Our commitment to more sustainable packaging and freight

Vikan is dedicated to actively integrating sustainable choices and solutions into our business operations. We recognise our responsibility to operate with efficient resource consumption, as outlined in our Progress Reports.
Two of our primary areas of focus are aimed at minimising the amount of materials we use and lowering our CO2 emissions. 

Materials for packaging

Regarding optimal material use, we set specific targets aimed at reducing the overall amount of packaging material we use, as well as increasing the utilisation of recycled and recyclable packaging materials. To achieve this goal, we invested in a 'Pack Size Machine', designed to cut cardboard boxes to the exact pack size required. This cardboard is FSC certified, ensuring that it comes from well-managed forests and other responsible sources.
 

Previously, we had a selection of 10 box sizes, and the most suitable one was chosen for each order. Now, with the ability to produce cardboard boxes in precise sizes, we can minimise the use of cardboard and void filler. As a result, we are “shipping less air” and optimising our shipment sizes, thus allowing for more products in each shipment.

In 2023, we also initiated the use of recycled plastic bags for packaging for our Hygiene product range. These bags are composed of 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) material. This move is in line with our commitment to reduce the environmental impact of our packaging practices.

Lower CO2 emissions

When it comes to lowering our CO2 emissions, our goal is to reduce the contributions made by transport our freight. Vikan has strategically established regional distribution hubs worldwide. Notably, we now have warehouses in Canada, the U.S., and, following the recent acquisition of Wells, in Australia and New Zealand.

The implementation of regional distribution hubs not only facilitates a shorter delivery time to our customers, but also reduces the number of deliveries made to them directly from our manufacturing plant in Denmark. Instead, we can make larger (but fewer) bulk shipments by sea to our local distribution hubs, and our products can then be transported efficiently to our customers over much shorter distances. This allows us to reduce the amount of resource-intensive air freight. In fact, our total air freight for 2023 was at index 70.6 compared to 2022, while sea freight is at index 100.4.

Together with the use of our pack-size machine, this helps us live up to our commitment to sustainability by minimising the CO2 emissions associated with freight transport.

An ongoing process

At Vikan, our continuous efforts to integrate sustainable practices into our business model reflect our dedication to environmental responsibility. Through targeted initiatives like the ones above, we aim to reduce our environmental impact on the world while striving to maintain our high standards. This blog will be continuously updated as we collect and process more data, as we are constantly monitoring our initiatives.