New leadership duo takes the helm of the We Care sustainability standard

A new leadership duo took over coordination of the We Care sustainability standard on 1 July 2026: Jennifer Hirsch and Sarah Oberländer have succeeded Axel Wirz. Through the We Care standard, they support food companies in making their operations and entire supply chains more sustainable. The label provides evidence of sustainable practices and a basis for EmpCo-compliant communication. FiBL Germany is the organisation responsible for the label.

Jennifer Hirsch is a food economist, and Sarah Oberländer holds an engineering degree in organic agriculture and resource management. Both bring many years of experience at the interface of sustainability, agriculture and the food industry. They are taking over coordination from Axel Wirz, who played a key role in developing the label. As he gradually prepares for retirement, he will continue to support the standard in an advisory capacity.

Since 2021, We Care has provided food companies with a framework for managing sustainability systematically, embedding it in their supply chains and making it verifiable. New requirements for environmental and sustainability claims under the EU’s Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive, known as the EmpCo Directive, are making We Care increasingly relevant.

From 27 September 2026, companies must provide particularly robust evidence to substantiate their environmental and sustainability claims. Vague or unsubstantiated statements may lead to fines and cease-and-desist notices. Labels highlighting environmental or social characteristics will also have to meet strict requirements.

We Care meets the requirements of the EmpCo Directive

While many sustainability standards are currently adapting their systems to the new legal requirements, We Care already offers food companies a sound basis for credible, EmpCo-compliant sustainability communication. As a comprehensive management standard for certified sustainability, We Care considers environmental and social aspects throughout the company and along its entire supply chain. Rather than certifying individual products, the standard assesses 164 audit criteria covering corporate governance, supply chain management, environmental management and social responsibility towards employees.

Compliance is verified through independent third-party assessments by external, accredited certification bodies.

We Care as a management tool

Certified companies such as Alnatura, Lebensbaum and Barnhouse use the We Care standard to demonstrate that they and their partners meet demanding requirements throughout the value chain. By establishing processes, responsibilities, internal audits and employee involvement, they not only document sustainability but also embed it systematically in their businesses. We Care therefore also serves as an internal sustainability management tool.
FiBL Germany is responsible for the We Care standard. Quality assurance and further development are overseen by an independent steering committee under the umbrella of FiBL.