Sustainability

Everything we do has an effect on the big issues facing us as a society. At DESSO we are aware of the environmental impact of climate change and the overuse of scarce resources. We know the difference that can be made by interaction with our neighbours and society as a whole and we will concentrate our efforts in these areas. However we cannot succeed alone; our sustainable goals must encompass our workforce, our suppliers, our neighbours, our customers, and indeed our direct stakeholders.

For DESSO, the radical decision to move beyond ‘mere’ sustainability in producing its carpets and artificial grass has resulted in a partnership agreement with the Hamburg-based Environmental Protection Encouragement Agency (EPEA), Cradle to Cradle^® is a giant step forward, from Eco Efficiency to Eco Effectiveness, having a positive agenda and doing the right things right.

For more information please see our Cradle to Cradle^® brochure

Our focus:

Social responsibilities
We want our business to have a positive effect on those we deal with - not least our customers, our workforce and our suppliers. We aim to build a reputation as an honest and ethical trading partner, great employer and responsible neighbour by fulfilling the Global Sullivan Principles and striving for a SA 8000 certification in 2012.
Climate
By 2020, reach the target of 100% renewable energy for processing and manufacturing.
Sustainability with substance
We will ensure that our products have as beneficial an impact as possible throughout their whole life. We will source sustainable raw materials, use energy efficient processes, develop long-life and low maintenance products, and we will recycle, reclaim and re-use products at the end of their initial life.

Certified Management Systems (ISO 14001, ISO 9001)

We aim to act sustainable by continuous improvement to reach the highest standards and to seek for improvement in all aspects of our business

We monitor processes to ensure they are effective
We are keeping adequate records
We take appropriate corrective action where necessary

A cleaner and safer tomorrow for our employees

DESSO is committed to manufacture products that foster pride in the workforce, in a safe and healthy environment. DESSO invests in production facilities to ensure health and safety of the workforce.

At our production site in Waalwijk, The Netherlands there have been no lost time accidents for more than three years.
In Dendermonde, Belgium lost time accidents have been reduced by 50% from 2008-2009, due to awareness training programmes.
100% use of electronically powered forklift trucks at our production location in Waalwijk, The Netherlands. These trucks do not produce any emissions or dangerous fumes.
No chlorine-containing solvents are used at our factories.

Waste & recycling

While carpets may be recyclable, it is vital to ensure that the recycling actually takes place. Under our Cradle to Cradle^® commitment, we have introduced a Take Back™ Programme where we collect used carpets from our clients, thus ensuring that they can be properly reprocessed.

DESSO offers international collection of used carpets on a project basis. This includes all types of carpet, irrespective of brand and type, with the exception of carpets containing PVC.
PVC is not considered suitable for reuse according to the Cradle to Cradle^® principles.
Collected carpet will be processed by a waste management company and used as a high-caloric fuel within the cement industry or re-used for other recycling initiatives.
Within the scope of the Desso Take Back™ programme, logistic and recycling processes will continue to be further optimised, to provide the ideal solution for customers whilst contributing to Desso’s Cradle to Cradle^® ambitions.
100% recycling of pure textile manufacturing waste at Desso’s production plants.

Efficiency

28% reduction in energy consumption per carpet tile produced from 2002-2010 at Desso’s production location in Waalwijk

Climate change

Since 2011, 100% renewable electricity (hydropower) is used at all our production locations. This results in a 43% reduction in CO₂ emissions at all of Desso’s production locations between 2007-2011.
The use of renewable energy with 23,000m² solar panels installed at Desso’s production facility in Belgium.

Clean water

100% biological purification of our waste water in Dendermonde, where 70% is additionally purified with a special ozone treatment. This special ozone treatment results in a 38 million liter saving on fresh water per year.
A certified independent laboratory conducts monthly tests and local authorities carry out spot checks to ensure Desso meets regulatory standards.

Cradle to Cradle^® Certification

Prior to formal Cradle to Cradle^® certification being granted, products, materials and components must all undergo a rigorous assessment procedure. The initial stages of the certification process comprise assessing raw materials in terms of human and environmental health criteria, and evaluating the manufacturing process according to recycling potentials, energy and water use, and social responsibility. EPEA will be supplied with detailed information regarding all the materials involved in Desso’s products and processes.

The materials are placed in one of four categories (ABC-X categorisation)¹ based on human health and
environmental criteria.

Green (A-B)
Little to no risk associated with this substance. Preferred for use in its intended application.

Yellow (C)
Low to moderate risk associated with this substance. Acceptable for continued use unless a
GREEN alternative is available.

Red (X)
High hazard and risk associated with the use of this substance. Develop strategy for phase out.

GREY
Incomplete data. Cannot be characterized. Grey materials must be fully assessed within one year
or they will be considered Red.

After all the ingredients in the materials of the products have been assessed, they are then optimised
by selecting replacements, if necessary, and using only tolerable or optimal chemical ingredients
or materials as they become available.

¹ Cradle to Cradle® Certification Program Version 2.1.1, prepared by MBDC September 2008, updated January 2010.