Internal policy – Energy and use of plastic

Energy: self-sufficient and eco-friendly
To limit the deployment of energy suppliers and accompanying pressure on the environment as much as possible, we had calculated in 2019 how many solar panels we would need to cover our energy use. By now, no fewer than 1,600 solar panels have been installed on our roof. Together, they generate all energy required for the daily work.

After completion of the expansion of our building, the internal ambition is still to not use more energy, but use the available energy more efficiently. An important measure in that direction is the switch to LED lighting. We do this in phases: the new extension of the building was delivered entirely LED-illuminated; the replacement of the lighting of the existing office and storage halls by LED is scheduled for 2022.

Reducing the use of plastic in shipments
For packaging and/or shipping of our products we use various types of materials. Efficient use of materials in general and plastics in particular are continuously on our agenda. Recently, we have taken an important step to reduce the quantity of plastic foil used for packaging our shipments. The switch to NanoERGIS® nanofilms as packaging foil gives us, as internal measurements already show, a considerable saving on both materials (38% less foil required) and on costs (a saving of over 30%).

Besides, we are critical of the use of plastic for items in our collection. As our name suggests, our collection predominantly consists of natural items. We therefore select carefully and try to prevent the use for collection items as much as possible.

Reducing the use of plastic among employees
With an eye for good employership and social cohesion we organise a full lunch for our employees every day. For this, we use sustainable crockery, cups and cutlery. These joint lunches are not only very pleasant, they also ensure that employees need to buy and take with them less (plastic) packaged food.