Rieke aim to reduce environmental impact

CONSUMER packaging manufacture Rieke is implementing a major sustainability program to help reduce the impact of its operations on the environment. The initiative covers three main areas – the company’s manufacturing processes, product design and facilities – and involves closely working with both its customers and employees.

 

“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.”

 

In its manufacturing operations, Rieke is investing in a range of more efficient equipment, and introducing systems that help to minimize waste. The company has also redesigned its shipping containers to enable more products to be carried and reduce the impact of transportation, as well as increased the use of reusable containers within its factories.

 

With respect to new product initiatives, the company has developed reusable products such as its “Smart Soap” refills and ViseGrip® drum closures which are 100% recyclable.  Also under investigation is 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 group’s global factory locations also help to 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 are recycled.