5R’s Principle
The environmental case for greening businesses today is obvious: the protection of our planet. But we understand this cannot come at a significant cost to companies or reduction in profitability.
Our aim with the 5Rs Principle is to increase sustainability while protecting the bottom line. Our innovative 5Rs approach allows customers to remain competitive while improving sustainability in their supply chain by reducing waste, lowering carbon footprint and contributing to environmental protection at no extra cost. Sustainability is in our DNA and it is our mission to show companies that our projects are the best in the market.
Why? They enhance the sustainability of our customers’ supply chains, both upstream and downstream, while maintaining or even reducing their cost base.
The product is used in a closed returnable loop
The product is designed to be reused or repurposed
Recycling products to protect ecosystem
Waste, carbon footprint & cost are reduced
Repairs or replacements are quick and easy
Re-turn
Today, we have developed a ‘closed loop’ packaging system as part of an integrated process.
We supply our customers with packaging that has returnability designed in. This means the life of the packaging of the part will last as long as the production of the part (which can extend up to several years depending on the sector).
The closed loop system increases supply chain efficiency while providing a cost-effective solution which also reduces waste and greenhouse gases. Simply put, we create a strong return on investment over its lifetime.
Re-use
Should the product line be discontinued, the packaging is not wasted. The packaging can now be reused by being remodeled for a new or different product line and fitted into the same closed loop system.
We have designed this ease of repurposing upfront. The seamless reprocessing allows the reuse of the packaging across numerous product lines over its useful life, all enabled by our modular design and standardized packaging. The repurposing cycle is energy light and developed in a cost-effective way. (There is also the possibility to opt for a packaging solution from a rental pool).
Basically, after first usage the packaging becomes a high-value base material for a new product, so-called ‘upcycling’. Rather than depreciating, the package maintains its value over its life as we have the option to create the same or a similar rack.
Re-cycle
When it is no longer possible to further reuse or refit the packaging, it can, of course, be recycled.
The natural durability of these raw materials (steel, aluminum, plastics) means they can be recycled to the same value or downcycled to other products (textile). Thus, converting potential waste into reusable materials that can be reinserted into our products or destined to other industries.
‘Repurposing plastics’ means using recycled plastics from other industries into our Ecopacks or into our textiles.
Re-duce
When our packaging is in the returnable loop, or when we are reusing or recycling a product, we are reducing our carbon footprint and as a result, waste and cost.
By increasing the standardization of our packaging designs, we reduce the complexity of the design process, and ultimately lead times.
This is a classic example of where increased attention in the design phase leads to a reduction in cost and waste.
Re-pair
Our unique design creates products that are easy to maintain, repair, replace and dismantle without special equipment, training or licensing.
No additional tools or machinery are needed and there is no requirement for licensed or certified engineers.
Simple standard tools and capabilities will suffice. Again, this results in shorter lead times for repairs and no additional staff training, ultimately reducing cost.
Circular Flow
How does everything works in a circular flow in practice and how are the 5R’s integrated?
It all starts with the raw material which is taken by the supplier. The supplier provides conTeyor the parts and we create a project. This project is sold to the customer and brought into a returnable loop. Afterwards the project goes to landfill or the project is dismantled. When it’s dismantled there are two options: Re-use the material to assemble new HU’s or re-cycle the material and create raw material again. That way the cycle can start again.
Below you see the visualization of the circular flow and the 5 phases.
‘Like no packaging’
Developing packaging like packaging does not exist
Like our packaging, conTeyor’s tagline has no waste. ‘Like no packaging’ means our packaging is so efficient, it is part of the product. Built on the core belief that a sustainable future is in our hands, our purpose is to protect the planet. It is little surprise that our purpose prioritizes sustainability. We recognize purpose and sustainability complement one another. Embedded deep within our DNA, it is our raison d'être and guides everything we do and how we do it. In short, it sums up our why.
Where it all began…
To understand where the concept of ‘developing packaging like packaging does not exist’, we must travel back in time to 1995. While working at an automotive factory, conTeyor founder Jos van Bree noticed a huge amount of packaging material was disposed of after a single use. Realizing that there was simply too much waste in the world, his mission was to change that. Armed with an entrepreneurial spirit and 20 years of automotive experience, van Bree looked for solutions to green the sector’s packaging by developing an innovative packaging alternative for delicate car parts, using textile pockets integrated in a hanging system.
As close as possible to no packaging
Beyond reducing waste, the company saw the green potential of this sustainable practice and wanted to take this initiative to its furthest extent. Employing the 5Rs Principle (Re-turn, Re-use, Re-duce, Re-pair, Re-cycle), it called for a rethinking of the whole design, production, packaging and delivery chain to create an environmentally-friendly, cost-effective and lean packaging solution.
Taking care of all packaging concerns
We are well aware that, for our clients, packaging is a challenge. And it is not just the product, but the entire process that comes with using and eliminating it. This is why we do not simply supply a product but rather, provide a complete service that take cares of our customers’ worries.
Thanks to our closed loop system, each returnable modular rack is designed to be returned and reused for the product’s lifetime. The beauty of the entire system is that everything-- design, engineering, production, packing density, supply, transport, ergonomics, easy handling and easy repair--is integrated in the process flow. In other words, the process is intended to be seamless and leave the smallest environmental footprint possible.
Committed to contributing to a packaging-free future, conTeyor is pushing packaging in a more sustainable direction with responsible packaging and more respect for the environment.
conTeyor awarded EcoVadis silver medal
In November 2021 conTeyor has been awarded the ‘EcoVadis silver medal’ as a recognition of our EcoVadis CSR Rating, with the following highlights mentioned in the ‘EcoVadis CSR Performance Overview’.
conTeyor International received*:
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top 4% top 7% top 4% top 17% |
All scores compare conTeyor to companies assessed by EcoVadis’ ‘Manufacture of other textiles industry’ section. The full report is available for to review upon demand.
The complete Sustainability Performance Overview is available on demand.
conTeyor is regularly assessed through EcoVadis, a leading ratings provider regarding sustainability in global supply chains. Using innovative technology and CSR expertise, they strive to engage companies and help them adopt sustainable practices.
The EcoVadis methodology is based on international sustainability standards (Global Reporting Initiative, United Nations Global Compact, ISO 26000), and supervised by a scientific committee of CSR and supply chain experts, to ensure reliable third-party CSR assessments.
EcoVadis is the most important tool we use to monitor the CSR performance of our trading partners. We believe that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is important to all companies active in our sector which should be demonstrated in their daily activities.