Knauf Insulation spent $80,000 on lobbying in 2024, a move that raises concerns about its potential complicity in influencing public policy in favor of corporate interests and undermining democratic accountability.
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COLLABORATOR
Knauf is currently rated as a Collaborator.
Latest Events
- DEC312024
Knauf Insulation spent $80,000 on lobbying in 2024, a move that raises concerns about its potential complicity in influencing public policy in favor of corporate interests and undermining democratic accountability.
-50
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 27
The reported $80,000 expense for lobbying in 2024 by Knauf Insulation suggests an intentional push to influence federal budget decisions. This activity is indicative of corporate political influence that aligns with authoritarian practices by prioritizing private interests over democratic processes.
- APR222024
On April 22, 2024, reports emerged that the Wurzburg Prosecutor's Office opened a preliminary investigation into Knauf for its alleged involvement in the reconstruction of Russian-occupied Mariupol. Despite the company’s recent announcement to cease operations in Russia in response to current events, further scrutiny was sparked by claims of continued business operations, including significant economic contributions to the Russian state budget and a designation as an 'international sponsor of war' by Ukraine.
-30
Public and Political Behavior
March 27
The initiation of a preliminary investigation by the Wurzburg Prosecutor's Office and reports of Knauf’s activities in the reconstruction of Mariupol reflect a public and political behavior that raises concerns. The involvement in these politically sensitive operations, even if not criminally charged yet, indicates a risky alignment with actions that may indirectly support authoritarian control in conflict zones.
Russian media: German prosecutor's office opens preliminary investigation into Knauf
-40
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 27
Knauf’s alleged ongoing business operations in Russia, despite its stated plans to withdraw, along with its involvement in reconstruction projects in Mariupol and sizable contributions to the Russian state budget, reflect concerning business practices and ethical responsibilities. This pattern of behavior underwrites economic systems that lend support to authoritarian regimes.
Russian media: German prosecutor's office opens preliminary investigation into Knauf
-60
Economic and Structural Influence
March 27
The economic dimension of Knauf's operations is highlighted by its continued financial engagement in Russia, including a reported contribution of over $117 million to the Russian state budget. This economic collaboration with an authoritarian regime, compounded by a designation as an 'international sponsor of war', underscores a structural influence that aids oppressive governance.
Russian media: German prosecutor's office opens preliminary investigation into Knauf
- APR082024
Knauf issued a detailed response regarding its operations during the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. In its statement, the company condemned the war, reaffirmed compliance with international sanctions, halted new investments in Russia, and took clear steps to protect its employees by relocating workers and reinvesting in Ukrainian facilities following the destruction of its plant in Soledar. While its decision to continue operating in Russia to safeguard long-serving employees presents a nuanced ethical challenge, its overall approach demonstrates a commitment to balancing employee welfare with adherence to legal and sanction requirements.
+80
Public and Political Behavior
March 27
Knauf has taken a strong public stance by condemning the Russian war of aggression and strictly adhering to EU, UK, and US sanctions. This indicates a significant, positive public and political behavior response against authoritarian aggression. However, the decision to continue operations in Russia, albeit under strict compliance measures, introduces some complexity.
+50
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 27
In terms of business practices and ethical responsibility, Knauf has demonstrated commendable efforts by protecting employee welfare during a conflict. The relocation of workers and reinvestment in Ukrainian infrastructure underscore a positive social responsibility. However, its choice to remain operational in Russia to safeguard jobs, despite halting new investments, leaves room for critique from an anti-fascist perspective regarding potential indirect support of an authoritarian regime.
+60
Economic and Structural Influence
March 27
From an economic and structural influence perspective, Knauf’s actions include halting new investments in Russia and reinvesting in Ukraine following significant losses. This strategic economic decision supports local economies and jobs in Ukraine, though maintaining operations in Russia introduces a measured counterpoint. The overall economic decisions, however, lean positively in supporting affected communities.
- JAN012024
Knauf Insulation spent $40,000 on lobbying in 2024, indicating active corporate engagement in political influence that raises concerns about potential support for authoritarian practices through policy manipulation.
-20
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 27
Knauf Insulation's expenditure of $40,000 on lobbying in 2024, as reported by OpenSecrets, signals a willingness to engage in political influence. Such lobbying activities, even at a modest spending level, are viewed critically by anti-fascist groups because they can be used to shape policies in ways that may undermine democratic accountability and support authoritarian agendas.
- NOV242023
Ukrinform reported that Knauf has been designated as an international war sponsor due to its substantial investments in the Russian economy and its active role in mobilizing employees for military purposes. The company's decades-long financial ties with Russia and its management's links to the Kremlin regime raise serious ethical concerns, marking a problematic example of corporate complicity in supporting authoritarian war efforts.
-80
Public and Political Behavior
March 27
Knauf's actions—paying significant sums to the Russian budget and facilitating the mobilization of its employees to support war efforts—demonstrate a deeply problematic public and political behavior. This support for an authoritarian agenda, as evidenced by its long-standing ties with the Kremlin regime, is a stark example of corporate complicity in the rise of authoritarianism.
Ukraine adds German Knauf to list of war sponsors - Ukrinform
-70
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 27
Continuing its operations in Russia despite the invasion and investing over EUR 1.65 billion since 1993, Knauf exhibits questionable business practices. By prioritizing profit and maintaining deep economic ties with an aggressor, the company undermines ethical responsibility and indirectly supports authoritarian militarism.
Ukraine adds German Knauf to list of war sponsors - Ukrinform
-60
Economic and Structural Influence
March 27
Knauf's extensive and long-term economic involvement in Russia—including being the largest German investor in the Russian construction industry—demonstrates a deep-seated economic collaboration with an authoritarian regime. This economic influence supports the war apparatus, further entrenching the company's complicity in the conflict.
Ukraine adds German Knauf to list of war sponsors - Ukrinform
- NOV232023
Knauf, one of the world's largest building materials manufacturers, is accused of financially supporting the Russian government and actively promoting the mobilization of its employees for warfare. Operating through an extensive network of subsidiaries in Russia and with management ties to the Kremlin, the company’s actions are seen as bolstering an authoritarian regime.
-80
Public and Political Behavior
March 27
Knauf has maintained its operations in Russia despite international condemnation, and its management ties—exemplified by the co-owner's longstanding role as Honorary Consul for the Russian Federation—signal a close political relationship that supports authoritarian practices. This alignment with the Kremlin regime is a clear indication of problematic executive political engagement and public behavior.
-70
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 27
The company’s decision to pay approximately USD 117 million to the Russian state budget and continue its commercial activities in a conflict zone reflects deeply unethical business practices. Knauf's support for a regime engaged in aggression against Ukraine raises serious concerns about its commitment to ethical responsibility and labor rights.
-50
Technology and Services Impact
March 27
There are indications that Knauf’s facilities in Russia, particularly in the Special Economic Zone 'Alabuga', are involved in the production of components linked to military applications such as the Shahed-136 UAV. This suggests an indirect contribution to the development and use of repressive technologies, even if it is not the company’s primary focus.
-75
Economic and Structural Influence
March 27
By continuing its extensive operations in Russia, including 10 subsidiaries and 20 plants, and channeling significant funds to the state, Knauf demonstrates a robust economic collaboration with an authoritarian regime. This entrenched presence and financial engagement enhance the structural support for oppressive policies, deeply impacting economic and structural influence.
- JUN282023
Knauf has issued a comprehensive Policy Statement on Human Rights that outlines robust measures including labor rights protection, anti-discrimination, occupational safety, and stringent supply chain due diligence. This initiative reflects a strong commitment to ethical corporate practices and reinforces measures against systemic abuses, aligning with anti-fascist and socially responsible business principles.
+80
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 27
The policy clearly demonstrates Knauf's commitment to upholding labor rights, ensuring safe working conditions, facilitating freedom of association, and enforcing anti-discrimination measures for employees. These measures contribute significantly to protecting human rights at the workplace.
+80
Supply Chain Ethics
March 27
Knauf’s policy statement details a clear framework for supply chain due diligence, mandating its suppliers to adhere to high standards of human rights and environmental practices. The inclusion of a Supplier Code of Conduct and rigorous risk management measures underscores the company’s ethical sourcing and procurement strategies.
- JAN252021
Knauf Insulation has adopted a robust Responsible Sourcing Policy focused on ethical supply chain practices, ensuring that suppliers adhere to strict standards against modern slavery, bribery, and corruption. This commitment supports better labor practices and reduces the risk of contributing to oppressive systems.
+80
Supply Chain Ethics
March 27
The policy clearly outlines measures to maintain a high level of integrity and ethical sourcing by mandating that suppliers comply with labor, safety, and environmental standards. By emphasizing the elimination of modern slavery, human trafficking, and corruption within its supply chain, Knauf Insulation is taking a proactive stance against unethical practices that can underpin broader oppressive and authoritarian systems.
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