Companies around the world face the same challenge: reducing their ecological impact. But is it still possible to remain efficient and competitive in a business context while preserving the planet?
This is the goal pursued by the teams at Semoulin Packaging.
Since its inception, the company has made it a point to limit its environmental impact. To achieve this, a series of actions and installations have been implemented over the years to contribute to a more sustainable future.
In this article, discover the 5 projects undertaken by the packaging company. An overview of installations that think about the future!
1. Transition to renewable energy
Investing in greener energy is an essential step if you want to reduce your carbon footprint. This transition helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions while contributing to the fight against global warming.
With 17,000 m² of covered land, Semoulin Packaging decided to optimize this available space by installing a fleet of more than 1,500 photovoltaic panels. Currently, these panels alone provide no less than 55% of the factory’s electricity needs. A great step towards self-sufficiency!
2. Establish a research and development department
In any visionary company, the innovation and research department plays a key role in implementing sustainable solutions.
Indeed, it is important to invest in innovative inventions in all sectors, and packaging is no exception!
Semoulin Packaging has given up industrial solvents to promote recycling and cleaner decomposition of its products. For example, the glues used to seal bags and sachets are water-based, as are the inks used in printing.
3. Better water management
We all know by now that water is a precious commodity that must be managed wisely.
With this in mind, a wastewater treatment system is a real asset to limit overconsumption.
That is why Semoulin Packaging has its own internal purification station. Thus, the wastewater used in the creation of packaging can be treated directly on-site before being returned to the production circuit.
This water treatment system is further facilitated by upstream decisions, such as giving up solvents.
4. Choosing sustainable materials
By opting for sustainable and eco-friendly materials, companies can contribute to the preservation of natural resources and reduce their overall environmental footprint.
For over a century, Semoulin Packaging has been working with paper to create increasingly efficient and aesthetic packaging. Sourced from sustainably managed forests, thanks to compliance with PEFC and FSC standards, this product choice allows for better conservation of the natural resources we all share.
5. Optimized road transport
The distance a product must travel to reach its consumer is a key factor in terms of pollution.
For Semoulin’s paper packaging, they are delivered by truck to the company’s various clients. So the question arose: how to make these trips more efficient? By implementing precise logistics.
At Semoulin Packaging, Priscilla is in charge of this logistics study. First, the routes are studied to limit unnecessary trips and superfluous detours. Then, the loading of the trucks is subject to a palletization study. This means that the filling of the vehicles is designed to facilitate delivery but also to ensure that space is perfectly utilized. Because a properly loaded vehicle means fewer trips and less CO2 in the atmosphere.
In a few words: how can a company start reducing its ecological impact?
For any company, reducing its environmental impact remains a complex challenge. But it is all the more necessary in the context of the climate crisis we are experiencing.
By adopting one or more of the mentioned solutions, it is possible to gradually reduce your ecological impact.
Of course, some of these installations – like solar panels or the construction of a purification station – require significant budget allocations, but once amortized, they allow for numerous savings… in every way!
So why wait?