Packaging

Switching to resource-saving alternatives not only plays a role in products, but also in the packaging thereof. Normally each product is packaged separately in order to save it from dirt and damage on the way from the production site to the consumer.

This adds up to a considerable amount of material. Simply omitting it is not really an option, because this would mean risking damage and that would not be viable either.

It is clear, however, that every reduction, every change towards resource-saving and more environmentally-friendly materials is enormously important.

In the following, we want to provide an overview of the steps we have taken up to this point, in order to reduce the environmental impact of our packaging and protective materials. These measures are by no means concluded, but are embedded in an ongoing process, the goal of which is to continuously check how we can become more ecologically compatible. Which elements can be omitted? Where can we reduce? Are there possibilities to re-use packaging? Are there recycled, recyclable, and more environment-friendly alternatives? New, more resource-saving technologies?

Reduction

Each of our products, for example, has to be provided with a label, a so-called hangtag. This is required so the product can be identified during transport and also at the retailers where it goes into the inventory systems. Aside from this product identification, it holds additional information for consumers. By providing more and more information online and making it accessible for consumers via QR codes on the hangtags, we can reduce their amount and volume.

Recycling

For our packaging and product labelling (displays, boxes, hangtags, …) we mainly use recycled kraft paper. We don’t employ plastic coating in order to help retain its recyclable properties.

Resource saving

We have also reduced colour printing, and for the most part, we use environmentally friendly paint (e.g. soy-based) while all-in-all keeping the printed surfaces at a minimum. We have also reduced the various sizes of the packaging in general and by means of this optimization, we are able to save resources as well as streamline logistics.

On their way from the production sites to the dealers, our products are shipped in non-climatized containers. In order to save them from damage during the transport, they are supplied with little sachets for moisture regulation. Up to now, we have been using standard SILICA GEL sachets which we have then replaced with Micro-Pak Dri Clay® made with bentonite clay.

Why? Not only are they more effective, but they also have a higher eco-balance. There are no chemicals or water involved in their production and the energy required is minimal. What is more, it is packaged in FSC-certified kraft paper, biologically unproblematic and degradable.