Environmental protection is an integral part of Akomex Group’s operations. In this chapter, we present the measures we have taken in the areas of environmental policy, climate protection, energy saving, waste reduction and forest resource protection.
Environmental Policy
Akomex Group, aware of the impact of its activities on the environment, is committed to reducing its negative environmental impact and, consequently, to improving the state of our planet. Our activities are aimed at complying with environmental legislation and other regulations and obligations for our Group that are essential to fulfil its mission.
In its Environmental Policy, Akomex Group commits to:
Compliance with environmental legislation and other regulations and requirements applicable to our Group.
Continuous improvement of the Environmental Management System, respecting the natural environmental resources.
Optimise activities related to the identified significant environmental aspects.
Educate employees on proper environmental practices.
Fulfil the commitments.
We fulfil our commitments by:
Setting and regularly reviewing environmentalobjectives and goals.
Providing resources to implement environmentalpolicies and goals.
Establishing emergency procedures to minimiseenvironmental contamination.
Ensuring regular training for employees.
Systematically monitoring compliance withenvironmental legislation.
Summary
Akomex Group recognises that Environmental Policy is the foundation of development and that its understanding, dissemination and implementation at all levels of the organisation are essential to achieving our goals. We place importance on continuously improving our environmental practices so that we can carry on our mission of contributing to the protection and preservation of the environment for future generations.
In order to improve the environmental performance of our operations, we implement, review and continually improve our environmental management system, which is compliant with ISO 14001.
Compliance with ISO 14001
We attach great importance to adherence to ISO 14001, which is the international standard that sets out the requirements for effective environmental management in companies. Our operations are based on the principles of this standard, which enables us to identify, control and minimise the environmental impacts of our activities.
Continuous process improvement
Using a continuous improvement approach, we regularly review our procedures and identify areas where we can improve our environmental performance. We aim to minimise the negative impact of our operations on the environment by optimising production processes, reducing raw material consumption and limiting emissions of harmful substances.
Monitoring and reporting
The environmental management system based on ISO 14001 also includes regular monitoring of our activities and reporting of results. This enables us to track progress towards our environmental objectives and to take appropriate corrective action where necessary.
Implementing innovation
Compliance with ISO 14001 also motivates us to implement innovative technological solutions and business practices that can further improve our environmental performance.
We invest in state-of-the-art solutions, such as Ako7Color printing technology, which allows us to reduce energy, water and raw material consumption, as well as waste generation.
Ako7Color is a state-of-the-art solution that is becoming increasingly popular with Akomex Group customers. It enables printing with extended gamut technology, which adds three additional colours (violet, green and orange) to the CMYK colours. This significantly extends the standard CMYK colour space for offset printing. It allows perfect reproduction of 95% of the Pantone palette using only 7 colours.
Employee involvement
Our employees play an important role in improving our environmental management system. We support their involvement and active participation in processes concerning environmental activities, which contributes to building an environmental culture throughout the organisation.
Supplier involvement
We also actively involve our suppliers in our environmental policy. We recognise that environmental responsibility extends to the activities of our business partners, so we seek to work with suppliers who share our values and commitment to sustainability.
Summary
Implementing, reviewing and continually improving an environmental management system in accordance with ISO 14001 is a key part of our commitment to the environment. By consistently complying with the standards and taking steps towards sustainability, we aim to minimise the negative impact of our operations on the planet and build a better future for us all.
Akomex Group, seeking to support global efforts to combat climate change, takes steps to reduce its own greenhouse gas emissions and encourages its business partners to do the same.
Fit for 55
We declare adherence to the guidelines of the Fit for 55 legislative package, which imposes the obligation to achieve the climate target of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 55% by 2030, with the ultimate goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
Emissions reduction
We do not limit ourselves to legal requirements. Our actions aim to achieve CO2 emission neutrality by 2030, followed by net zero CO2 emissions by 2045. Therefore, reduction efforts are a key element of our sustainable development strategy.
Monitoring and verification
We have implemented a system to monitor and verify our greenhouse gas emissions. Every reduction action is measured and evaluated. We set reduction targets, which are reviewed regularly, and based
on these we take further action to improve our practices. We are determined to continue our efforts in this area, so we plan to analyse our carbon performance and that of our suppliers annually. Based on the results, we will define specific actions to improve our practices and reduce our environmental impact.
Expectations towards suppliers
We expect our qualified suppliers to adhere to the same standards and commitment to reducing their carbon footprint. Suppliers are required to provide information on the carbon footprint of their products and a plan to reduce this footprint. We believe that a responsible supply chain is a key part of our success in delivering high quality products while supporting our environmental goals.
Summary
In 2020, we started to study the carbon footprint of our plants – the start of our journey towards climate neutrality. We believe that achieving our goals requires working with both our suppliers and customers who share our values and concern for the environment. We trust that our commitment will contribute to building a sustainable future for current and future generations.
We regularly monitor changes in environmental legislation.
Our goal is to continue the trend of zero fines related to violations
of environmental protection regulations in the coming years.
We strive to achieve this through continuous improvement of our processes, strict monitoring
of regulatory compliance and effective corrective action where necessary.
Strict compliance with legal regulations
We ensure that all our plants comply with all legal requirements regarding environmental protection. Our operating procedures are in line with current legislation and our employees are properly trained to operate according to the highest environmental standards. In 2023, none of our plants were fined or penalised by public authorities for non-compliance with environmental protection regulations.
Regular assessment of changes in requirements
We systematically review changes in environmental legislation to keep up to date with any new requirements. We carry out comprehensive analyses and assessments to ensure that our plants comply with the latest regulations and that any necessary adjustments are made in a timely manner.
Monitoring compliance with regulations
Our system for monitoring compliance with environmental regulations is based on continuous control and supervision. We regularly check that all activities at our plants comply with legal requirements. This enables us to respond quickly to any potential non-compliance and take corrective action.
Summary
Compliance with all legal requirements regarding environmental protection is an integral part of our business. We regularly assess changes in legislation and the level of compliance at Akomex Group plants to ensure full adherence to legal requirements. Our drive to achieve zero fines is a testament to our dedication to environmental protection and building a positive image of corporate social responsibility.
In the context of Akomex Group’s manufacturing operations, environmental protection is paramount to us. As a part of our commitment to sustainable development, we hold both FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) certificates. These certifications verify that our products originate from sustainable forest sources.
Preventing deforestation and environmental degradation
By selecting certified forest raw materials, we are actively combating deforestation and environmental degradation. Having FSC® and PEFC certificates enables us to make informed decisions regarding raw material sourcing, which allows us to minimise the negative impact of our operations on forests and the natural environment.
Sustainable forest management
FSC® and PEFC certificates require adherence to strict standards for sustainable forest management. Consequently, our operations contribute to maintaining a balance between the use of forest resources and their renewal, thereby ensuring the existence of forests for future generations. Responsible management of forest resources is essential for long-term ecological and social equilibrium.
Forests and biodiversity protection
Having FSC® and PEFC certificates ensures that our raw materials come from responsibly managed forests. This contributes to the preservation of forest stands and the maintenance of their biodiversity. Forests are incredibly important ecosystems that play a crucial role in climate regulation, air purification and the provision of drinking water.
Preventing deforestation and environmental degradation
By selecting certified forest raw materials, we are actively combating deforestation and environmental degradation. Having FSC® and PEFC certificates enables us to make informed decisions regarding raw material sourcing, which allows us to minimise the negative impact of our operations on forests and the natural environment.
As part of the “Roots of Shared Values” initiative, Akomex Group actively cooperates with partners, including the Posadzimy.pl organisation. Together, we are planting native tree species in areas identified by forestry experts, contributing to the restoration of forests, especially those affected by natural disasters.
Customers ordering packaging from Akomex Group, as part of the “Roots of Shared Values” campaign, will help in the “greening” of Poland. Shared values and the desire to help the environment can have a positive impact on the condition of the forest stand. Akomex Group attaches great importance to the quality of seedlings and the careful selection of locations under the supervision of local forestry experts. Depending on the indications of the municipalities and forest districts, as well as the needs of the areas, the plantings include native tree species such as oak, beech, pine and many others.
Akomex Group also participates in the “FSC® Forest Week” initiative as an integral part of our commitment to sustainable forest management. By taking part in this global campaign, we are actively promoting the benefits of responsible forest management and its importance to the environment.
As part of our commitment to the “FSC® Forest Week”, we are taking steps to raise public awareness of the need to protect forests and promote the benefits of certified forest management. Our efforts focus on educating, informing and inspiring others to take action for the sustainable use of forest resources.
Out of concern for the environment and in an effort to reduce energy consumption, Akomex Group has made a conscious decision to change the heating and lighting in our production plants. Our energy saving measures include the use of green energy sources and the modernisation of lighting systems, allowing us to reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to the protection of the environment.
Green energy sources
Traditional heating based on fossil fuels, such as heating oil, has been replaced by green energy sources, including wood pellets. By switching to wood pellets, we not only reduce the emission of harmful substances into the atmosphere, but also decrease our dependence on non-renewable natural resources. Additionally, eco-friendly heating is more efficient and economical in the long term, resulting in savings for our company and benefits for the environment.
Modernisation of lighting to LED
The next step in our energy-saving efforts was to replace traditional light sources with energy-efficient LED lamps. LEDs have a significantly lower energy consumption compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, allowing us to reduce our electricity bills and greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, LED lamps have a longer lifespan and require fewer replacements, reducing the amount of waste generated during their use.
Actions that deliver results
Thanks to the energy-saving changes implemented, Akomex Group is experiencing significant ecological and economic benefits. Our actions have contributed to reducing the negative impact of our operations on the environment, while at the same time bringing financial savings and increasing the efficiency of our production processes.
Summary
The conscious decision to switch the heating and lighting of our production plants to eco-friendly energy sources and efficient LED lighting demonstrates our commitment to saving energy and protecting the environment. We are confident that our actions will contribute to building a more sustainable future, where energy is used efficiently and responsibly, taking into account the wellbeing of our planet and future generations.
Akomex Group takes deliberate steps to minimise the CO2 emissions associated with the transport of our products. We have implemented a comprehensive strategy that not only reduces the emission of harmful substances into the atmosphere, but also contributes to reducing the negative impact of our activities on the climate by applying innovative logistics and transport solutions.
Optimising vehicle use
Optimising vehicle utilisation allows us to transport more products while reducing the number of journeys, resulting in a reduction in CO2 emissions per unit of cargo transported.
Route optimisation and logistics planning
We continuously analyse transport routes and optimise logistics planning to reduce distances and minimise fuel consumption. We choose the most efficient and environmentally friendly routes, taking into account factors such as speed limits, road conditions and traffic congestion, which enables us to reduce the CO2 emissions associated with our transport operations.
Collaboration with transport partners
In our pursuit of reducing CO2 emissions, we collaborate with transport partners who also focus on minimising their environmental impact. Together, we seek innovative solutions and take action towards sustainable transport. Partnering with transport service providers is a key part of our sustainable development strategy, enabling us to achieve our CO2 emission reduction targets and promote sustainable transport for our products.
Summary
Akomex Group’s efforts to reduce CO2 emissions from transport are an integral part of its commitment to environmental protection. By optimising logistics processes, we aim to reduce the negative impact of our activities on the climate and the environment. This is not only an expression of our social responsibility, but also an investment in a better and more sustainable future for our planet.
Awareness of the need to minimise production waste is deeply embedded in our corporate culture. We strive to continuously improve our production processes in order to reduce the amount of waste generated and to reduce the negative impact of our operations on the environment. As part of our waste reduction strategy, we undertake a wide range of activities
that include not only optimising our internal processes, but also working with our customers to raise awareness of environmentally friendly measures.
Innovative approach to waste reduction
Moreover, we are constantly looking for innovative solutions to further reduce production waste. We are implementing new technologies that improve the efficient use of raw materials and minimise the waste generated throughout our production processes.
us to tailor production precisely to our customers’ needs, minimising excess material and waste.
Summary
At Akomex Group, waste reduction is not just an economic objective, but an integral part of our mission to protect the environment by producing sustainable packaging. We strive to continuously improve our practices to reduce our impact on the planet and contribute to building a more sustainable future for us all.
Akomex Group’s objective is to minimise the negative impact of our activities on the environment, and the separation of production waste plays a key role in achieving this goal.
Waste sorting system
To effectively manage post-production waste, we have implemented a comprehensive waste segregation system in all our manufacturing facilities. Our employees are trained in the proper segregation of different types of waste to ensure efficient and compliant waste handling.
Waste
recycling
We strive to maximise the recycling and reuse of the waste generated by our operations. Cardboard, plastic film and other materials can undergo recycling processes, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and supporting material circulation.
Collaboration with transport partners
In our pursuit of reducing CO2 emissions, we collaborate with transport partners who also focus on minimising their environmental impact. Together, we seek innovative solutions and take action towards sustainable transport. Partnering with transport service providers is a key part of our sustainable development strategy, enabling us to achieve our CO2 emission reduction targets and promote sustainable transport for our products.
Summary
Akomex Group’s efforts to reduce CO2 emissions from transport are an integral part of its commitment to environmental protection. By optimising logistics processes, we aim to reduce the negative impact of our activities on the climate and the environment. This is not only an expression of our social responsibility, but also an investment in a better and more sustainable future for our planet.
As part of our commitment to sustainable development and social responsibility, Akomex Group conducts regular research to monitor trends and changes in the environmental awareness of consumers in Poland.
We cooperate with a renowned research laboratory to conduct cyclical EkoBarometr surveys, which allow us to explore consumer preferences, expectations and environmental behaviour.
Cyclical reports
We publish our conclusions from the EkoBarometr survey in the form of a report, which we make available to the public through the media and internally within our organisation. This ensures that all stakeholders, including employees, business partners and the community, have access to up-to-date data on green consumer trends. Such information is extremely valuable as it allows us to better understand our customers’ needs and adapt our business strategies to changing market conditions.
Summary
Researching trends and changes in consumer environmental awareness is an integral part of our commitment to sustainability. We are aware of the growing importance of ecology and sustainable lifestyles for consumers, which is why we are constantly developing our activities in this area. Through systematic research and by putting our findings into practice, we aim to build a greener and more responsible business that contributes to the protection of the environment and the community.
