How Melitta’s Digital Shift Won Hearts and Minds

A five-star approach to decentralised knowledge transfer with imc Express
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Accelerating digital learning from PowerPoints
to nearly 100 eLearning courses

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Melitta Group is a family-owned, global company founded in 1908 after inventing the coffee filter. With nearly 6,000 employees
in 18 countries, it operates across coffee and tea, household products, and freshness solutions.

 

In 2022, it generated €2.15 billion in sales, holds over 1,000 patents, and actively advances sustainability through
certified coffee, recycled materials, and CO₂ reduction.

THE PROJECT
THE CHALLENGE

Driving cultural change towards digital learning

Melitta’s digital transformation began with the implementation of their first human capital management system. Historically, training had relied heavily on PowerPoint, virtual calls, and on-site meetings. Thorsten Manz, Manager - People & Organisational Development, recognised the need to expand and promote an eLearning culture within the organisation to improve efficiency and reduce costs. 

 

Operating as a global but highly decentralised business, Melitta needed to balance respect for the independence of its dispersed business units with the ability to provide mandatory training and share essential knowledge across teams and geographies. 

 

However, the organisation faced a key limitation: a lack of resources to produce the required volume of eLearning content. Thorsten’s priority was a tool that was both intuitive and powerful; something that would enable rapid onboarding and quick content creation without compromising quality. As he explained, “I did not want to have to spend two weeks learning a tool before I could even write a headline.” 

 

Additionally, Melitta targeted a cultural shift: embedding eLearning as a valuable part of the learning experience and ensuring rapid, effective knowledge transfer. Any solution also needed to be capable of supporting a global workforce across borders and time zones. 

mockup of imc express
THE SOLUTION

Transforming traditional training into digital experiences

Melitta selected imc Express as the ideal tool to achieve its eLearning ambitions. The platform provided the ease of use, speed, and professional results the organisation required. 

 

The team’s strategy began with producing new training, that did not need to be delivered in person, as high-quality eLearning modules, supported by subject matter experts. Next, they reviewed existing training programmes to identify elements that would benefit from being redesigned as eLearning – both for efficiency and to enhance the learner experience. 

 

With imc Express, Melitta could roll out a scalable, global eLearning approach. Training materials could be produced quickly, shared easily with subsidiaries and partners, and made accessible across time zones. Importantly, the tool encouraged a shift in culture by making knowledge sharing straightforward and engaging for all employees. 

Transformative training for the retail sector
THE RESULT

Building a sustainable and successful eLearning culture for the future

The results of Melitta’s adoption of imc Express were immediate and significant. Within the first year, the team produced almost 100 pieces of eLearning content, a volume that would not have been possible with traditional methods. Thorsten became a key advocate and “cheerleader” for the new approach, inspiring colleagues across global divisions and the HR community to adopt the tool themselves. 

 

Positive feedback quickly followed. For example, a recent Customs Management eLearning programme created in imc Express received 12 five-star reviews – a first for that training area. Learners described it as a far more positive and engaging experience than previous formats. 

 

Colleagues also highlighted efficiency and quality improvements. A team in England reported that combining multiple training documents and formats into a single experience not only saved time but also delivered a higher quality experience, accessible to every employee. 

 

The benefits extend beyond just learner engagement. Cost savings were achieved by replacing in-person training with digital formats, and the roll-out of imc Express continues to expand globally. 

 

Looking ahead, Thorsten’s vision is to extend the approach beyond compliance and mandatory training, incorporating leadership and other complex topics, while making use of the integrated AI features to further scale training at speed.  

 

With imc Express, Melitta is challenging traditional learning methods and building a culture of innovative, accessible, and engaging digital learning – ultimately supporting the growth and development of both employees and the wider organisation. 

Target
More engaging, scalable eLearning content
Learning format
imc Express
Result
100+ eLearning courses and five-star reviews
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
Thorsten Manz from Melitta
I wanted a tool that was easy to handle, but on the other hand effective and professional – imc Express was the best solution I saw in terms of how quickly I can start creating a session.
Thorsten Manz
Manager People & Organisational Development
Melitta Group