Our Contribution to Responsible Art Logistics
Our goal is to transport artworks safely and professionally to their destination while acting in an environmentally conscious and economical manner. The future of art logistics not only requires the utmost care and expertise but also a growing sense of responsibility towards our fellow human beings and the environment.
We incorporate environmentally friendly processes into our core business.
To achieve this goal, Kunsttrans works with a network of specialised art logistics companies from Belgium (Mobull), the Netherlands (Kortmann), and Germany (Hasenkamp). Within this group, we can consolidate transports efficiently and minimise empty runs. Optimised route planning not only cuts costs but also reduces CO₂ emissions. By pooling resources, we offer our clients a sustainable and economically viable transport model—without compromising on quality and efficiency.
An important step towards sustainability is the use of EURO 6 trucks. These vehicles emit significantly less nitrogen oxides and particulate matter compared to older models, improving air quality and reducing harmful effects on the environment and people’s health. As a transport company that regularly travels long distances, it is even more important to act responsibly.
Through the use of different vehicle sizes, we can flexibly adapt to a variety of art works and their individual needs.
We raise awareness among our drivers by educating them on fuel-saving and energy training. These training sessions are not only an investment in our employees’ expertise but also contribute to reducing our ecological footprint. By adapting their driving style, fuel consumption can be significantly reduced. Even small changes, such as anticipatory driving, avoiding abrupt acceleration, or optimal usage of the engine brake, can save substantial amounts of fuel.
Furthermore, our car fleet is undergoing a shift towards electric mobility. Wherever vehicles are replaced, we gradually swap them for electric cars and vans. These, in turn, are charged in a CO₂-neutral manner via the company’s own photovoltaic system at our premises.
Sustainable, Environmentally Friendly Processes
We stand for safe and resource-efficient packaging. By operating with reusable crates, we significantly reduce the need for single-use packaging, thus greatly lowering material consumption. In art logistics, custom-made transport crates are used whenever possible. With our crate rental system, we offer a sustainable alternative where the same crates are recirculated repeatedly. This not only saves wood and other materials but also significantly reduces waste.
Another advantage of our crate rental system is its flexibility. Our crates are designed to be suitable for different artworks and transport requirements. Whether it’s paintings, sculptures, or delicate installations, our rental crates can be adapted to the specific needs of each artwork. This enables not only customised and secure packaging but also makes the transport process more efficient and resource-saving overall. A positive effect is that due to our reusable crates we can often take spontaneous orders.
We rely on ecological depots
A sustainable energy supply is a central element of our strategy. For us, this is not only an ecological step but also a reflection of our long-term corporate strategy.
Through the use of photovoltaic systems to generate electricity, we can cover a significant portion of our energy needs directly on-site and in an environmentally friendly manner. Solar energy is clean, emission-free, and sustainable—qualities that perfectly align with our aim of keeping our environmental impact to a minimum.
The shift to renewable energy is also a step towards the future for us. Photovoltaics and green energy sources offer long-term cost advantages, as we can better control our energy costs and remain independent of price fluctuations in the energy market. Investing in environmentally friendly energy is therefore not only beneficial for the environment but also an economically sensible decision for our company.
We show our customers that we do not only store art safely but also responsibly. This step towards an eco-friendly energy supply is an important building block on our journey towards a sustainable future—for our company, our customers, and future generations.
How We Interact with Each Other
As a family-owned business, we are fully aware that the way we treat our fellow human beings is the foundation of our value creation. Social sustainability for us means taking responsibility for our employees, partners, and our role in society. Only in this way can we create a working environment where everyone feels comfortable and build long-term, trusting relationships that form the core of our corporate culture.
Our employees are the heart of our company, and their safety, health, and satisfaction are our top priorities. That’s why we invest in the training and development of our teams. Furthermore, we place great importance on occupational safety and ergonomic working conditions to ensure a healthy working environment.
Another goal of our social sustainability is promoting diversity and equal opportunities within the company. We value the different perspectives and skills that our employees bring to our team and are proud to foster an inclusive and respectful corporate culture. Regardless of origin, gender, or age, we offer everyone the same opportunities and maintain a mindful approach towards each other.
We offer our employees fair wages and benefits that acknowledge their performance and commitment. Flexible working hours help our employees achieve a good work-life balance. This creates a positive working atmosphere characterised by trust, appreciation, and mutual support.
However, our responsibility does not end with our employees. As art logistics providers, we work with a wide range of partners and suppliers, with whom we also maintain relationships based on fairness and mutual respect. We place great importance on upholding ethical standards and social responsibility in these relationships and look for partners who share our values. This ensures that fair working conditions are maintained throughout the entire supply chain.
Our Values
As a leading art logistics company in Austria, we see our responsibility not only in the proper handling and transport of artworks but also in shaping a sustainable and responsible corporate governance.
We are proud to collaborate with the most renowned museums and galleries worldwide. For us, integrity and transparency are key in order to build a trusting relationship with our clients and partners. We value clear structures in our processes, such as in pricing, choosing partner companies, or communication with artists, galleries, and museums.
In the art world, we often navigate between national cultural property protection laws and various customs regulations. Through regular internal training and external workshops, we ensure that we are up to date with all national and international legal requirements.
As part of our digital strategy, we have introduced strict measures for data protection and IT security, which are adapted whenever needed. Our employees are continuously trained to ensure that sensitive information is kept secure. The data we work with is protected by the latest encryption technologies as well as clear access rights.
We are aware that as a company we operate within a dynamic and complex network. Therefore, we maintain an active dialogue with all our stakeholders—from clients and employees to artists, museums, and regulatory authorities. By regularly participating in events such as the European or US Registrars Conference, ICEFAT, and the Artim Congress, to name a few, we create the foundation for continuous professional growth within the industry, improving our processes through mutual exchange.
Responsible corporate governance is more than just an abstract term for us—it is the foundation of our actions. With high standards for integrity, transparency, and responsibility, we aim not only to transport art safely but also to establish trust and sustainable values in the art world.
sustainability
focus
The 17 Goals of the United Nations for Sustainable Development
(Sustainable Development Goals)
17 Goals – United Nations – Regional Information Centre for Western Europe
The European Green Deal
The European Green Deal - European Commission
European Sustainability Strategy
European Sustainability Strategy (EU-SDS)
