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“ Instead of the highly printed board you see ,” Robert continues , “ we promote alternative solutions that utilize different layer and color combinations . We can offer a more luxurious product that is not only completely recyclable but also made from 100 percent recycled material .”
As well as recycled paper , ESKA is continuing its tradition of raw material innovation by incorporating cotton fiber recovered from jeans . Robert explains : “ Jeans are already widely recycled , approximately 92 percent of a pair of jeans can be used as spinnable recycled fibers or insulation for automotive and electric equipment . Of the remaining eight percent , around six percent is buttons and zippers , and the remaining two percent would previously have been incinerated , but now we can use it to make a beautiful product . Examples include luxury packaging , catalogue covers , labels or POS for the fashion industry .”
Reuse and recycle
Bert Bodewes , Manager of Social Responsibility at ESKA , expands on the company ’ s commitment to sustainability , as this area is one of the core values on which the RDM Group business model is built . It embraces the principles of the circular economy , based on regenerative resources and circulating materials . “ Paper making is sustainable at its core , as it is biobased and biodegradeable , however , there aren ’ t sufficient timber resources to meet the demand for this type of product if used in a linear business model . Recycling and upcycling are big steps to ensure the sustainability of the operation . We use lowgrade waste material to make high-grade , long-lasting products which are sometimes reused , such as books and games , which can be passed on .
Enhancing operations
“ Energy consumption represents another significant area of improvement ,” Bert continues . “ We are constantly researching ways to be more efficient and looking for new solutions . We have one of the most efficient board machines in the world for example . We are also implementing a circular process to capture and transform waste into energy . Regarding water usage , we operate one of the world ’ s first closed water loops . Eliminating this waste is an important achievement in a world where water scarcity is increasingly important . We are also developing the production of bioplastics as a byproduct from the waste streams . This aligns with our philosophy of upcycling and will hopefully positively impact other industries .”
Robert picks up from Bert , adding : “ We are also the only solid board manufacturer to be a certified B-Corporation . This demonstrates a really high standard , and we scored highly across the board . While it ’ s easy for a business to articulate the right things , it ’ s much harder to do the right thing , but it makes a massive difference .”
While its products are designed to be renewable , recyclable , and recycled , innovation in the business extends beyond raw materials . ESKA is in the process of completing an automated packing facility in its Sappemeer facility . Brian Oost , Managing Director , sheds some light on the investment : “ This automated packing line is about efficiency but also about working conditions . In this specific case there are two board machines that will feed the line ensuring we can always meet the output demands of our customers .
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