APC ACTION PLAN

Transcription

1 RICHGRO GARDEN PRODUCTS APC ACTION PLAN

2 Table of Contents 1.0. Executive Summary Background Company Information Company Profile Brands Supply chain Packaging materials Commitment to the APC Contact details Schedule for Packaging Reviews Action Plan Table... 9 Appendix A: Richgro Environmental Policy Appendix B: Richgro Packaging Report Appendix C: Richgro SPG Template Appendix D: Packaging Development Procedure Appendix E: Buy Recycle Policy Richgro APC Action Plan

3 1.0. Executive Summary Richgro Garden Products has been in operation since 1916 and is a 100% Australian family owned and operated manufacturer of soil, compost, mulch and other garden products. The company is a brand owner and supplies gardening products to the national Australian market under the well known Richgro brand. Richgro Garden Products has a strong background in working with others and aiming to reduce waste. Its belief in effective, meaningful partnerships is underpinned by the embedding of sustainability policies and APC commitments into the standard operating procedures of the organisation, with particular emphasis on responsible procurement and waste minimisation. Richgro joined the National Packaging Covenant in 2005 and since then has shown continuous improvement and dedication in reducing packaging usage and improving the ratio of recycled materials used as part of total packaging. Richgro Garden Products predominantly measures packaging impacts in terms of product to packaging ratios, targeting improvements over time. In 2014, the organisation worked extensively with plastic film suppliers to reduce the gauge of film used, with four successful projects reducing film gauge by ten to twenty micrometres. The changes implemented helped to improve the packaging to product ratio to an impressive 230:1 by financial year The organisation also works actively to reduce the production of waste saw Richgro Garden Products expand into organics management, with a grant from the Clean Technology Program supporting the group to build an Anaerobic Digestion plant on site. This plant, and their planned composting facilities, will help the organisation to limit garden and organic wastes going to landfill, while producing carbon-neutral electricity. PETER MORRISON GENERAL MANAGER DATE Richgro APC Action Plan

4 2.0. Background Company Information 2.1.Company Profile Richgro Garden Products has been in operation since 1916 and is one of the top 5 garden products suppliers in Australia. It is 100% Australian family owned company. The company manufactures and distributes bagged potting mixes, mulches, soil conditioners, soil wetters and home garden chemicals to the national consumer garden market with the well respected Richgro brand. The head office is based on a 45 hectare site at Jandakot, with subsidiary branches in VIC, NSW, SA and a distributor in QLD. Whilst consumer products are the core of the Richgro business, the company also supplies commercial and landscaping bulk products to the WA market as well as laboratory services to the garden industry. A WA family-owned company, Richgro was first registered as A. Richards & Co by Arthur Richards in Through a process of diversification that took place around the mid-seventies the Richgro brand was created and used on a small range of fertilisers. As demand grew, the brand was used on the ever expanding range. Today the company supplies to the national market with a turnover of over $40 million annually. Richgro s mission statement is To create great gardens in an environmentally responsible manner with quality, innovative products for all Australian gardeners. This mission is supported by three business pillars: Culture, Quality, Innovation. In line with the company s mission, the business has ISO 9001:2008 certification and EcoHort TM Environmental Management System Certification. Those official certifications support the company s processes and ensure that the business is run effectively at all levels with clear procedures and guidelines. One of those key guidelines is that the company is to always operate as a responsible corporate entity on an environmental and social level (Richgro Corporate Plan - section 2.0 Company Objectives) The company is well known for its ongoing commitment to environmental preservation with the development of such products as EZI-WET water saving soil wetter, waterways friendly fertilisers and its increasing focus on the production of organics and safer alternatives to garden chemicals. Richgro APC Action Plan

5 The core of the Richgro business which is the supply of recycled organics (compost, manures, and fertilisers) is testament to the company s business ethics of recycling and reusing products in a beneficial way for the environment. A large percentage of the Richgro product line is produced from renewable resource and this underlines the company s core beliefs. In 2014 Richgro launched an Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plant on site. This plant was partly funded by the Federal Government via the Clean Technology Program as part of the zero carbon initiative. The AD plant will reduce Richgro s carbon emissions and electricity consumption (via the power grid) by 100%. The AD plant composts food and organic waste in an anaerobic (airless) environment. This method not only removes organic waste from landfill but the by-product from this process is the production of biogas which will be used to power turbines. This will in turn produce enough power to run the entire Richgro facility. This plant is an integral part of the company s strategy of diversification into the waste recovery field, specializing in food and organic wastes. These wastes are currently dumped into landfill with obvious environmental effects Brands Most of the products supplied by the company are marketed under the Richgro brand banner. Richgro has a licensing agreement with CSBP Ltd to pack and market the CRESCO range of fertilisers nationally and an agreement with Charlie Carp Pty Ltd to distribute their fertilisers marketed under the Charlie Carp brand Supply chain Richgro is a brand owner. In the supply chain, Richgro stands in between the packaging manufacturer and the retailers. Richgro Manufactures products Richgro APC Action Plan

6 Packs products in packaging supplied by a number of different packaging suppliers Delivers to the retailers the finished products on pallets Raw materials suppliers Packaging manufacturers & suppliers Richgro manufacturing & distribution Retailers 2.4. Packaging materials Consumer Packaging: Richgro uses LDPE (number 4) plastic bags as the primary source of packaging for fertilisers and organics. Packaging suppliers rate the materials used as 100% recyclable. At this point in time this is the best fit-for-purpose packaging with regards to the packing of this type of product. Richgro is continuously researching and has a 12 month review on all packs. Garden Chemicals are mostly packed in HDPE plastic bottles. The packaging is recyclable and an appropriate choice for those type of products whereby safety has to be of prime concern. Some garden chemicals are also packed in cardboard boxes and metal cans. Finally there are also a few special fertilisers packed in plastic tubs. Distribution Packaging: Richgro uses cartons and plastic shrink wrap to ensure products on pallets are delivered undamaged to retail outlets. Reporting of packaging usage: Packaging is grouped into product category to align with the current business structure, i.e.: Fertilisers (plastic LDPE) Organics (plastic LDPE) Garden Chemicals (plastic HDPE, metal cans, cardboard) In addition the company will assess: Secondary packaging (cartons, pallet liners) Tertiary Packaging (machine wrap, top covers) Richgro APC Action Plan

7 A working table style template (Appendix B) was designed with each product group itemized against the Packaging types (plastic, cardboard and shrink wrap) Commitment to the APC Richgro s commitment to environmental preservation is evident in the embedding of sustainability policies and APC commitments into the core standard operating procedures of the organisation. Over financial year the company was operating with a ratio of product to packaging of 196:1; this is a major improvement to the first reported figure of 148:1 in As a result of Richgro signing the Covenant, a Quality Assurance Committee has been created consisting of a representative from Senior Management, Quality, Marketing and Purchasing. Progress is reviewed at quarterly meetings of the Covenant Committee. Richgro s principle objective at those meetings: To review and report on action plan progress and goals. Discuss ongoing achievements and efficiencies Review current and future packaging opportunities Implement any new packaging or recording initiatives Contact details Covenant Contact Officer: Steve Hall Position: Inventory Telephone: (08) Facsimile: (08) Mobile: steve.hall@richgro.com.au Address: 203 Acourt Road, JANDAKOT WA PO Box 1406, Canning Vale, 6970 Web Site: Richgro APC Action Plan

8 3.0. Schedule for Packaging Reviews Types of Packaging Timetable for evaluating existing packaging by category or SKU ORGANICS 4 YEARS FERTILISERS 4 YEARS GARDEN CHEMICALS 3 YEARS SECONDARY PACKAGING 2 YEARS TERTIARY PACKAGING 3 YEARS Richgro APC Action Plan

9 4.0. Action Plan Table Goal 1: Design KPI 1: % of signatories with documented policies and procedures for evaluating and procuring packaging using the SPGs or equivalent. Actions Responsibility Baseline data Target Timeline or Milestones 1 Richgro to continuously monitor the ratio of product to packaging. Richgro have continuously monitored the ratio so as to identify early any excess use of packaging. Richgro has tried to align this target more in line with Smart Principles, however to have a set figure is challenging due to the ratio of product to packaging including many variables outside of our control such as product demand and changes in the packaging supply line. Inventory The ratio for FY was 230:1. Monitor to maintain and/or reduce the ratio annually. Assessed as at year end every year and discussed at the consecutive APC meeting. 2 Decrease the total non-recyclable packaging as a % of total packaging sold. Note: governed by market and production requirements Inventory The figure for FY was 84%. To ensure we continuously reduce the use of recyclable packaging (no set figure as governed by market and production requirements). Assessed as at year end every year and discussed at the consecutive APC meeting. Richgro APC Action Plan

10 3 Richgro to use an SPG template (Appendix C) for all new products and all packaging upgrades. Richgro has a formal policy for Packaging Development: Company Policies and Procedures SOP 1.11 Packaging Development and APC Strategic Plan Procedures. This SOP covers Company procedures regarding Australian Packaging Covenant (APC) policies and procedures, covers Company procedures regarding raw materials and goods inventory, supplier s approval policy, ordering and purchasing operations. It includes the APC Strategic Plan and the SPG guidelines. General 100% of all packaging in FY % of all new packaging to be evaluated against Richgro s Sustainable Packaging Guidelines Review sheet as set out in SOP. During the product development process for each new packaging type as outline in SOP. 4 To review existing products against Richgro s Sustainable Packaging Guidelines Review sheet. Do this in accordance with Packaging review schedule (Section 3.0. of this plan). Inventory Over the life of the last action plan % of existing packaging was reviewed as per the packaging schedule. 100% of existing packaging over the life of this action plan. Refer to assessment timeline of packaging review schedule. 5 To improve on the education of marketers and decisionmakers within Richgro about the importance of Sustainable packaging. Marketing The toolkit supplied by the APC: E is on the server under the APC folder. Ensure all members of the APC go through the toolkit supplied. Ongoing in line with staff changes and new members join the APC committee. 6 To have scheduled and documented APC meetings to discuss the action plan, improvements, research and successes in packaging requirements. Inventory Previous Meeting Agenda and Minutes Schedule and conduct committee meetings 3 times a year. 2. Review and report on action plan progress and goals. February, June and October each year for the length of this action plan. Richgro APC Action Plan

11 Goal 2: Recycling KPI 3: % signatories applying on-site recovery systems for used packaging. Actions Responsibility Baseline data Target Timeline or Milestones 1 To send all of our discarded and uncontaminated pallet packaging - pallet plastic wraps and black top covers - to the recycle plant. The company to investigate ways in which to prevent product from contaminating pallet packaging, so that further volumes can be recycled. Inventory Over FY , 1.32 tonnes of plastic was sent to the recycle plant. This represents 100% of the material after contaminated items were removed and achieves our new target. The contaminated material (contaminated by product) is sent to landfill and the rest to the recycle plant. 100%of all discarded and uncontaminated pallet packaging with aim to reduce contaminated pallet packaging. To quantify, review and assess twice a year during the APC committees. 2 Richgro to communicate information about the APC and our plans to a broader number of people within the organisation. Marketing Our Environmental Policy is clearly communicated in the Richgro Induction Booklet for all new employees. The APC video is on our company server freely available to all members of our organisation and we also have it on ouryoutube page. To re-assess the Richgro Induction Booklet to include the APC and promote the APC video. At next print of the booklet (usually every 2-3 years so by 2017) Richgro APC Action Plan

12 3 Richgro to investigate on-site or local recycling recovery systems for Aluminium, Plastic and Glass packaging. General Production Much waste being accepted into the AD plant arrives in packaging materials (ie. cans, bottles of Soft drink). Richgro has invested in a machine which separates the liquid and packaging. This waste packaging is currently being shipped for recycling overseas. To measure and record 100% of disused packaging and assess the viability of onsite recovery systems Yearly through the life of this plan Richgro APC Action Plan

13 KPI 4: Signatories implement formal policy of buying products made from recycled packaging. Actions Responsibility Baseline data Target Timeline or Milestones 1 To make all of our purchases in recycled materials and recycled content products if these products and materials satisfy current performance, quality, safety, regulatory and cost requirements. Richgro has a Buy Recycle Policy with the primary aim of purchasing recycled materials and recycled content products. Packaging: We already order cartons and pallet liners made of recycled material, which we encourage our retailers to Recycle. Office Stationery: we use recycled cartridges and batteries. We actively encourage office and administration staff to use less paper and all paper purchased is a supporting sustainability paper. Paper no longer needed is encouraged to be shredded and then recycled. Richgro has recognised the opportunity to investigate recycled paper cost and its introduction into the business. Any excess cardboard from production is sent to the new Anaerobic Digestion plant and is being added to the mixture. Inventory 91% of the total product sales (in weight) for the Richgro Business was the sale of composts and organics which is essentially recycled products. For the rest, the use of recyclable product is not feasible as it is chemical-based for product performance. 100% of our cartons and pallet liners are made of recycled material. To make 100% of our purchases in recycled materials and recycled content products if these products and materials satisfy current performance, quality, safety, regulatory and cost requirements in line with our Buy-Recycle Policy. Assessed as at year end every year and discussed at the consecutive APC meeting. Richgro APC Action Plan

14 Goal 3: Product Stewardship KPI 6: % signatories with formal processes to work collaboratively on packaging design and / or recycling. Actions Responsibility Baseline data Target Timeline or Milestones 1 To work with our manufacturers on a continual basis to assess and design all of our products in line with the SPG template. Inventory Currently we have informal regular meetings between our Inventory, packaging suppliers and raw material producers to identify opportunities for reducing environmental impacts. At this stage it is limited to the thickness of the materials used. More formalised meetings with packaging suppliers to discuss not only packaging thickness but identify other opportunities for reducing environmental impacts. Assessed as at year end every year and discussed at the consecutive APC meeting. 2 To research the availability of bio degradable or degradable bags that will break down in the environment thus reducing impact on land fill sites. General Inventory This is on-going research as there currently is no suitable bio degradable or degradable packaging for garden products on the market. Consult packaging suppliers in line with packaging review schedule. Refer to packaging review schedule. Richgro APC Action Plan

15 3 To have more formalised procedures on Product Stewardship Quality Our Buy Recycle Policy and Packaging Development Procedure (As part of the Company's Operating Procedure SOP 1.11) touch on the importance of Product Stewardship. Have a specific SOP outlining formalised procedures on Product Stewardship. By 12/2016 KPI 7: % signatories showing other Product Stewardship outcomes. Actions Responsibility Baseline data Target Timeline or Milestones 1 To aim at reducing carbon emissions and electricity consumption by 100% on site. General Production Marketing The company has built an Anaerobic Digestion (AD) partly funded by the Federal Government via the Clean Technology Program as part of the zero carbon initiative. The AD plant will reduce Richgro s carbon emissions and electricity consumption (via the power grid) by 100%.This method not only removes organic waste from landfill but also leads to the production of carbon free electricity. The plant was launched late 2014 so no baseline data. Reduce carbon emissions and electricity consumption by 100%. Assessed as at year end every year and discussed at the consecutive APC meeting. Richgro APC Action Plan

16 2 To continue on the strategy of diversification into the waste management and recovery field, specialising in food and organic wastes. General Production Marketing These wastes are currently dumped into landfill with obvious environmental effects. Richgro plans to make use of those wastes for product and biogas production. To that effect Richgro is working actively with government bodies and industries. AD plant launched late 2014 so no baseline data. Use the AD plant for food and biogas production. 12/2016 KPI 8: Reductions in packaging items in the litter stream. Actions Responsibility Baseline data Target Timeline or Milestones 1 Richgro to have recycled logos on all packs and /or info on how to dispose - To add a Tidyman to all new and upgraded packs - where space allows. Marketing 77% of our new and upgraded packaging have had the logo applied over FY. 100% of all packaging to have the tidyman logo (where space allows). By the end period of this action plan 06/2019. Richgro APC Action Plan

17 Appendix A: Richgro Environmental Policy Environmental Policy All A. Richards Pty Ltd employees, its stakeholders and the community in which Richgro and Amazon operate have a right to expect excellence in environmental performance from the Company. Richgro and Amazon are committed to fulflling all relevant statutory environmental obligations and will manage the technical, administrative and human factors to ensure that these standards are met. Environmental management of the Jandakot and Wesco production sites are achieved by ensuring the integration and regular review of the Company Quality Management System in accordance with international ISO 9001 Standards and Company Environmental Management System which is developed and implemented in accordance with ISO Standards for environmental management. The Company is signatory to the National Packaging Covenant and it is a further testimonial to our commitment to environment conservation by implementing policy and practices of usage of smart packaging, with less waste and accordingly cleaner environment. The Company s sound environmental management is promoted by the cutting edge strategies in the production planning, processing and waste management. We promote a strong environmental ethic as a part of the Company business culture and we are fully committed to our aims to prevent pollution, to continually improve our overall environmental performance and to openly communicate Company environmental performance to all parties concerned. Geoff Richards Managing Director Peter Morrison General Richgro APC Action Plan

18 Appendix B: Richgro Packaging Report PACKAGING REPORT Product Type Product sold NETT Weight WEIGHT EXPRESSED IN KILOGRAMS Packaging Used NETT Weight, bottles, plastic bags, etc Percentage packaging to product sold Cartons/Pallet liner Used NETT Weight Machine wrap, and top covers TOTAL WEIGHT product & packaging Combined volume of packaging Fertilizer Organics Ant, Beetle, Slater Snail Pellets Liquid Chemicals Plastic bottles Liquid Chemicals Metal cans Totals Tonnes Volume of all product sold inc packaging Volume of all packaging Ratio of product to packaging Richgro APC Action Plan

19 Appendix C: Richgro SPG Template Product Group / Description: Date of assessment: Packaging description: Summary of outcomes Identified opportunities to improve sustainability of packaging type Potential environmental benefits to come out of the assessment Action Who By when Richgro APC Action Plan

20 Packaging assessment template Design strategy Detail Action required Fit-for-purpose Meets technical performance requirements Design for consumer accessibility Resource efficiency Minimise materials (source reduction) Use recycled materials Design for efficient transport Low-impact materials Minimise risks of toxic and hazardous materials Use material from responsible suppliers Resource Recovery Design for reuse Design for recovery and litter reduction Inform consumers about appropriate disposal Richgro APC Action Plan

21 Appendix D: Packaging Development Procedure STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES SOP 1.09 (EXTRACTS)- In more detail in Richgro SOP Manual SUBJECT: COMPANY POLICIES & PROCEDURES Doc. No: SOP 1.09 Issue No: 5 Inventory Control, Purchasing Operations, Contract Pricing & Packaging Development (Extracts) Page: Extracts 8 of 12 SCOPE: This SOP covers Company procedures regarding raw materials and goods inventory, supplier s approval policy, ordering and purchasing operations. PROCEDURE: PACKAGING DEVELOPMENT Australian Packaging Covenant APC (formerly NPC) Smarter packaging, less waste, cleaner environment (APC slogan) The Packaging Covenant is the voluntary constituent of the co-regulatory arrangement for packaging in Australia and Richgro Garden Products, as an APC signatory, is totally committed to all APC important obligations. The Company also has a significant responsibility of the implementation of the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines and periodical Action Plans completion. Note: full outline of The APCC Mission statement included here Richgro APC Action Plan

22 Richgro Garden Products Company has accepted and fully endorsed this APCC Mission statement, and is completely committed to achieve these goals in collaboration with the Packaging Covenant Council. Note: full outline of the APCC s 3 main performance goals included here Note: full outline of our obligations as a Covenant signatory included here PROCEDURE: Sustainable Packaging Guidelines The Sustainable Packaging Guidelines have been developed in aim to assist in designing and manufacturing packaging that meets the sometimes conflicting demands of the market, consumer protection and the environment. As a signatory to the APC we agree to adopt and implement the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines and its four (4) key principles of sustainable packaging: Note: full outline of the SPG principles included here Richgro Garden Products is committed to use all resources efficiently and reduce environmental impact without compromising product quality and safety. The Company recognises an essential and crucial link between a healthy environment and healthy people, and understand and see the value the Sustainable Packaging will bring to the business, in terms of savings, productivity and quality and integrity of Company products. Note: full outline of 12 principles and strategies of the SPG included here Richgro Garden Products shall always take in consideration and, whenever it is practically possible, must apply in full the four key principles of sustainable packaging in the design and/or procurement of packaging by implementation of various, specific Company strategies. This aim should be achieved by regular and efficient self-assessment and review processes, which need to be clearly identified and documented, and shall include the comprehensible initiatives the Company undertakes in the aim to provide the documented evidence of compliance with the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines to an APC auditor on request. End of Extracts Standard Operating Procedures SOP 1.09 Complete procedure available from the Richgro SOP Manual. Richgro APC Action Plan

23 Appendix E: Buy Recycle Policy BUY RECYCLED POLICY We, at Richgro Garden Products and Amazon Soils, are unconditionally committed to buying and using recycled materials wherever practically possible. This Company goal will be achieved by the adoption and implementation of the Australian Packaging Covenant and accordingly by integrating the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines. This goal further promotes the company s strong dedication to environment conservation, through environmentally responsible usage of smart packaging, creating less waste and consequently resulting in a cleaner and safer environment. The company is to adopt and strictly implement a Buy Recycled Policy in all company s procedures and operations through creative and progressive leadership, high-quality education and information, strong research and development as well as through meaningful partnerships. This will lead to a number of business and environmental benefits including energy and resources conservation and waste and pollution reduction. The company s Senior Management, Divisions s and other company employees are totally committed to participating and contributing to the established Buy Recycled Policy objectives and procedures, with the primary aim of purchasing recycled materials and recycled content products if these products and materials satisfy current performance, quality, safety, regulatory and cost requirements. Geoff Richards Managing Director Peter Morrison General Richgro APC Action Plan