Circularity

We lead the way for a cleaner environment with clean, sustainable and circular processes and products. To do so, we use our circular model, which revolves around sustainable design, sustainable production and logistics, a long operational phase and optimal reuse.

Sustainable design

We have an LCA (life cycle analysis) calculation made for all our products. The environmental impact of the product is measured by an independent organisation. The impact includes:
A long life cycle: Our focus is on a long life cycle for the lockers and locking systems. The products must last at least 20 years.
Good raw materials: Our products are made from good raw materials, which means:

  • Raw materials are always sourced locally (Western Europe), which makes our carbon footprint much lower compared to when raw materials are sourced from Eastern Europe or Asia
  • Steel locker cabinets contain more than 85% recycled steel. After use, this steel is 100% recyclable.
  • The powder coating we use is solvent-free and the residual material is used to make hat racks.
  • Wooden tops or cabinet panels are made of sustainable certified wood.
  • We also manufacture new circular products from 100% organic material, residual materials generated in-house or from other people’s waste.
  • Only a very small part of our waste is classified as actual waste. We work together with our end users and others to reduce this even further. Zooi, our circular home accessories brand, is an important step in this process. Zooi turns the waste from our factories into sustainable home accessories such as coat racks or lamps.

Demountable: All of our lockers are 100% demountable and easy to separate by type of material. These materials are completely reused.

Sustainable production

Since our production is entirely in the Netherlands, we contribute directly to employment in the Netherlands. All our factories have a sustainable interior design. Our Wijchen site was even built according to the GPR8 guideline, making it one of the most sustainable production sites in the Netherlands. We are also ISO 14001 (environment) certified and we work exclusively with suppliers who have signed an ILO declaration.

Logistics

Our transport is entirely in-house. Our trucks meet the strictest environmental standards and we optimise the distribution process with a daily optimum between order picking, loading and delivery. All our products are packed with packing blankets that we reuse or shrink wrap that is fully recycled. Unnecessary transport is avoided and environmental impact is minimised. Compared to other suppliers, we generally make the fewest transport kilometres from our production sites in Hoogeveen and Emmen, where the lockers are manufactured, to client sites, making us the most sustainable in this respect.

Operational phase

A long life span and easy disassembly are obviously considered in the design of a product. The operational phase is also addressed during the design process, in order to optimise life span in that phase too. With the right preventive and corrective maintenance and the proper use of lockers, the life span can be extended by up to five years. In addition, we provide an subsequent delivery guarantee on all components for the full technical life span. Of course, maintenance can be facilitated by us, but by providing the right instructions for assembly, use and cleaning, it is also quite easy for facility managers to handle themselves.
After the completion of a project, we will conduct an evaluation round within three months. Feedback from this evaluation is used for process and product improvements, allowing us to provide an even better service to our current and future customers.

Reuse

We offer our clients a return guarantee on all lockers. This not only gives you financial benefits, but also allows you, the client, to contribute directly to the circularity and sustainability of the furniture. We take care of all logistical and administrative processing. After the furniture is returned, we have three options:
relocation: Economically depreciated – but technically sound lockers – are used unmodified in another sector of the market. For example, at events. Another solution is to donate lockers to charities.
repair or revitalisation: Locker components are replaced or renewed. Returned lockers are converted into alternative furniture. For example seating elements or coat racks by Zooi.
recycling: When lockers are also technically depreciated, we dismantle the items. The materials are recycled and reused for application in new furniture.
We are always looking for circular raw materials for new products. Together with our clients, we always consider the best way to improve or preserve existing lockers and furniture.