The initiative covers three main areas – the company’s manufacturing processes, product design and facilities – and involves close working partnerships with its customers and employees.
In its manufacturing operations, Rieke is investing in a range of more efficient equipment, and introducing systems that help to minimise waste. The company has also redesigned its shipping containers to enable more products to be carried in the same size container, which reduces the impact of transportation, and is increasing its use of re-usable containers within its factories.
Rieke’s new product initiatives have seen the development of re-usable products such as its ‘Smart Soap’ refills and ViseGrip drum closures which are 100% recyclable. The company is also investigating the feasibility of a single stream recyclable pump, while a new revolutionary cap design offers a unique stacking feature that maximises the number of caps contained in each box.
In addition, Rieke is working closely with its customers to change carton sizes in order to ensure more pumps and closures per box. The firm’s global factory locations are also said to help reduce the environmental impact of deliveries and it has recently established a dedicated factory on a customer’s business park to offer a bespoke JIT service.
Sustainability initiatives across Rieke’s worldwide facilities include solar panels on its factory in Rohnert Park, California, while all water, with the exception of solid waste water, is collected and used for irrigation within the municipality. At other locations, scrap plastic and all cardboard is recycled.
“We recognise the importance that both our customers and employees attach to environmental matters,” comments Mark Box of Rieke. “We are committed to continuing to work to develop and implement environmentally-responsible business practices throughout our organisation and to strive for the sustainable growth of both our own and our customers’ businesses.”
