| Contents |
Working Report, no. 40, 2002
Environmental Product Chain Management
Contents
In recent years, a number of Danish enterprises have established environmental
cooperation under which different enterprises in a product chain each contribute to an
improvement of the overall environmental performance of the final product. Environmental
cooperation in the product chain in many cases can be seen as an extension of the
environmental management system of the individual enterprises.
The Environmental Council for Cleaner Products in 2000-2001 initiated a collection of
experience from the environmental cooperation in 25 product chains. This collection of
experience was to elucidate the concrete cooperation between suppliers, enterprises and
purchasers, to go through tools and to report on opportunities and barriers for
environmental efforts in the entire product chain. The studies were made in two stages,
the latter focusing more on perspectives relating to eco-labels /environmental product
declarations and environmental cooperation across borders.
To allow for future exploitation of Danish experience with environmental cooperation in
product chains, the present report aims to communicate experience from the 25
environmental product chain reports in a uniform and clear manner. The description of each
example of product chain cooperation is based on a template with the following headlines:
 | Start phase |
 | Product chain |
 | Environmental cooperation |
 | Environmental achievements |
 | Perspectives |
It should be noted that additional information has been collected, neither from
enterprises participating nor from consultants behind the individual reports. As the
underlying reports (to a certain extent) have different structure, extent and contents, it
has not been possible to elucidate all issues in the same detail for all examples of
environmental cooperation. The underlying reports may be found in full (in Danish only) on
the website of the Danish Environmental Protection Agency www.mst.dk
under "publications".
For product chains where a real cooperation among several players is clear, it has been
illustrated with a diagram of the following type:
This report has been made by Birgitte Ettrup and Bjørn Bauer, PlanMiljø, spring 2002.
The studies of environmental cooperation in product chains have taken their starting
point in enterprises having already an environmental management system. By involving
suppliers, cooperators and in some cases customers in the efforts to improve the
environmental profile of a product, the environmental focus of enterprises is extended to
cover a larger part of the life-cycle of the product.
The product chain cooperations studied focused primarily on environmental impacts from
the product itself, and there are only few examples of inclusion of global environmental
impacts from the product life-cycle. The product chain cooperations studied thus mainly
deal with constituents in the product, for example by focusing on documentation on the
product or substitution of constituents.
For many enterprises, one of the essential factors for starting a cooperation with
suppliers on the development of a product with an eco-friendlier profile is a wish being
an environmental frontrunner. Here, one of the essential elements is green public
purchasing. Furthermore, customers on the German market are said on several occasions to
have a catalysing effect, due to the many questions asked as well as direct requirements.
The most critical customers are used in some (few) enterprises as an inspiration for
further product development, as they are expected to give a good indication of future
developments on the market.
Some of the examples studied have been granted support from the Danish Environmental
Protection Agencys competence scheme or other public funds. External financing in
these cases has been decisive for product development, since the support has given
enterprises more scope for testing new methods or conducting more comprehensive analyses
without expecting direct cost-effectiveness.
A few enterprises of the 25 examples select partners for cooperation on environmental
issues in the product chain based on a review of global environmental performance in the
product chain life-cycle. However, in most cases it is seen that decisive parameters for
selection of cooperators are existing cooperation relations, personal acquaintances and
naturally the significance of the different cooperative relations in terms
of finances and/or strategy.
In environmental management work, backing from enterprises management is
important, and the examples illustrate that this is also the case for environmental
cooperation. Whether environmental cooperation with suppliers arises out of visions and
strategies in the enterprise, or whether it is initiated at a more decentralised level in
the enterprise due to, for example, existing cooperative relations on product development,
cooperation typically is only translated into concrete environmental results, if
management shows clear support. If not, staff spends resources on other essential
activities.
Running-in of new procedures in production may face resistance with staff members, and
some departments may find it difficult to accept inclusion of environmental arguments in
their work. In this case it is particularly important with management backing, to ensure
allocation of the necessary resources for environment work. If the enterprise has a
"pioneer", he or she may assume the crucial function of "selling the
message" on perspectives of environmental cooperation to colleagues and management,
just as this dedicated person may hold on to focus, contacts and personal relations with
respect to suppliers and customers.
Dialogue and development of environmental cooperation with suppliers and customers is
seen by many as a comprehensive task requiring additional resources. This is especially
the case if there is not already a cooperation among enterprises, for example on product
development, as in this case contacts among the relevant persons in enterprises must be
established as a first step. The success of cooperation depends largely on personal
contacts, and several enterprises point out that if contact persons are replaced dialogue
among enterprises is set back. Good personal contacts with a common understanding of what
is important to clarify in connection with the environmental cooperation eases dialogue
and work on procurement of documentation. Confidence among parties is a clear precondition
for exchange of product information among enterprises.
Several enterprises have trained their sales personnel in including environmental
parameters in their sales work. Price and delivery used to be key arguments, but now it
has become necessary to acquire new knowledge on products environmental properties
to ensure that advantages also in this respect play an active role in customers
choice.
Lack of systematics and follow-up in environmental cooperation may cause the project to
be a one-off event instead of a development process. Often, cooperation between
enterprises and suppliers is based on the solution of a specific task. Once the task has
been completed, there is in many cases no system to follow-up this cooperation, which is
consequently discontinued.
To make the best of the environmental cooperation external consultants have often been
called on, for example for identifying essential areas of effort, systematising efforts or
applying the documentation provided. Several enterprises mention that the external
assistance as had a catalysing effect for capacity building internally in the enterprises.
It must be easy to find information or to ask questions from customers to the right
persons. Therefore, focus is put on internal organisation and knowledge of staff
responsibilities. External contact often takes place through sales or purchasing
departments, so these departments must have solid knowledge on enterprises
environment work to enable then to refer directly to the relevant staff members, when more
detailed knowledge is needed.
The chemical industry has some particular features. Traditionally, much attention is
paid to safety in product handling, and the risk of accidents in connection with
processing and use, storage or transportation of substances, for example, may become a
negative press event. One of the examples discussed illustrates clearly the wish for
secure handling of chemical products, as the supplier sets requirements to customers for
introduction of safety measures and contributes to the implementation of environmental
management systems with customers.
In several environmental cooperations enterprises participating are the frontrunners of
their sector. These enterprises in particular experience that the thorough environmental
perspective is not necessarily reflected in a clear demand for environmental advantages of
products. The environmentally optimised products are often slightly more expensive than
traditional products, and for this reason enterprises expectations as to larger
market shares are not always met. This is particularly clear in sectors where competition
typically lies in other parameters for example the clothing industry. It may be
difficult to sell products on their environmental properties, so environmental advantages
are often pointed out in connection with other parameters such as quality or optimised
delivery. Other enterprises choose to intensify sales work and service in connection with
the use of products.
It is seen that customers demand product properties that have been phased out or that
enterprises wish to limit for environmental reasons. Customers knowledge on impacts
from a product may imply that it may be difficult to replace constituents or change
properties, giving the product a better environmental profile.
Environmental cooperation among enterprises often implies a need for exchanging
more detailed information on products and components. Several enterprises experience that
it may be difficult to communicate products environmental advantages to customers.
For example, it is pointed out that there is no unambiguous template for preparing
environmental product declarations, so it may be difficult to compare directly
products environmental properties.
Enterprises often meet difficulties when asking documentation from suppliers on
constituents or properties of constituents. The problem seems to be largest when
documentation is requested from (not least large) foreign suppliers from countries where
there is not necessarily the same attention to environmental issues and where the
individual (small) customer has little strategic importance. It is in particular small
enterprises that find documentation and writing procedures time-consuming and burdensome.
Particularly in the chemical industry it may be difficult to provide documentation for
constituents, since exactly the recipes may be a significant competitive factor. In some
product chains committing cooperations have been entered, where confidentiality among
enterprises can be guaranteed, whereas other chains choose to manage documentation more
indirectly through requirements for products properties instead of for constituents.
It is seen that suppliers reject a customer imposing too heavy requirements in
connection with supply. This is seen, for example, if documentation is requested on
matters that are not already described, since many resources are needed to provide
documentation. The high environmental requirements thereby may reduce the number of
interested suppliers.
Concrete questions from customers to products environmental profile range
broadly. Sometimes, diffuse and general questions are asked that are not focused on
specific environmental issues making them very hard to answer. In connection with
this inconcrete environmental demand some enterprises have spent resources on providing
documentation that was not requested at all. It is also seen in several cases that
products environmental properties, despite requests, are not used as a criterion for
customers choice of products, since irrespective of environmental profile, for
example, the cheapest product is chosen anyhow.
In the examples in the next section, documentation and environmental product
declarations are discussed in, among others, the following examples: 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 11,
14, 18 and 23.
Among the examples for environmental cooperation in product chains some enterprises
have opted in on eco-labels and some have opted out of them. The advantage of using
eco-labels is that the customer can easily chose in connection with "green
purchasing". The eco-label has been pointed out as an asset in connection with public
purchasing since in many public offices for a number of years there has been a wish of
documenting a green purchasing profile. Eco-labels are a tool for communicating in a
simple way complicated information on environmental issues where there is no need for
detailed information.
Many enterprises having considered eco-labelling of their products find the Nordic
market particularly attractive for these products, as the remaining international market
does not show the same attention to products environmental properties. (Not
surprisingly), this goes particularly for the Nordic eco-label the Swan
since enterprises asked only find limited knowledge of the Swan eco-label outside the
Nordic countries.
By contract, some enterprises with international marketing expect that environmental
advantages developed for the Nordic market may be used as a catalyst for products sold
outside the Nordic market.
In connection with labelling with the Swan, producers are charged with a turnover fee
of 0.4%, and some enterprises mention this fee as a barrier for the label. Several
enterprises manufacture products complying with the criteria of the Swan, but chose not to
apply for a licence for the label. Within a product series there may be more products
complying with the Swan criteria and where the enterprise chooses to only label one
produce in the product group in question. Thus, the enterprise may deliver to customers
demanding explicitly eco-labelled products, whereas other customers can choose to
"purchase green" without paying the fee on the Swan licence.
Information relating to product chains with respect to the European eco-label the
Flower cannot be derived from the 25 examples.
In the examples in the next section, eco-labelling is discussed in, among others, the
following examples: 1, 2, 11, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23
It is seen from the 25 examples that cooperation with foreign cooperators on
environmental issues may be difficult. Often, it is easier to start a dialogue with Danish
suppliers understanding more directly Danish environmental legislation and interests on
the part of enterprises in finding documentation. As mentioned, it may be particularly
difficult to find documentation from (not least large) foreign suppliers from countries
where there is not necessarily the same attention to environmental issues and where the
individual (small) customer has little strategic importance.
Often, contacts with foreign suppliers passes through contact persons that may be
located far from the production, and as environmental cooperation often implies
discussions of technological developments, it may be difficult to establish communication
of this kind. Finally, linguistic barriers may have an impact on the benefits of an
international environmental cooperation.
It should also be mentioned, however, that it was pointed out from some enterprises
that nationality of cooperators is of no importance whereas corporate culture is more
important with respect to opportunities for environmental cooperation in product chains.
In examples nos. 1, 22 and 24 aspects on cooperation with foreign suppliers are
discussed.
Environmental cooperation in product chains aims to improve the environmental profile
for a specific product (or global environmental impact of an enterprise). It appears from
the summaries of product chain cooperation examples that they have led to a number of
concrete environmental achievements. However it has not been possible precisely for all
product chains described to state the concrete environmental benefit from the cooperation.
This is for example the case for phasing-out of specific problematic substances and
materials or optimised use of products.
In addition to concrete environmental benefits a number of tools have been developed
that may be used in a continuous optimisation of the environmental cooperation in a
product chain. This is the case, for example, for systems for assessment of suppliers or
systems for marketing of environmental advantages of products. In many cases there has
also been an improvement of enterprises internal organisation, for, for example,
there has been focus on internal communication. Thus, the basis has been created for a
closer cooperation both among enterprises and internally among departments in the
enterprise.
The examples described indicate that good environmental results in particular arise out
of real cooperations where, for example, a central enterprise with a good environmental
grasp contributes to suppliers (and in some cases customers) development in
the environmental field. Further, it is seen that clear communication to suppliers on
environmental policies and objectives of an enterprise may pay off by innovative steps
taken by the supplier (see examples 5 and 15).
The cooperation on environmental improvements in product chains altogether has given
enterprises a capacity building in the management of environmental issues and in
cooperation with other enterprises. The extended focus for environment work with
product life-cycle considerations and experience with cooperation opens up for
extension of environmental cooperation interplays and increased environmental benefits in
future.
On the basis of the examples presented some areas can be identified where environmental
cooperation in product chains seem to present special scope for development. This goes
both for when it may be relevant to extent the environmental cooperation in the product
chain and for how to exploit the environmental cooperation in other areas.
It is clear that many enterprises having work with their own environmental issues for a
number of years will be able to obtain environmental benefits from extending the future
preventive environmental efforts to also cover suppliers and customers.
Environmental cooperation in product chains seems not least relevant in sensitive
markets such as the chemical industry, where accidents may cause large environmental
impacts and thus attract attention. This brings the entire product chain into focus,
linking responsibility for products and services of the enterprise to the reputation of
the enterprise.
On markets with few suppliers purchasers have a large need for establishing formalised
cooperation with suppliers to ensure that suppliers are involved in the development of
products.
Enterprises environment work often arises out of interest in their own or their
products environmental impact, and it is therefore not directed directly at
suppliers global environmental impacts. Typically, it is difficult to delimit, for
example, suppliers energy or water consumption from the manufacture of individual
components, and often enterprises find it more evident to follow constituents of the
product or the components instead of environmental impacts from the manufacturing process.
A more comprehensive LCA perspective in this context seems to be realisable only in a
distant future.
Only a minority of enterprises so far have based the environmental cooperation on a
real life-cycle approach, where environmental hot-spots in a product chain have been
identified based on comprehensive screenings. The need for general tools facilitating the
completion of such analyses has been pointed out, forming the basis for development of
products with improved environmental properties in the entire life-cycle of the product.
This is not least the case where an essential part of environmental impacts in a product
life-cycle lie beyond the individual "key enterprise".
Products environmental profile already today is a competitive parameter in
markets, where customers need for documenting an environmental profile in connection
with purchasing (for example requirements for public green purchasing) have an impact on
choice of products. Green purchasing has not penetrated as markedly as many front-runner
enterprises would have wished, but several enterprises expect that development of products
with an environmental profile in future may be used as a catalyst on the international
market. This is also supported of the ideas in, for example, the EU Commissions
Green Paper on integrated product policy.
Technically, there are good opportunities for improving the global environmental
profile of a product. The speed of environmentally optimised products penetration
may be enhanced through focus on:
 | development of easily accessible tools for environmental cooperation in product chains
(for example standards for preparation of environmental product declarations) |
 | support for establishment of enterprise network (for example in product chains) with
special focus on the environment |
 | development in market demand for environmentally optimised products |
 | development of ability and willingness of individual (groups of) players to contribute
to reducing environmental impacts in a life-cycle perspective |
 | larger insight into organisational preconditions for smooth environmental cooperation in
product chains |
The summary of the 25 product chain reports points to a number of elements that may
form the starting point for further discussions. Below four areas of discussion are
identified that would be relevant to further elucidate to provide the basis for supporting
developments in environmental cooperation in product chains.
To make way for the largest possible benefit from environmental efforts it is important
for enterprises to pay attention to market developments. However, it may be difficult for
the individual enterprise to follow developments in the "green market" closely,
and many enterprises would benefit from an insight into market dynamics with respect to
environmentally optimised products. At the same time, this would provide better
opportunities for conscious marketing of environmental advantages of products.
Questions for clarification of the area:
 | To which extent are environmental issues seen as a competitive parameter? |
 | How to market environmental advantages (offensive influence on demand)? |
 | Are environmental differences among competitive products visible/transparent? |
 | What can enterprises do to visualise environmental advantages? |
 | What is the implication of customer type (consumers, enterprises or public purchasers)? |
 | How to include dynamics with respect to market changes? |
 | How are these dynamics reflected in the internal organisation of enterprises? |
 | What are the bottlenecks with regard to sale of environmentally optimised products? |
 | What is the wish-list for other players (shareholders, investors, staff, customers,
suppliers etc.)? |
1.5.2 Strategy for cooperation
Many enterprises can have more benefit from their environmental efforts by gathering
stand-alone or sporadic processes on supplier cooperation to a global effort where
formulation of a strategy prioritising areas of effort may strengthen environment work.
Such a strategy naturally must be prepared in a close interplay with the overall strategy
of the enterprise as well as its objectives for other areas.
Questions for clarification of the area:
 | Which objectives are laid down for environmental cooperation with suppliers/customers? |
 | Which elements must be considered to ensure optimum benefit from the cooperation? |
 | How to ensure continuity and development of the cooperation? |
 | How to link preferences from different stakeholders (customers, shareholders,
authorities etc.)? |
 | What is the interplay with other objectives of the enterprise? |
 | How to operationalise the strategy? |
To have the optimum benefit from the cooperation in the product chain it is important
to have a focused prioritisation of both cooperators and areas of effort. In addition,
there are a number of questions on the actual organisation of the cooperation that should
be clarified. For many enterprises exchange of experience in networks (region, sector or
"value chain") may be profitable, allowing for example for dissemination of
different tools for supplier assessments etc.
Questions for clarification of the area:
 | What are the objectives for the cooperation? |
 | How to ensure continuous development of the cooperation? |
 | How to identify cooperators? |
 | Requirements or dialogue advantages and disadvantages? |
 | Planning of communication sales department, development department, laboratories? |
 | Determination of distribution of responsibilities among the enterprises? |
 | How to achieve clear and unambiguous communication on environmental issues? |
Information is a key concept in environmental product chain cooperations. This goes for
both internal communication among the different departments in the enterprise and for
communication with external parties.
Questions for further clarification:
 | From Green Accounts to more detailed knowledge which information is necessary? |
 | How to prioritise and focus information in the enterprise? |
 | What communication tools are applicable? |
 | Bottlenecks in relation to more detailed product knowledge? |
 | How to enhance dialogue with suppliers (for example long-term contracts)? |
 | Common language, how to provide the right information, how to generalise experience from
different cooperations, for example Danish/foreign, certified/non-certified, large/small,
sector characteristics? |
 | How best to inform consumers on environmental advantages? |
 | How to ensure access to new knowledge? |
 | Does the enterprise have sufficient capacity for applying new knowledge? |
Enterprise |
1. Teknos A/S
Manufacturer of wet varnishes and powder varnishes |
|
Start phase |
The environment and quality manager saw some
opportunities for the enterprise. The enterprise had worked previously with other
environmental projects, including a large LCA project on a lacquer, so it had experience
in the area. |
Product chain |
One customer (MH A/S furniture manufacturer)
and one supplier (Cray Iberia Valley chemicals manufacturer) of Teknos A/S took
part in the cooperation. They were chosen partly due to their interest in their own
environmental issues and their interest in working with LCA, and partly due to personal
relationships.
A working group was established in each of the three enterprises, and
a number of seminars were organised to build the necessary competence in connection with
the preparation of an LCA for the selected lacquer as well as chairs and tables. On the
basis of a wish expressed by MH Møbler the aim of the cooperation was to obtain a license
for the Swan label for school furniture. |
Environmental cooperation |
Driving forces in the environmental cooperation:
 | Personal relationships
|
 | Commitment a pioneer who could sell the project to the
management and a support base of committed staff
|
 | Backing from management
|
 | Common language only opportunity for cooperation with foreign
suppliers was a Spanish enterprise with a Danish staff member
|
 | External consultant assistance with general view and new
inputs
|
 | Sufficient time is a good thing it is very time-consuming to
provide data for LCA.
|
 | Financial support was a motivating factor (opened up for testing
ambitious projects)
|
 | Unambiguous and clear communication, with dead-lines for delivery of
data etc.
|
 | Continuous development of training concept adapted to individual
needs
|
Barriers to environmental cooperation:
 | Lack of knowledge with suppliers (it was difficult to be "ahead
of your time" and require data that suppliers do not have easily accessible). This
also led to additional time consumption
|
 | Product confidentiality, provision of data is limited for
competitive reasons
|
 | Lack of personal contacts particularly with foreign
suppliers, where communication takes place through contact person thereby
collection of data became far more burdensome (impossible, in some cases)
|
 | The EDIP PC tool was very sophisticated and had errors and defects
therefore not possible to use for non-specialists
|
|
Environmental achievements |
Possible environmental hot spots were
identified in the different components in the product chain that could be subject to
further scrutiny. In addition, cooperation among the enterprises was enhanced. |
Perspectives |
Teknos A/S sees enterprises manufacturing for the
public market as potential partners for future cooperation. MH A/S wishes to establish
corresponding cooperation with suppliers of wood and steel.
Cray Iberia Valley does not want to be proactive, but will give
positive response to future enquiries |
Remarks |
Customers set requirements in relation to the Danish
Environmental Protection Agencys purchasing guidelines |
Consultant |
COWI |
Enterprise |
2. Gabriel
A/S
Manufacturer of furniture fabrics |
|
Start phase |
Based on an enquiry from a
consultant Gabriel became interested in an LCA project, and an application for support to
the project was submitted to the Danish Environmental Protection Agency. Gabriel was
motivated partly as work took place as an integral part of their own environmental
management system, partly due to customer requirements. |
Product chain |
Under the cooperation a number of
sub-suppliers were to provide documentation for the preparation of the LCA: A dye and
three surface-active substances were assessed in detail by a large chemicals supplier, and
a supplier of woollen fabric provided data on environmental impacts in the manufacture of
wool.
In connection with the further work in the product chain sales staff
of the enterprise supplied information on environmental issues to customers. According to
Gabriel the environment is an important parameter among customers. Environmental issues
are included in Gabriel quotations, and the enterprise sets requirements to own suppliers
on full documentation. |
Environmental cooperation |
Driving forces in the environmental
cooperation:
 | Commitment of involved contact persons
|
 | Top management backing
|
 | Communication of concrete environmental advantages on customer
demand
|
 | Formalisation of environmental system for written procedures etc.
And communication to customers has been a strong asset in customers comparison with
other possible suppliers
|
 | Recognition of own limitations and use of consultant assistance
outsourcing
|
 | Building of own environmental competence liable to reflect customer
demands. Got inspiration from main customers to ensure a frontrunner position
|
 | Broad knowledge in the enterprise (through environmental management
system) so that every staff member was able to take questions and refer to the right
person
|
 | Precise division of work upon customer calls so that questions could
always be answered
|
 | Financial support opened up for engagement in difficult
environmental projects.
|
 | Sales staffs personal contact to customers gave a good grasp
of customer needs
|
Barriers to the environmental cooperation:
 | Lack of knowledge with suppliers
|
 | Suppliers fear for competitors when data are requested
(particularly in the chemical industry)
|
 | Some customers demanded phased-out (toxic) products in such
cases Gabriel sought to persuade customers to the benefit of the environment, avoiding
compromises with own environmental objectives
|
|
Environmental achievements |
Gabriel A/S, in connection with the
project, became aware that some of the dyes purchased contain lead, which led to
requirements from Gabriel for substitution. In addition, Gabriels environmental
cooperation with suppliers was formalised. |
Perspectives |
Due to customer demand for documentation
on environmental issues, Gabriel will use the EU eco-label, the Flower. |
Remarks |
Gabriel sees a demand from customers in
Norway, Sweden and Germany. When an environmental cooperation is started, often a closer
cooperation is the result, which is an advantage in its own right. |
Consultant |
COWI |
Enterprise |
3. Jydsk
Nylon
Carries out sand blasting, phosphating and lacquering |
|
Start phase |
Jydsk Nylon experiences
increased demand for information on environmental issues from customers (in particular
foreign customers and in Denmark public purchasers). To handle this demand from customers
a cooperation was started with two suppliers and a customer on coordination and
communication of environmental information. Subsequently, support was applied for from the
Environmental Competence Scheme. |
Product chain |
A product was chosen as a case for the
development of a model for answering customer calls. An LCA screening of product
components formed the basis for further work on communication of most essential
environmental impacts from the product life-cycle. The cooperation among the four medium
enterprises took place with consultant assistance. |
Environmental cooperation |
Driving forces in the environmental
cooperation:
 | Financial support made way for development work
|
 | Management commitment, primarily motivated by customer calls
|
Barriers to the environmental cooperation:
 | The modest size of the enterprise set limits to the scope of
environmental requirements for suppliers
|
 | Requirements for written documentation hampered the project
enterprises found (due to their size) that written procedures were burdensome/unnecessary.
|
 | The EDIP PC tool was abandoned as it was too complicated for LCA
screening, and there was a lack of workable tools
|
|
Environmental achievements |
The environmental cooperation was not
completed upon reporting of the example, and therefore it was not possible to take stock
of direct environmental results. However, the cooperation has led to a closer relationship
among the participating enterprises.
Among others, to build up internal competence for the environmental
cooperation Jydsk Nylon has introduced an ISO 14001-based environmental management system
that has reduced environmental impacts from the enterprise itself, for example through a
large reduction in electricity consumption and a significant drop in the consumption of
trichloroethylene. |
Perspectives |
Jydsk Nylon intends to develop a website
with product information to be used by customers and suppliers. |
Remarks |
|
Consultant |
COWI |
Enterprise |
4. Post Danmark
Transport sector |
Start phase |
Under Post Danmarks efforts for open dialogue
with customers one of the initiatives was an environmental assessment tool on Post
Danmarks website in order to be a frontrunner in the environmental field and as a
reaction to customers demand for the environmental profile of the transport service.
|
Product chain |
Customers were given the possibility of calculating
environmental impacts in the form of contributions of CO2, SO2 and
NOx based on type of dispatch, whereas direct environmental impacts were not
stated. Post Danmark found that it had a positive effect on customers, and at the same
time Post Danmark was able easily to state environmental impacts in connection with
tenders etc. This image had an impact on both customers and staff. |
Environmental cooperation |
Driving forces
 | Specific demand for environmental information from customers
|
 | Environmental communication at the present time is directed at
specialists, and further development of the tool will allow for broader use
|
 | Recurrent demands from customers supported the choice of Post
Danmark to develop its profile as a frontrunner in terms of the environment
|
Barriers
 | It has been difficult to find the link to the environmental
assessment tool on the website of Post Danmark and consequently it has only been used to a
limited extent
|
 | Large amounts of information have made it difficult to attract
attention to the environmental information on the website
|
 | It proved to be difficult to create interest in the tool internally
in the Post Danmark organisation
|
|
Environmental achievements |
Demands from customers enhance Post Danmarks
attention to its internal environmental issues |
Perspectives |
|
Remarks |
Often, customers demanded information on
"something on the environment" without specifications. Post Danmark expected
that it would push the enterprise more into the offensive if it was able to present an
environmental profile. |
Consultant |
COWI |
Enterprise |
5. DSB
Transport sector |
Start phase |
The environmental cooperation is found
primarily in connection with purchasing, as since 1992 DSB has had a policy on
environmental considerations in purchasing. With the "Circular on green purchasing in
public institutions" from the Ministry of the Environment (1996) DSB efforts on green
purchasing were systematised through environmental requirements for suppliers. |
Product chain |
Environmental requirements were prepared
for purchasing in the form of minimum requirements, in some cases leading to a development
cooperation with the supplier. DSB has worked systematically with an outline of chemicals
consumption, and the policy has been prepared on the basis of the Danish Environmental
Protection Agencys list of undesired substances. Environmental requirements are used
in tendering, evaluation of proposals and entering of framework contracts. |
Environmental cooperation |
Tools:
 | Thorough dialogue with suppliers leads to larger attention
among suppliers. Catalysing effect
|
 | Organisation and division of work opens up for prioritisation
of a detailed effort in the right areas (e.g. in the renewal of framework contracts)
|
 | Environmental guidelines and eco-labels are used when
available
|
 | Visible politics and objectives give clear expectations
|
 | Holistic approach attention to the entire product life-cycle
|
Driving forces:
 | Focus on green public procurement
|
Barriers:
 | Lack of knowledge among suppliers and sub-suppliers
particularly among suppliers from Southern Europe or the East
|
 | The EDIP PC tool is too sophisticated and time-consuming more
useable tools are desirable
|
|
Environmental achievements |
In the procurement of new S-trains
LCA-screenings were made of different materials. For example, PVC flooring that was
"the best choice" at first was replaced by artificial rubber, as PVC would cause
problems upon waste disposal.
Upon tendering of cleaning services two substances were identified as
being problematic, and DSB entered into negotiations with the supplier on substitution.
The supplier undertook product development, and phase-out of these substances within eight
months from signature of the contract was set up as a precondition. A requirement for use
of biodegradable lubricating grease was reconsidered after supplier reactions the
price was four times that of other greases. Based on new investigations DSB withdrew the
requirement as after use the grease would be contaminated and have the same status as
ordinary grease. In future, the biodegradable lubricating grease will be preferred, if
prices go down.
The results of DSB purchasing efforts are that the enterprise is in a
position to comply with its own environmental requirements and, further, that supplier
conscience on supply of environment-friendly services has increased. |
Perspectives |
|
Remarks |
Even if DSB would like to have suppliers
setting requirements for sub-suppliers to improve the environmental profile of services,
it is difficult to pass on the message. In reality, some suppliers refrain from submitting
proposals for DSB assignments, as they are to demanding!
DSB environmental efforts cannot be related to customer demand. |
Consultant |
COWI |
Enterprise |
6. Danogips A/S
Manufacturer of plasterboard |
|
Start phase |
For many years, Danogips has worked on a reduction of
waste for landfilling from their own manufacture, and the enterprise has established a
plant for recycling of production waste in new production. Further to a wish for returning
demolished plasterboard from a large renovation project, Danogips took the initiative of
developing a nationwide collection system for used plasterboard. The cooperation covered
Danogips and Gyproc as well as two intermunicipal waste management companies. |
Product chain |
The cooperation led to a determination of common
requirements for recyclable plasterboard at a detailed technical level. A geographic
division of Denmark into west and east of the Great Belt was made, and in cooperation with
the intermunicipal waste management companies a price for delivery of DKK200/tonne was
agreed. However, local authorities assigning waste have only demonstrated very limited
support. |
Environmental cooperation |
Driving forces
 | Commitment different players with different motivation
willing to take action
|
 | Financial advantages
|
Barriers
 | Lack of commitment from local authorities
|
 | Quality requirements plaster must be clean
|
 | Lack of information
|
|
Environmental achievements |
There has been poor backing of the take-back system,
for example few municipal assignments of waste plaster. However, enterprises point out
that positive experience has been gained from entering a formal environmental cooperation. |
Perspectives |
Danogips continues to work with the idea and has
entered a cooperation with the demolition enterprise of Karsten Rasmussen on development
of the collection system primarily relating to logistics. The aim is to be able to
collect also plaster covered with wallpaper or glass tissue, separating this and ensuring
recycling of plaster. |
Remarks |
There may be a large need for external backing to
support new systems. The results of the take-back system were limited by dependence of
external parties (local authorities), having backed only to a very limited extent. |
Consultant |
COWI |
Enterprise |
7. Danfoss Drives
A/S
Manufacture of frequency converters for regulation of electric motors |
Start phase |
Danfoss started with the establishment of a database
on constituents in their components in 1996, since as part of their environmental
management system they wished to take back end-of-life products for delivery to a
recycling enterprise. However, this required more detailed product knowledge. At the same
time, Danfoss had an enquiry from a large customer, Tetra-Pak, who, based on a
construction products directive in Sweden wanted a declaration of a number of chemical
constituents. Recognising that such enquiries from customers might become more common,
Danfoss Drives spent rather many resources on establishing the database. |
Product chain |
In connection with the establishment of the database
Danfoss Drives has collected information from suppliers on constituents in the components.
With Danfoss Drives a dismantling guideline is prepared, stating how to dismantle and
recycle the product at the end of its useful life. Knowledge of components has furthermore
been used in Danfoss Drives to prepare a designers manual, ensuring consideration of
environmental issues in the development of new products. |
Environmental cooperation |
Driving forces:
 | Demand from customers
|
Barriers:
 | It may be difficult to collect information from suppliers
either because they cannot or will not inform on constituents
|
 | If the enterprise is of no strategic importance for the supplier, it
is particularly difficult to set requirements
|
|
Environmental achievements |
Better knowledge of products has opened up for
development of environment-friendlier products, and future requirements for example
in the EU WEEE directive(s) will be complied with easier. |
Perspectives |
Suppliers in a longer-term perspective will have to
fill in data themselves for components delivered to Danfoss Drives. Later, the database
will be used for more genuine LCA assessment with Danfoss Drives. |
Remarks |
Even if the trigger was demands from a customer the
enterprise does not meet many customer requirements relating to the environment
perhaps due to lack of competing enterprises? |
Consultant |
dk-TEKNIK ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT, DHI Water and
Environment, Valør & Tinge |
Enterprise |
8. Brødrene
Hartmann A/S
Manufacturer of cardboard packaging |
Start phase |
Hartmann, on the basis of life-cycle assessments, has
established a database used, among other things for showing customers the environmental
profile of a packaging, depending on the customers choice of colour, for example.
This knowledge is used actively to enter into dialogue with customers on the environment
in each individual sales situation.
Brødrene Hartmann furthermore has developed a system for supplier
assessment, in which suppliers through questionnaires assess their own position in
relation to: networks, environmental management, cleaner technology, communication and
training, and state their own most significant environmental impact. Furthermore, Hartmann
purchasers have gone through a training course in the use of supplier assessments.
Hartmann uses the tool for prioritisation of suppliers for dialogue, where suppliers with
the largest "potential for improvement" are given most attention. |
Product chain |
The focal point of the cooperation is transfer of
knowledge. Hartmann today holds data and knowledge resources that are superior to many
others, due to their many years of experience in environmental optimisation, cleaner
technology, environmental management and not least LCA. It is important to Hartmann to
penetrate broadly into cooperator organisations so that they can enter into dialogue with
the right decision-makers relating to the different environmental arguments.
Hartmann presents environmental impacts from both own products and
competitor products (primarily plastic packaging). Dialogue with customers is assumed by
sales staff, communication and environmental specialists jointly, presenting both
production, design, logistics and environment to customers. The task of Hartmann is mostly
to train customers non-environmentally specialised staff groups. Key-account
managers from all of Hartmanns sales offices have joint meetings a number of times
every year, and the environment is a permanent item on the agenda. |
Environmental cooperation |
The advantages of the environmental effort are:
 | New customers and increased sale to old customers
|
 | Learning process for the corporate environmental department
|
 | Customer interest removes barriers internally in the organisation
|
 | Sales work has become multidisciplinary
|
 | Hartmann passes on knowledge on the environment and packaging
|
|
Environmental achievements |
Through dialogue with suppliers and customers it is
sought to give packaging better environmental profiles |
Perspectives |
Influence and "training" of customers is
important to make them understand both environmental consequences of their choice, and how
they can use the environment themselves as a competitive parameter, to gain internal
benefits etc. |
Remarks |
|
Consultant |
dk-TEKNIK ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT, DHI Water and
Environment, Valør & Tinge |
Enterprise |
9.
Berendsen Tekstil Service
Textile laundering |
|
Start phase |
Berendsen and Henkel-Ecolab have entered a seven-year
framework agreement for supply of chemicals and service to the laundries of Berendsen. One
of the essential motivations for the cooperation is found in the Scandic Hotels, one of
Berendsens large customers.
Scandic (in Sweden) in 1994-95 requested that detergents complied with
environmental requirements of the Swedish environmental label Bra Miljöval. |
Product chain |
Under the agreement Berendsen must buy detergents
from Henkel-Ecolab and Henkel-Ecolab is committed to supply at competitive prices.
Furthermore, Henkel-Ecolab must deliver dosing equipment for the
Berendsen laundries. The cooperation covers for example: Optimisation and standardisation
of laundering formulas and common objectives for environmental and health criteria for
chemicals. |
Environmental cooperation |
Driving forces:
 | Demand from important customer
|
 | Focus on direct communication with laundries in which also service
agreements and minimisation of wear have become central issues
|
Barriers:
 | Laundries have been reluctant to change practice
|
|
Environmental achievements |
The aim is to substitute substances with undesired
properties in detergents.
Results are summarised as
 | Common problem solving
|
 | Confidence and technological development
|
 | Henkel-Ecolab extends their environmental management system to cover
customers
|
 | Further dialogue in product chain
|
|
Perspectives |
A development potential is found in the direct
dialogue between Henkel-Ecolab and Scandic (today communicated through Berendsen), where,
for example, a reduction in the amount of damp-stained textiles may reduce the use of
bleaching agents. |
Remarks |
Confidence among the enterprises is ensured with a
seven-year agreement, and it is a precondition for obtaining knowledge of constituents
from the chemicals supplier. |
Consultant |
Dk-TEKNIK ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT, DHI Water and
Environment, Valør & Tinge |
Enterprise |
10. Akzo Nobel Deco
Manufacturer of coatings |
Start phase |
On the basis of attention from the media, Akzo Nobel
Deco at its own initiative started work on substitution. |
Product chain |
Paints for professionals are divided into three
categories:
may be used by pregnant women
may be used by pregnant women under particularly favourable
conditions
may not be used by pregnant women.
These requirements are directed at substances evaporating during
painting work and thus constituting a working environment problem, but not at substances
that are problematic, for example, upon discharge into the aquatic environment.
Akzo Nobel Deco in cooperation with, among others, Perstorp and P.
Brøste has worked on substitution of an undesired group of substances (APEO) and,
furthermore, in cooperation with the paints trade sought to develop paints that can be
used by pregnant women (category a). It has been a precondition for the cooperation with
raw material suppliers that there is confidence and confidentiality, since formulas for
constituents are kept secret to competitors. |
Environmental cooperation |
Confidence among enterprises on confidentiality
regarding formulas and constituents has been decisive for the cooperation.
By focusing on substitution of individual substances there is a risk
of them just being substituted by substances that may be just as problematic. Therefore,
the cooperation has concentrated on avoiding undesired properties in the product instead
of substitution of single substances.
Attention from the media/customers/authorities is one of the reasons
why Akzo Nobel wants to be an environmental frontrunner.
Occupational health requirements from the paints trade are met through
joint development cooperation. |
Environmental achievements |
Akzo Nobel Deco for the past five years has
substituted more than 90% of the undesired group of substances APEO from their water-based
paints.
Contents of VOC, residual monomers etc. have been reduced currently in
cooperation with the occupational health service for the paints trade. |
Perspectives |
Today, Akzo Nobel Deco seeks to be ahead of
requirements/pressure from the media, authorities or customers through their "product
stewardship" programme. The Akzo Nobel corporate management and Akzo Nobel Deco in
cooperation determine environmental objectives within areas such as eco-labelling,
classification for danger to the environment, reduction of VOC contents etc.
Akzo Nobel Deco has a mutually beneficial cooperation with the
occupational health service for the paints trade on development of paints to be used by
pregnant women. |
Remarks |
Akzo Nobel focuses on undesired properties and have a
target for the VOC contents of products, just as there are also objectives for products
not needing labelling for danger etc.
A requirement for suppliers on complete declaration of chemical
products is considered as unrealistic, as constituents are the most important competitive
parameter. |
Consultant |
Dk-TEKNIK ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT, DHI Water and
Environment, Valør & Tinge |
Enterprise |
11. Novotex
Manufacture of environment-friendly textiles |
|
Start phase |
Skjern Trikotagefarveri (fabric dying) at a sales
meeting at Novotex brought forward the idea of substituting formaldehyde in textile
treatment. Novotex identified a Greek enterprise supplying yarn not requiring formaldehyde
treatment. This triggered the manufacture of Novotex Green Cotton. Novotex now sets
requirements for all suppliers, ensuring that Green Cotton products have an environmental
advantage in all respects. |
Product chain |
Novotex sets requirements for nine stages in the
textile manufacture within five categories: Environmental management, life-cycle,
communication, manufacture, product.
The relationship with suppliers has developed in the process, from
suppliers in the beginning being very willing to supply documentation and quoting good
prices to have Novotex as a reference. Later, it became more difficult to get
documentation, and Novotex has had to pay for some analyses. At the same time, the number
of suppliers has increased as the product range has been extended. Novotex has
concentrated on fewer suppliers and today has mainly Danish suppliers who respond to
enquiries and follow developments more quickly. A need emerged for a PC tool for supplier
assessment in this context. |
Environmental cooperation |
It is Novotex experience that it is easier to
set requirements for Danish suppliers than for foreign suppliers. In addition, it has been
an advantage to have fewer suppliers, making Novotex a larger customer and thus
facilitating requirement compliance. |
Environmental achievements |
 | Development and marketing of Green Cotton
|
 | Documentation of environmental performance of suppliers and
deliveries (Novotex has developed a tool for assessment of environmental performance of
suppliers and deliveries)
|
|
Perspectives |
Novotex plans to develop other types of
environment-friendly textiles (for example viscose, polyester etc.). Customers must be
convinced of the value of eco-labelled clothes, and environment-friendliness must be
extended to also cover ethical guidelines staff management in the entire product
chain. |
Remarks |
Most Green Cotton products comply with criteria for
eco-labelled textiles. |
Consultant |
dk-TEKNIK ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT, DHI Water and
Environment, Valør & Tinge |
Enterprise |
12.
Phønix-Trykkeriet A/S
Supply of designed, environment-friendly printed matter. |
|
Start phase |
Kontrapunkt, a graphic design shop, wanting a
printing shop with a good environmental profile, identified Phønix. This combination has
ensured orders from large, environmentally conscious customers. |
Product chain |
Kontrapunkt has set many difficult requirements, but
Phønix was prepared to solve tasks in cooperation with Kontrapunkt. Printed matter
complies with criteria for the Swan eco-label.
Phønix got access to large customers through Kontrapunkt. Phønix is
involved in the design phase to contribute with environmental knowledge. Both parties are
also involved in sales work, and the enterprises make joint proposals for tenders. Today,
more suppliers are able to deliver corresponding environment-friendly solutions, and
therefore the competitive parameter in future will be "services". |
Environmental cooperation |
Results:
 | Increased sale and new customers
|
 | The cooperation with Kontrapunkt has been one of the catalysing
effects for the Phønix sales strategy
|
 | Kontrapunkt designers have acquired better environmental competence
|
 | The cooperation as such has led to better results less
wastage due to misunderstandings
|
|
Environmental achievements |
|
Perspectives |
|
Remarks |
|
Consultant |
dk-TEKNIK ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT, DHI Water and
Environment, Valør & Tinge |
Enterprise |
13. Leika Danmark
A/S |
|
Start phase |
In cooperation with three furniture suppliers Leika
Danmark A/S set up an objective of presenting a collection of eco-labelled (the Swan)
furniture in the 2002 catalogue.
All parties have given their consent, and Leika expects that work on
documentation will be reduced once all suppliers can deliver Swan-labelled products. |
Product chain |
With support from an external consultant, enterprises
cooperate on providing documentation and developing products, so that they can achieve the
Swan label license. Suppliers get the Swan label license, whereas Leika owns the drawings
for the furniture. |
Environmental cooperation |
Driving forces:
 | Expectations for new market
|
 | Swan labelling is an extension and enhancement of the cooperation
between Leika and its suppliers.
|
 | Public purchasers demand a green profile
|
Barriers:
 | Small suppliers may find it difficult to provide documentation on
environmental issues
|
 | Despite customer demands for environmental issues there is some
doubt whether it actually is a parameter in the choice of products
|
|
Environmental achievements |
Development of furniture collection complying with
Swan label requirements |
Perspectives |
If the new furniture finds a satisfactory market the
parties will probably develop more Swan labelled furniture. |
Remarks |
|
Consultant |
dk-TEKNIK ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT, DHI Water and
Environment, Valør & Tinge |
Enterprise |
14. The Danish Centre for
Resource Saving Concrete
Manufacture and establishment of cement/concrete structures |
Start phase |
At the initiative of the Concrete division at the
Danish Technological Institute the Danish Centre for Resource Saving Concrete was
established. The centre is financed partially by the Danish Agency for Development of
Trade and Industry. |
Product chain |
The purpose of the centre is to establish a platform
for dialogue among the parties on development of environment-friendlier products.
Suppliers, manufacturers, experts and purchasers of concrete are represented in the centre
cooperation. A number of projects are carried out on, for example, design, material
substitution, communication and the construction of a "Green Bridge". |
Environmental cooperation |
The parties expect that the Danish cement and
concrete industry obtains an international competitive advantage through the cooperation.
Aalborg Portland and Unicon experience increasing interest for
environmental and occupational health issues, and they have a current dialogue with their
suppliers on constituents. |
Environmental achievements |
Resource optimisation and substitution of
environmental contaminants. Increased recycling of residual products. |
Perspectives |
The centre increases the opportunity for
comprehension and dialogue on both technical and environmental problems in the product
chain. Through the partial formalisation of the cooperation it becomes clear to
participants, which opportunities are available to each single party for exerting an
influence on his or her part of the product chain. This also increases the opportunities
for joint influence. |
Remarks |
Aalborg Portland and Unicon cooperate with the
European organisation for the cement and concrete sector on life-cycle analyses and with
Nordic partners on a contribution to developing a concept for Nordic environmental product
declarations. Knowledge gained through this work benefits the other enterprises in
connection with assessments of possibilities for substitution and environmental
consequences of substitution. |
Consultant |
dk-TEKNIK ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT, DHI Water and
Environment, Valør & Tinge |
Enterprise |
15. KOMPAN A/S
Manufacturer of playground equipment |
Look here! |
Start phase |
KOMPAN has an objective of reducing its environmental
impact and improving the environmental profile of products.
KOMPAN delivers to demanding markets and wishes to maintain and
develop a high environmental profile. The enterprise therefore on several occasions has
entered concrete cooperation with suppliers. KOMPAN has a policy of assessment of
suppliers quality and environmental issues, however without specific objectives for
the cooperation. |
Product chain |
Suppliers are assessed on quality and environment.
Strategic suppliers involved in the product chain analysis have delivered to KOMPAN for
several years and have, for a number of years, cooperated on quality and reliability of
delivery. In recent years, also environmental issues have been part of the cooperation.
Suppliers production in many cases is planned for requirements for KOMPAN products,
and thus there is a "mutual dependency".
Cooperation between KOMPAN and suppliers takes its starting point in
KOMPAN products, whereas from a narrow point of view there has not been focus on reducing
suppliers environmental impact. KOMPAN expects that as a reaction to enquires for
environmental issues, suppliers will develop in this field in their own right. |
Environmental cooperation |
Driving forces:
 | Enterprises have mutual benefit from the environment
work/development, when they want to raise their profile relating to the environment and
quality
|
 | Information on KOMPAN environment profile to suppliers has led to
suppliers supporting the KOMPAN environmental profile whenever possible at their own
initiative
|
 | A relationship of confidence with suppliers in general gives a
better basis for dialogue
|
 | Enquiries for environmental issues for example from customers
in Germany
|
|
Environmental achievements |
 | PVC is phased out in the entire product chain
|
 | Waste plastic is recyclable - supplier innovation
|
 | One supplier suggested the phase-out of cadmium in dying of a
plastic component, subsequent to another customer of the supplier having caused this
change.
|
 | KOMPAN has required from suppliers that all products comply with the
European standard EN 71-3. One supplier has passed on this requirement to sub-suppliers.
|
 | One supplier has included a test for heavy metal contents in
sub-suppliers products as part of their own environmental management system
|
 | KOMPAN establishment of afterburning was developed partly in
cooperation with a varnish supplier
|
 | Reduced wastage in the KOMPAN varnishing process in cooperation with
supplier
|
 | A development cooperation between KOMPAN, Teknos and a sub-supplier
has caused varnishes to be more environment-friendly and durable.
|
 | Based on KOMPAN focus on own emissions, there is a wish for high dry
matter contents in varnishes, and Teknos has developed and reduced its own emissions
concurrently
|
 | Deliveries to KOMPAN from several suppliers take place in returnable
packaging causing less waste with KOMPAN
|
|
Perspectives |
The close cooperation opens up for assessing
environmental issues relating to a product on a life-cycle basis and focusing
efforts where environmental perspectives are the largest. |
Remarks |
|
Consultant |
PlanMiljø |
Enterprise |
16. Skanska
Danmark A/S
Contractor |
|
Start phase |
The Skanska Danmark A/S quality, environment and
working environment system has three areas of effort: Waste, chemicals and energy. In
addition to requirements for suppliers of products, Skanska also sets requirements for
suppliers of services at construction sites, such as carpenters and waste haulers. |
Product chain |
The standard conditions for cooperation with Skanska
cover an environmental section dealing with:
 | Registration of chemicals (Skanska divides chemicals into three
lists: black list, phase-out list and positive list)
|
 | Waste, particularly rules on cleaning-up
|
 | Dust, noise etc.
|
 | Excavation and removal of soil
|
Suppliers quality and environment plan must be approved by
Skanska before work is started.
Skanska has no fixed criteria for selection of suppliers, but in
connection with selection it is described which criteria are included in the selection.
For small suppliers guidelines are set up in preparation of quality and environment plans.
|
Environmental cooperation |
Driving forces:
 | Suppliers point out that personal relationships are important for
dialogue on replacement of personnel "delays" occur in the cooperation.
|
 | Skanskas system is capable of managing special environmental
requirements/wishes from customers throughout the product chain
|
Barriers:
 | The heavy demands from Skanska may reduce the number of interested
suppliers
|
 | In the sector, suppliers are sometimes competitors for the same
assignments, and this puts its mark on the environmental dialogue, as environmental issues
are a competitive parameter.
|
|
Environmental achievements |
 | Recyclable plaster - cooperation with Gyproc (incentive from Skanska
is both financial and future-oriented in relation to future rules and in view of
environmental profiling, whereas Gyproc does not benefit from financial savings, but
prioritises environmental profile and development of cooperation with a good customer)
|
 | Increased recycling in cooperation with Renoflex attention is
paid to increased recycling at construction sites
|
 | General environmental impact policy on environmental
certification of acquired enterprises within two years and participation in a number of
development projects. Environmental impacts have not been assessed.
|
|
Perspectives |
Further environmental achievements can be reached by
Skanska setting up simple objectives for selected, significant products, services and
suppliers. |
Remarks |
|
Consultant |
PlanMiljø |
Enterprise |
17. HCI Nordic A/S
Distributor of chemical feedstock |
|
Start phase |
In connection with, among other things, environmental
requirements from a large supplier HCI Nordic has entered an environmental cooperation
with suppliers and customers processing HCI semi-products. |
Product chain |
HCIs objectives for the supplier/customer
cooperation are:
 | that environmental issues are included in the assessment of
suppliers
|
 | to development environment-friendlier products in cooperation with
customers/suppliers
|
 | to pass on information on environment, health and safety aspects of
the products
|
There is much focus on handling of products, and HCI seeks to help
customers in "correct" handling and use. |
Environmental cooperation |
Driving forces:
 | There is much environmental attention directed at the sector, and
any accidents with chemical substances, for example upon transportation and use will
damage the entire product chain. Therefore, a generally positive attitude is met with
respect to environmental dialogue
|
 | Many years of confidence with suppliers and customers makes way for
a good climate for the environmental cooperation
|
Barriers:
 | It may be difficult to set requirements for and exert an influence
on suppliers, as HCI often has no significant strategic importance for suppliers
|
 | HCI "depends" on its suppliers with special deliveries
where there are no immediate alternative suppliers
|
 | Often HCI is committed through long-term contracts in some
cases entered by the parent company in the Netherlands
|
|
Environmental achievements |
 | Development of pallet tank reducing wastage launched as a
stand-alone cooperation project
|
 | Development of logistics relating to manufacture and sale of caustic
soda lye
|
 | Influence on suppliers relating to introduction of environmental
management
|
|
Perspectives |
A prioritisation of environment work towards
suppliers based on the principle of "more environment for the effort" may
enhance the environmental benefit from the product chain cooperation. |
Remarks |
|
Consultant |
PlanMiljø |
Enterprise |
18. H+H Fiboment
A/S
Manufacturer of concrete and porous concrete |
Start phase |
The enterprise wishes to stand out as a frontrunner
with development of sustainable production methods, and consequently it opted in on a
project on development of environmental product declarations. The project took place in
cooperation with other concrete manufacturers and was supported by the Danish Agency for
Development of Trade and Industry and the Danish Environmental Protection Agency. Other
concrete materials were well-documented, and the sector called for corresponding
documentation for light clinker concrete. |
Product chain |
The report describes H+H Fiboments work on the
environmental product declaration that may be used in the long-term perspective as a basis
for environmental cooperation in the product chain. |
Environmental cooperation |
Driving forces:
 | The wish of the industrial organisation for being a frontrunner was
crucial
|
 | The enterprises wish for being able to provide an
environmental product declaration
|
 | Expert assistance from consultants
|
 | Pioneer in the enterprise
|
Barriers:
 | Environmental product declaration cannot be compared in a clear
manner with other environmental product declarations
|
 | Existing tools are too complicated too many data have to be
entered, causing errors and frustrations
|
 | Lack of knowledge of usefulness of environmental product
declarations
|
 | No standard for lay-out of environmental product declarations
|
|
Environmental achievements |
Data have been compiled that may form the basis for
the preparation of an environmental product declaration |
Perspectives |
The environmental product declaration may be used in
the selection of areas for effort in a product chain cooperation and as documentation to
customers |
Remarks |
|
Consultant |
COWI |
Enterprise |
19. Trevira
Neckelmann A/S
Processing and dying of textiles |
|
Start phase |
Due to demands and requirements from customers
Trevira Neckelmann became interested in developing a bio-oil for yarn processing. |
Product chain |
Trevira Neckelmann entered a cooperation with
suppliers on development of an environment-friendly yarn oil complying with the following
conditions:
 | Thermo-stable, i.e. oil is not released to the air upon heating in
the processing of yarn (customer requirement caused by more stringent legislation in
German and Austrian states)
|
 | Substances discharged to sewer must be biodegradable (German,
Swedish and Czech customers having legislative requirements to this effect)
|
Volvo set requirements for removal of NPE (washing agent) |
Environmental cooperation |
Driving forces:
 | Building of environmental knowledge making way for comprehension of
customers diffuse enquiries
|
 | Top management backing confidence in profitability of
environmental measures
|
 | Finances - confidence in profitability of environment work
|
 | Requirements from authorities
|
 | Structure in projects important with a "good
approach" to best achieve results
|
 | Strong cooperators
|
 | Designation of contact persons quick action and coordination
|
 | Personal competencies with contact person
|
Barriers:
 | Internal difficulties between departments with cooperator
|
|
Environmental achievements |
Today the enterprise can deliver an environmentally
optimised product that is being further developed to live up to the Flower criteria. Thus,
German, Swedish and Czech customers have been kept.
In addition, building of knowledge with German sub-supplier. |
Perspectives |
Trevira Neckelmann is in contact with several
possible cooperators on development of more environment-friendly products. |
Remarks |
Customer requirements have led to product
development.
Trevira does not find it decisive whether cooperators are Danish or
foreign. Corporate culture is more important. |
Consultant |
COWI |
Enterprise |
20. Bambo
Manufacture and sale of Swan-labelled napkins |
|
Start phase |
In 1994 Bambo started manufacture of eco-labelled
napkins in expectation of demand for such a product. |
Product chain |
From the manufacture of a paper product (fluff) for
the napkins to the extension of the purchasing portal to also cover environmental issues
focus was put on improvement of napkins environmental profile. Upon sale, guidelines
are given for optimum use of napkins. Stora Enso delivers Swan-labelled fluff, whereas
Sækko sells napkins to public customers.
In connection with Bambo Swan label licenses the enterprise has
entered a committing cooperation with Stora Enso on supply and technical and environmental
product development. |
Environmental cooperation |
Driving forces:
 | Green profile in public purchasing
|
 | The Swan label visualises customers green purchasing
|
Preconditions:
 | Same view on environmental issues among enterprises in the Nordic
countries
|
 | Sækkos direct customer contact using, for example, nurses in
the contact with nursing homes
|
Barriers:
 | With the exception of Nordic customers, lack of knowledge of the
Swan label among customers
|
 | The EU eco-label, the Flower, has no criteria for napkins.
|
 | It is around 4% more expensive to manufacture Swan-labelled napkins
|
|
Environmental achievements |
Apart from the product improvement no result of the
environmental cooperation is described. |
Perspectives |
Efforts are made to reduce the use of synthetics,
improve exploitation of the wood resource, increase user-friendliness for example
in view of humidity indicators. |
Remarks |
Public purchasers with increased focus on
environmentally optimised products play an important role as catalysts. Cooperation among
the different links in the product chain is decisive for how easy it is to profile the
product (provision of documentation etc.). Eco-labelling is not an unconditional success,
when customers (particularly foreign) are not familiar with the labels. |
Consultant |
dk-TEKNIK ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT, DHI Water and
Environment, Valør & Tinge |
Enterprise |
21.
Levison+Johnson+Johnson A/S
Printing shop |
|
Start phase |
Levison+Johnson+Johnson sets high requirements
relating to quality and the environment, and the enterprise in several cases has been the
catalyst of customers making environment-friendlier choices in their purchase. |
Product chain |
LJJ asked the Municipality of Albertslund to include
environmental issues in their purchase of printed matter. The Municipality of Albertslund
includes the environment to the same extent as price, quality and reliability of delivery
in their purchase. For example, for printing jobs, the municipality only invites for
tender environmentally certified printing shops having an eco-label license.
LJJs environmental manager is often in direct dialogue with
suppliers on environmental issues. |
Environmental cooperation |
Driving forces:
 | Public purchasers are under the duty to include environmental
considerations
|
 | The Swan label is an easy choice for customers wanting a green
profile
|
 | The Swan label is chosen by some customers due to clear signal value
of the label
|
 | Close cooperation among environmental department and sales
department at LJJ is a strength for the sale of environment-friendly products
|
Disadvantages of the Swan label:
 | Unknown south of Denmark
|
 | Some opt out due to ugly design
|
 | Some opt out due to slight additional cost (0.4%)
|
 | Not all find it necessary as a signal to customers
|
|
Environmental achievements |
Environmental achievements have not been quantified,
but Swan-labelled printed matter guarantees that environmental impacts do not exceed a
certain level per unit. |
Perspectives |
LJJ wishes to further develop their sales work to
have customers making environment-friendlier choices. For example, it is being considered
whether the Swan label should be standard on printed matter unless customers reject it. |
Remarks |
|
Consultant |
dk-TEKNIK ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT, DHI Water and
Environment, Valør & Tinge |
Enterprise |
22. ISS Danmark
Cleaning contractors |
|
Start phase |
DiverseyLever and ISS since 1997 have cooperated on
cleaning solutions optimised in terms of the environment and quality. Formalised
cooperation on cleaning systems deals with the environment, quality, ergonomics and
financial issues. |
Product chain |
ISS and DiverseyLever has a strategic cooperation
agreement worldwide, and enterprises in Denmark and the Nordic countries cooperate on
having the Swan-labelled Nordic Line products included in the global product catalogue of
ISS. Eco-labelled products thus may be spread to the further global cleaning activities of
ISS.
A substantial part of environmental impacts from cleaning activities
is found with the final customer, so environmental management in this link is essential. |
Environmental cooperation |
Driving forces:
 | Environment-friendly products are sold on a strategy with emphasis
also on simplification through cleaning methods, transportation, packaging etc.
|
 | Direct contact among technicians at DiverseyLever and local staff
with ISS creates confidence and a good climate for developing cleaning systems
|
 | This contact gives good response in testing of new products
|
Barriers:
 | Offhand, only Nordic enterprises wish to include environmental
concerns in the competitive strategy. Globally, focus is primarily on price and former
amounts purchased
|
 | Professional customers as a starting point are
"conservative", and it takes much sales work to convince customers that, for
example, perfume and dye in detergents can be dispensed with
|
The turnover fee on the Swan label (0.4%) is a strain for
DiverseyLever, and as a consequence the enterprise only has one Swan-labelled product in
each product group, even if more products could actually be labelled |
Environmental achievements |
ISS in a special environmental effort at the hospital
of Brædstrup has reduced water consumption by 70%, halved chemicals consumption and
reduced waste arisings from cleaning to one third.
Swan-labelled products are on the increase in the global ISS group. |
Perspectives |
Development of the Nordic product series may be used
for a more environment-friendly development on other markets.
DiverseyLever and ISS can enhance the product chain cooperation in
future through systematic formulation of targets and plans of action with their cleaning
service customers. |
Remarks |
Global groups may extend environment-friendly
products across borders through harmonised product ranges. |
Consultant |
dk-TEKNIK ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT, DHI Water and
Environment, Valør & Tinge |
Enterprise |
23. CardoDoor
Environmental product declaration for gate |
|
Start phase |
The report describes the background for preparing an
environmental product declaration in a dialogue among three enterprises. |
Product chain |
The report is a pilot project for development of an
environmental product declaration for a gate. The example demonstrates how to handle an
environmental product declaration so that the manufacturer is enabled to compare different
products from suppliers and thus assess his own environmental impact.
At the same time communication of information to the next link in the
chain is made possible. If everybody follows the same standard for declaration it is
easier for parties to compare and communicate product properties. |
Environmental cooperation |
Teknos experience with the EDIP PC tool is that
it is not possible to compile sufficient data and thus to make a complete environmental
product declaration of products. This is particularly problematic in the chemical
industry, where constituents and processes are kept secret from competitors (Example from
Teknos with data collection through the EDIP PC tool gave 3-10% of necessary data). It has
proved considerably easier to work with the Swan label, setting limits in relation to
specific environmental impacts. |
Environmental achievements |
|
Perspectives |
Declaration of gates primarily will deal with use of
solvents and undesired substances in paints, as well as waste management. Gates are made
from aluminium, iron, plastic and insulation material. There is no eco-labelling
available, and to find relevant criteria the starting point has been taken in criteria for
the Swan and the Flower and in the list of undesired substances. |
Remarks |
|
Consultant |
PlanEnergi |
Enterprise |
24. DAN-RENS A/S
Service and trade within graphic and pharmaceutical industries |
Start phase |
DAN-RENS has drawn up a purchasing policy where all
products are assessed in view of environment, working environment, financial issues and
technique. In continuation of this DAN-RENS wishes to create a dialogue with their
suppliers. |
Product chain |
The enterprise focuses on logistics and optimised
haulage, for example on take-back of chemicals from customers. Customers get response on
their ability to separate waste and on annual waste arisings. |
Environmental cooperation |
Driving forces:
 | There is good dialogue with enterprises introducing environmental
management under ISO 14001 or developing products for Swan label license
|
 | Customers with a positive attitude to environmental dialogue are
used to test new products
|
 | Customers are guided in separation and labelling of waste
|
Barriers:
 | There is a reasonably good dialogue with Danish suppliers, whereas
Southern European suppliers in particular have no focus on the environment
|
 | Preparation of LCA for a product may be so time-consuming that it is
technologically outdated before the analysis is completed
|
 | Despite requests, no suppliers came forward with information on
development of environmentally less harmful products
|
 | It is difficult to "translate" different waste codes in
different countries the European waste codes have not penetrated
|
 | Denmarks special rules imply that several goods must be
reclassified on importation
|
 | Danish rules for labelling of waste are complicated, and customers
return waste that is incorrectly labelled
|
 | Despite recognition for their environmental efforts DAN-RENS
experiences that public customers select cheaper suppliers with lower environmental
profile
|
 | It is pointed out that Danish environmental legislation is difficult
to handle
|
|
Environmental achievements |
|
Perspectives |
|
Remarks |
|
Consultant |
FORCE Instituttet |
Enterprise |
25. SKY-LIGHT A/S
Manufactures plastic film for the packaging industry |
Start phase |
Starting point in the environmental management system
of the enterprise |
Product chain |
SKY-LIGHT has formalised an environmental dialogue
with customers and plastic recycling enterprises. |
Environmental cooperation |
Barriers:
 | It is difficult to export packaging to the German market due to
Green Dot registration
|
 | Incomplete harmonisation of legislation in EU countries hampers
practical cooperation among enterprises in different EU countries
|
 | Danish environmental regulation is complicated and untransparent to
enterprises
|
 | Difference in municipal regulations on waste management
|
|
Environmental achievements |
|
Perspectives |
To a large extent, further work takes its starting
point in customer satisfaction surveys. |
Remarks |
|
Consultant |
FORCE Instituttet |
|