ifolor recognised for climate neutrality for the 8th consecutive year

Ifolor AG has been operating CO2-neutrally since 2011: its ecological footprint is minimised and unavoidable emissions are offset 1:1. For this, Swiss Climate is awarding it the “CO2 Neutral” label for the eighth time.

ifolor has not only been committed to sustainability since the recent intensification of the climate-policy debate, but has ensured climate-neutral business operations since 2011. Eight years ago, the Swiss family business set itself the goal of reducing its CO2 emissions by 50% by 2020. This target was already exceeded last year (-56% compared with 2011), as shown by the CO2 management report presented by Swiss Climate for the 2018 reporting year. ifolor’s business activities caused emissions of 639t CO2 last year. This corresponds to a decrease of 13% compared with the previous year. The largest source is waste, which accounts for around 200t CO2. ifolor is therefore focusing its efforts primarily in this area. Thanks to an improved recycling process, waste emissions were reduced by 20% compared with the previous year. Over the past eight years, the share of recycled waste has increased from 8% to 61%.

Development of emissions and CO2 intensity, 2011–2018 “We are aware of our responsibility for a healthy environment. In our day-to-day operations, we place great importance on the careful and sustainable use of natural resources,” says ifolor Quality Manager Andreas Schmidt. In this spirit, the company encourages employees to come to work by public transport, on foot or by bicycle. ifolor is also planning to take part in “Bike to Work” in Kreuzlingen next year. Four people from the company form teams and use the “Bike to Work” app to measure the kilometres covered. Anyone who completes at least half of their commute on foot, by bicycle or similar means such as skateboards or scooters has the chance to win prizes worth more than 100,000 francs.

Further improving the carbon footprint and supporting sustainable projects ifolor remains committed to making progress in reducing CO2. Five core measures have been identified for this purpose. Firstly, new photo paper is to be made increasingly from recycled fractions. Disposable wooden pallets are also to be added to the recycling process. In addition, employees are being sensitised to the environmental impact of business flights and car journeys, the use of solar collectors is being examined, and water recirculation is being improved for new products. To fully offset the 639t CO2 released by ifolor’s business activities in 2018, ifolor is investing in three sustainable Swiss Climate projects. On the one hand, Indian families are being provided with energy-efficient cookers that require less firewood than conventional cookers. This helps counteract deforestation. On the other hand, ifolor is supporting a rainforest protection project in Zimbabwe and a project in the canton of Schwyz, where 7,300ha of forest are managed sustainably, helping to store CO2, preserve biodiversity and produce energy wood for renewable energy generation.