ABENA. - and the environment

Transcription

1 ABENA - and the environment

2 T H E E N V I R O N M E N T 2

3 Safeguarding the future With ecological concern increasing, every manufacturer needs to have policies for lessening the environmental impact of their products.? But how should a manufacturer demonstrate their environmental concern? By producing a product made from environmentally friendly raw material? By producing a biodegradeable product? By producing with minimal energy con-? sumption? By recycling production waste? By having environmentally friendly working conditions? By producing a product where the waste is renewable, or even generates energy? By producing a product with as little volume as possible? By using environmentally friendly packaging material? At Abena we consider the entire lifecycle of our products; materials, process, distribution, use, and waste - the same elements used by all recognised environmental accreditation bureaux in assessing the environmental impact of a product. 3

4 N A T U R E - our most important supplier Around 80% of the contents of modern incontinence products are paper, one of nature s most as 85% of the environmental impact from a dis- International studies have shown that as much readily accessible, yet least valued, raw materials. Trees help to prevent the greenhouse effect rial, factors that exist before they reach the pad posable pad or brief is related to its raw mate- by absorbing carbon dioxide from the air. New manufacturer. Raw material is therefore a natural starting point in assessing environmental trees actually do this more effectively than old ones, making forestry a benefi cial process. concerns. We recognise our responsibility and do this by imposing yearly environmental audits A disposable pad also contains plastic and a on our raw material suppliers. small quantity of superabsorbent, both of which are derivatives of crude oil. Abena only uses: Oxygen-bleached virgin paper pulp from controlled Scandinavian forestry, where more trees are planted than felled Environmentally compatible fl uff pulp Polyethylene and Polypropylene plastics, which are both designated clean and recyclable plastics High-quality, permeable Superabsorbent to minimise consumption Lycra elastics, no Latex 4

5 Production without waste Abena products are produced in several European countries, in plants where resources are used as effectively as possible. Production waste is collected, and the individual components, such as paper and plastic, are separated and sent back to the suppliers for recycling. We minimise energy consumption through modern machinery that produces no atmospheric emissions. And we recirculate heat. Another key focus is on our research and development programme, concentrated on minimising impact on the environment. Areas of attention include degradeable plastics, bio superabsorbent, alternative packaging material, recycling of used material and volume reduction. Much of this work is undertaken in partnership with our suppliers. 5

6 T H E E L E M E N T S Environmental concern in the production process also involves the working environment. We take working conditions extremely seriously, and the Danish Authorities have awarded our main factory the highest offi cial rating available in this area. Formal elements of our company staff policy include: Ergonomic working stations Offi cial security policy Job rotation in self-managing teams Rest rooms Noise reduction through screens, air fi ltration and humidity control Measures Offi cial smoking policy Company sports programmes Staff education programmes Regular information and social responsibility 6

7 Effi ciency throughout the supply chain We strive to produce products that are as slim and discreet as possible whilst offering the maximum possible absorption properties. This improves user comfort, but also minimises raw material use, use of packaging material and transportation volume. Another area of focus is the packaging material. We use only materials that are safe, hygienic, and which can be 100% recycled or incinerated. Wherever possible we use recycled material in our packaging. At the same time, our environmental accreditations from organisations such as Der Grune Punkt and the Nordic Eco Label Swan, require us to continue to reduce packaging material volume. And we always aim to package our products in the most effi cient way, whether in bags, cartons or on the pallets - it does make an important difference! In the entire process of minimising packaging volumes, we never compromise on quality. We know that only by maintaining the highest product quality will our products deliver less leakage and optimum performance. 7

8 A N W E N D U N G Correct use saves resources Today, we can produce ever smaller incontinence products which, because of their reduced pads or by changing pad size, a considerable pact. For instance, by reducing the number of size, have less environmental impact, and yet reduction in the environmental impact can be still absorb increasing amounts of liquid and feel achieved, as well as cost savings. At Abena we dry to the wearer. value all scarce resources, fi nancial as well as natural. That is why there is an Abena product It is therefore evident that our main focus in the for every purpose. Bulk buying a standard size future will be on using each type of pad for the for all users in an institution is a false economy, specifi c purpose intended. Correct usage of the which will never produce savings neither for products leads to reduced environmental im- the environment nor for the budget. To ensure correct use of our products, Abena has a wide range of support tools, with Abena trained nurse advisors available in most markets. In addition, our products have been designed with a clear identifi cation system for nursing staff, enhanced by userfriendly measures such as wetness indicators and paper tapes. 8

9 Waste without worry One of the primary environmental concerns when using disposable products is the waste generated after use. But it is important to keep in mind that disposable hygiene products make up less than 3% of all solid waste. Besides, all material used is of 100% natural origin, non-toxic, and entirely groundwater neutral. Superabsorbent, for instance, is classifi ed just like sand and glass by the American Danger Catalogue. However, waste is becoming increasingly considered as a resource, and in many European countries incineration of used incontinence products generates new energy in modern CHP stations. Elements such as plastic and paper actually improve the incineration of other waste, since plastic is effectively oil in a different form. In some countries it is also possible, by separating the plastic content, to utilise used incontinence products for biogas production. 9

10 B E C A U S E W E C A R E because we care At Abena, the words environmental concern inspire action, not just words. It is one of the main areas of focus in our strategy and a value fi rmly rooted in our ethos - as well as in our logo. Therefore it is as natural to us as the very environment itself to back up our concerns by offi cial certifi cation, such as the Nordic eco label Swan as well as the international ISO certifi cate. Concern for nature goes hand in hand with the caring nature of Abena products. We even have a specifi c range of products, both incontinence and baby nappies, with offi cial environmental accreditation. We are the only manufacturer in the world to hold the Nordic Swan Swanmark eco label (one of only three offi cial environmental labels, and the only one with criteria for incontinence products) for a number of our products. By choosing the Abena Nature series, you get the same renowned Abena performance as in our standard products, but you can also contribute positively to the environment as well. The Swan label is your guarantee that a product has less impact on the environment than a similar non-labelled product. At Abena we recognise our environmental responsibility. From cradle to grave... because we care. The Nordic eco label Swan is controlled by an offi cial independent third party, whose requirements include: Allergy-tested raw material with no PVC, perfume, lotion or optical whitener in the products A minimum level of renewable plastics A maximum limit for production waste Datasheets for all oils, lubricants, janitorial, printing colour etc. used in production 10

11 This printed matter is produced on paper that carries the Nordic Swan eco label. 11

12 BR154/GB/04.04 Abena A/S Egelund 35 DK Aabenraa Tel.: Fax: