Thoro 2015 report


Sustainability Report 2015
1
Thoro Packaging’s commitment to
participate in voluntary climate
protection is second to none in the
packaging industry in the USA.
natureOffice USA is proud and privileged
to present the following sustainability
report for 2015 to the employees,
customers and the management.
natureOffice GmbH
Buchrainstraße 46
60599 Frankfurt am Main
Deutschland
Europe
natureOffice USA Inc.
1489 W. Warm Springs
Road, Suite 110
Henderson, NV 89014
USA
Contact:
Tel. 707 500 7017 USA - eh@natureoffice.com
natureOffice S.A.
Mcal. Estigarribia3470
1416Asunción
Paraguay
South America
natureOffice
BP:694 Quartier Tsivé
Kpalimé
Togo
West Africa
Tel. +49 69 173 20 20 0 EU - aw@natureoffice.com
Contents
Statement of the president…………4
Company overview…….…………….5
Code of Ethics……………………..…6
Community commitment……….…..7
Corporate sustainability program…..9
Corporate greenhouse gas policy..…9
Energy program……………………..11
Recycling……………………………..12
Social sustainability………………….15
Water sustainability…………………17
Facts…………………………………..18
Summary……………………………..19
3
Statement of the president
“Thoro is committed to not only reducing our
impact on the environment and natural resources,
but also strives to offer as many options as possible
to support our customers’ sustainability efforts as
well.”
Janet Steiner, president and CEO
4
Company overview
Thoro knows that “It’s not just a carton. It’s
your brand.” You won’t find any “cookie-cutter”
standard packaging here. Placing it’s greatest
emphasis on quality, Thoro offers custom,
innovative solutions to fit your goals and add
value to your brand. Thoro is capable of
running any quantity from small to large, with
no minimum order requirement. So no matter
how big or small, Thoro has a solution for you.
Consistently providing unmatched quality and
customer service makes Thoro Packaging a
partner you can trust. Offering sustainable
solutions, Thoro grows with your business.
For over 45 years Thoro has partnered with
companies of all sizes, from
small business to top Fortune
500 companies, in the medical,
pharmaceutical, health &
beauty, and other consumer
product industries.
5
Macy Dabek - founder of Thoro packaging
and father of Janet Steiner. His picture held
by Macy Steiner (COO) with Janet Steiner
(CEO)
Code of Ethics
Thoro is firmly committed to complying with its legal and ethical obligations under
all state and federal laws. We expect all employees to promote an environment of
trust, respect and equality.
Our philosophy can be implemented only if our employees recognize their
responsibility to treat everyone in an honest and fair manner. Accordingly, an
employee’s failure to fulfill their responsibilities under this policy may result in
disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
6
The company holds all employees responsible for carrying out
and monitoring compliance with this commitment. If an
employee becomes aware of a violation of a legal or ethical
obligation, or any improper treatment of a fellow employee,
customer or supplier, the employee must immediately report
this to his or her supervisor, the Human Resources Manager or
the President for immediate investigation. It is important to
Thoro that we investigate any potential violations of our policy and take appropriate
action to correct any violations or incorrect perceptions that are found to exist. By
making it the responsibility of all employees to police compliance with our strict
ethical standards and commitment to complying with all legal responsibilities, we
can continue to maintain our reputation in the community and industry.
Employees should feel free to report any information regarding this policy without
fear of any kind. Employees can report information to the Human Resources
Manager or President, in confidence, if they wish. The company will treat such
information as confidential to the extent it can do so without failing to fulfill its
legal obligations. In addition, employees who do not wish to identify themselves can
report information anonymously.
Community commitment
Thoro Packaging’s dedication to making a positive contribution to society
extends to our employees and to the community in which we live and
work. Our focus is a commitment to a safe workplace and responsible,
ethical business practices in everything we do.
Thoro Packaging actively participates in the community, contributes to
social programs, and promotes education in the graphic arts.
As a thriving member of the community, Thoro Packaging has a
responsibility to help those that are less fortunate and give back to those
who have helped support our business.
Thoro facility tours are conducted for packaging and design students from
local collages and trade schools. This exposes them to a production
environment, allows them to ask any questions they might have, and
provides an opportunity for them to take what they have seen and
apply it to the classroom and their future.
We offer donations of customized popcorn boxes to schools and
universities for their organization and athletic fundraising events.
Various corrugated boxes are donated to schools and libraries.
Donations of paperboard stock are made to local schools and church
groups.
7
Community commitment
The Thoro “Care Club” was started in 2010. It gives our employees
the opportunity to give back to their own team with the
contribution of home cooked meals and donated vacation hours,
to aid employees out on medical or family leave.
The Thoro Packaging Team has adopted the Settlement House for
our year-around giving. They are a local non-profit provider of
assistance to individuals and families in crisis. Donations include:
Holiday Food Drive
•
Gently worn clothing for school children
•
Men’s and women’s clothing for the “Business Closet”
•
Thoro participates in the PPC’s annual TICCIT program. Adopted by
the Paperboard Packaging Council in honor of Earth Day, Arbor
Day, TICCIT is part of National Paperboard Packaging Week. This
special week was created by Thoro Packaging’s own Dianne
Vanover. TICCIT (Trees Into Cartons, Cartons Into Trees) is an
outreach and education program for elementary age students,
emphasizing the natural renewability and sustainability of
paperboard packaging, and the lifecycle of paperboard.
Thoro often sponsors local packaging and design students to attend
industry events and conferences.
8
Corporate sustainability program
Corporate greenhouse gas reduction program
Green Power
Thoro Packaging has improved the environment and reduced the risks associated with climate
change by switching to green power (wind farm offset credits.). This commitment reduces the
amount of CO2 produced by 2,544,000 pounds per year and builds green infrastructure for future
generations to enjoy.
EPA
Because of this purchase, Thoro has been granted membership to the EPA’s Green Power Leadership
Club since 2010. This is a distinction given to organizations that have significantly exceeded the EPA’s
minimum green power purchase requirements.
Carbon neutral printing
Thoro has continued to offer a carbon neutral printing option to our customers via natureOfficeUSA
since August 2011. This program offers customers the option to purchase carbon credit certificates to
offset the carbon dioxide emissions of each folding carton job. For each job, a customer can choose
which climate-protection project best suits their company. The total carbon dioxide emission of the
job is calculated, and the appropriate numbers of credits are purchased to offset that output.
Each job receives a very specific natureOffice certificate with a unique tracking number that is
printed on each carton with the natureOffice logo. The tracking number can be looked up on the
natureOffice website, to see the particular amount and project supported by that job. This offers a
way for the end user to validate the claim, and see more information about that project, such as the
Native Forest Reforestation Carbon Sequestration Project, in Hawaii, preserving the unique native
woods of the Koa tree.
9
Corporate greenhouse gas reduction program
EPA Green Power Partner
As an EPA Green Power Partner since
2009, Thoro Packaging continues to
purchase renewable energy credits
through Sterling Planet, to offset all
energy used by our production facility,
office, and warehouse. These credits
support diverse renewable energy
projects nationwide. Every REC purchased
guarantees 1 MWh of renewable power
to the electric grid.
Employee vehicle at Thoro’s own charging station
10
These RECs are Green-e Certified,
meeting stringent environmental
and consumer protection
standards. Going above and
beyond EPA Green Power Partner
requirements, Thoro is also a
member of the Green Power
Leadership Club. Thoro is
currently upgrading our RECs
from mixed resources, to source
only from wind power, the more
efficient and cost effective of the
renewable energy sources.
Energy program
Lighting Upgrades
Upgrades to lighting in our 54,000 square foot facility
took place over the last few years. Double pane skylights
were installed in the manufacturing facility. All lighting
in the warehouse was upgraded from T12 to T8 lighting, and
motion sensors were added. We are currently researching and
evaluating the option of moving to LEDlighting, the next
step in more energy efficient lighting.
Cooling System Upgrades
A few years ago a white cool roof and hybrid cooling system
were installed along with an energy efficient air compressor.
These are all projects that are still contributing to the energy
efficiency of our facility.
Thin Client Network
Thoro’s computer network was upgraded to a thin client
system in 2008. This network provides employees/users a
graphics user interface, while the operating system and
computation are housed on terminal servers. Thin clients
have no moving parts and use about one-tenth of the
electricity of a desktop PC ( reference: designpt.com)
11
Ride Share Program
Thoro promotes employee
rideshare programs and
incentives made available
through county services.
In 2012, new rides-hare
participants received a
$25 Target gift card for
signing up for the ride-share
Recycling program
Thoro Packing is working towards Zero Waste, and we hope to become certified within the
next few years. Our efforts towards this goal have paid off, according to an outside LEAD
A.P., Thoro is currently at 96% to the Zero Waste goal. Many recycling and waste reduction
programs at Thoro have contributed to this progress. Thoro’s efforts do not stop at the
borders of our facility, as we are also providing programs and education to employees to
help them reduce their personal waste at home.
Paperboard is 100% Recyclable
An added benefit of the folding cartons produced by Thoro Packaging is
that paperboard is 100% recyclable.
The recyclability of paperboard helps or customers, their customers and
the end users reduce waste by being able recycle all folding carton
packaging and preventing additional landfill waste.
FSC & SFI Certified
Thoro Packaging is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and SFI (Sustainable
Forestry Initiative) certified, and we offer both FSC and SFI certified
boards to our customers.
In March 2012, Thoro Packaging was the first to offer Neutrogena
environmentally sustainable FSC paperboard, at no additional charge.
FSC certifies the movement of materials from the forest to the end-user.
As a paperboard product manufacturer, it is important for us to
acknowledge the natural renewability of our primary raw material
resource.
12
Recycling program
Dual Stream Recycling Program
Thoro maintains a dual stream recycling system,
with bins located at desks, in lunch rooms, and in
meeting areas.
“The Kelpies” Winner of the 2014 employee recycling
contest. Made from recycled aluminum printing plates
Ottomans made from recycled paper roll cores
13
Employee Recycling Program
Thoro offers recycling collection for employees at
our facility. Recyclable materials accepted include
paper, plastic, glass, and electronics. Employees are
encouraged to bring in their recycling from home,
including e-waste items for which it is often harder
to find recycling collections in the community.
Money raised from employee recycling programs
goes to help fund FUN Committee activities for
employees such as our annual Thoro Day family
outing and Holiday Party.
For more difficult to recycle materials, Thoro offers
additional on-site recycling options for staff. A
convenient battery drop of site is located in the office
year-round, and collections are taking to local
recycling center. Once a year, after the holiday
season, Thoro offers Styrofoam recycling collections,
which are taken to a local recycling facility.
Recycling program
Reduced Ink Usage and Solvent Waste
A couple of years ago, Thoro invested in two Sun Chemical Mx12
GFI ink mixing and dispensing systems, automating the ink mixing
process. The Maratek Solvent Recycling System was adopted to
address solvent waste.
Green Committee
Our Green Committee presents at our monthly plant meetings
which are attended by all Thoro employees. We provide education
on recycling, waste reduction, and encourage employees to be
better environmental stewards beyond Thoro. Our goal is for our
employees to take what they have learned here at Thoro back to
their homes and to their children.
Repurposing
Thoro tries to find new purposes for materials that would usually
be recycled or sent to landfills. The cardboard cores from our paper
rolls are turned in to cat condos by a local company. An artist out of
LA found inspiration in our die boards, and turns them into
beautiful works of art. The Thoro Green Committee recently hosted
an employee contest in which participants were asked to make
something out of recycled materials. The winning art piece was
made of 90% recycled materials sourced here at Thoro.
Bistro table made from pallets & scraps
14
Workforce Injury/Illness Reduction
Thoro’s Injury and Illness Prevention Program make the safety and
health of employees a top priority in the operation of our business.
New hire orientations include health and safety topics. A safe
environment, low in risk of illness, means fewer time-off incidents due
to illness or injury, resulting in a more reliable workforce. Our staff is
dedicated to making sure we are available to support your needs.
Monthly Safety Training & Incentive
Employee safety awareness training is included in Thoro’s monthly
plant meetings, and is attended by all employees. Thoro also offers an
incentive to employees for extended time periods without a recordable
injury in the workplace.
Monthly Safety Inspections at 100% of facilities
Each month safety inspections are conducted of our entire facility.
These inspections allow for immediate correction of any unsafe
conditions.
Daily Stretching Exercise Plan
A couple of years ago, a Kaiser recommended daily stretching plan was
implemented in our Finishing department. This routine occurs at the
same time each day, with 8 minutes of stretching exercises designed to
prevent workplace injuries.
Sanitation
Hand sanitizing stations are located throughout the facility in common
areas.
Seasonal Flu Vaccinations – Thoro offers seasonal flu vaccinations on
site at a discounted rate. Floor Cleaning Machine- Thoro has invested in
new floor cleaning machine to be used on our production and
warehouse floors.
15
Social sustainability
Cheri Liles - Pre-Press Supervisor
Social sustainability
Ralph Martinez - Head of Design
16
Wellness Committee
A Wellness Committee was established at Thoro Packaging in
2008, to create a healthy environment and encourage healthy
behaviors. The committee meets periodically to plan health and
wellness programs and events. Also offered, is an on-site
wellness library, with exercise DVDs and healthy cookbooks for
employees to check out.
Sonic Boom Program
In 2013 Thoro’s Wellness Committee has implemented the Sonic
Boom Program to encourage healthy eating and an active
lifestyle. This program started with a biometric screening. Each
participating employee received the results of this screening as
reference for their starting point. Participants each received a
pebble/pedometer that tracks and uploads step/mileage/speed
activity statistics to a health tracking website. Employees can
track their daily stats and set goals. Daily challenge activities
are presented as a way to earn bonus points in the program, and
encourage additional physical activity. A food and water
consumption tracker is available on the website to encourage
healthy eating, and earn additional points. Employees can
reward coworkers for good habits by awarding them bonus
points. Points earn different levels of prizes. Occasional
competitions encourage further participation. At the end of the
year, participants will receive another biometric screening to
see the results of their efforts in 2013.
Water Use and Reduction
Reductions in water usage also provide a small
financial savings and help to conserve natural
resources. This savings also helps to offset the rising
costs of our primary raw material, paperboard, and
prevent this cost increases from being passed on to
our customers such as Johnson & Johnson.
Water conservation landscaping
Thoro was proud to announce the completion of
our water conservative landscaping in compliance
with the Xeriscape philosophy
According to Ryan McFadgen, Landscape Manager
at Environmental Landscape Inc., “Watering costs
alone can be cut by one-half to two-thirds by
installing Xeriscaping."
Thoro Packaging has implemented water
conservative landscaping techniques in compliance
with the Xeriscaping philosophy and the Seven
Principles of Water Conservation.
Low flow toilets
The new low flow toilets are using 2-4 times less
water than the old toilets. This improvement has
added to water conservation while also providing
some cost savings.
17
Water sustainability
Facts
Sustainability programs:
I. FSC & SFI Certification
II. natureOffice Carbon Neutral
certification
III. 100% recycled paper board
IV. Vegetable oil based printing inks
V. Sustainable energy program
VI. PPC Recycable Logo
VII. Recycable foil board
Consumption versus productivity
The graph on the right shows the
increase in sales/productivity and
the consumption of resources. The
graph indicates that consumption
does not go parallel to productivity.
This finding suggests improvements
in sustainability efforts and the use
of less resources in the reproduction
process.
Ongoing improvement programs:
I. Green Power - continuous CO2 reduction
II. Energy use improvement
III. TICCIT program 2012 (tree planting)
Carbon neutral printing
IV. Scrap recycling
V. Paper recycling
VI. Ink recycling
year
electricity/MW/h
water/utility units
sales/finacial units
2012
2923
3463
3400
2013
3058
4109
3600
2014
3210
4681
4000
14000"
12000"
10000"
8000"
sales/finacial"units"
water/u6lity"units"
6000"
electricity/MW/h"
4000"
2000"
0"
2011"
18
2011
2751
2673
3000
2012"
2013"
2014"
Summary report
This report is about the last 4 years of sustainability efforts of Thoro packaging, based in Corona, California. We have examined the social,
economic and ecological sustainability efforts of the company. The force that drives any program in a corporation are the people. Thoro
has implemented an impressive array of programs that support the development of the sustainability program.
Thoro has also understood that suitability programs within an organization do not add to the expense but rather to the profitability of
the same. Sustainability in itself suggests to save, reuse and recycle (e.g.sell waste for further use) and therefore costs are reduced in the
long run.
At Thoro the implementation of energy saving devices and the drive to reduce consumption has shown that economic growth does not
have to go hand-in-hand with an increased use of resources.
With the use of “green energy” Thoro has committed to go deep into the carbon neutral system by purchasing only certified “green”
power to supply the operation. Since 2011 Thoro is also certified as a Carbon Neutral Print supplier which is an elite industry group in the
USA. The continued growth of Thoro and the high rate of customer satisfaction are proof that Thoro is on the right track toward a
cleaner, more profitable and sustainable future.
Thus ecological impact has been dramatically reduced by the use of better energy, and the opportunity for employees to recharge their
car batteries at the shop.
Thoro is a leader in reusing, recycling and extending life periods of products which minimizes the impact on the environment. The water
savings program implemented has helped save money, but more important the company has reduced the consumption of one of the
most needed resources we have.
We have compared Thoro to other companies similar in size and revenues, mostly with companies in Europe since there are no similar
companies in the packaging industry in the United States. We have found that Thoro is in the top with other European companies of its
kind but the single and most advanced company in California and the United States based on A) effort, B) implementation, C) results and
D) continued improvements.
This report and summary were prepared by natureOffice USA, an independent consultancy with offices in Europe, USA , South America
and West Africa. natureOffice works with governments and private industries and is proud to work with leaders like Thoro to create a
smarter and cleaner way to operate a business.
Erwin Hudelist, president
December 2014
19
20