Exact GmbH & Со. KG Präzisionswerkzeuge is committed to active environmental protection and nature conservation and presents “Naturline bу Exact”, a new, plastic-free packaging concept for the tool industry. In an interview, Managing Director Andreas Oemkes explains the idea and the background.
EZ: Mr. Oemkes, what role does environmental protection and nature conservation play for Exact?
Andreas Oemkes: We do a lot here at the Remscheid site to protect the environment. The relevant keyword here is “avoid.” For example, a highly efficient geothermal system is used to heat, cool and generate electricity throughout the company. Furthermore, with an photovoltaic system, we aim to be completely self-sufficient in the near future. Our new packaging project “Natureline by Exact” is also proof of our principle – “Avoidance is better than reduction”. We want to do away with plastic packaging and replace it with fiber composites made entirely from recycled paper, hemp or comparable natural fibers.
How did this idea come about?
Before today’s plastic packaging became the standard in the tool industry, sheet steel cassettes were commonplace. Before they were replaced, many people wondered whether the end consumer would accept this new type of packaging. What became of it is well known: Within a very short time, the sheet steel cassette was more or less obsolete. Similar changes are now on the horizon, now due to the issues of environmental protection and sustainability. Therefore, we have once again questioned what has been preserved and thought about alternative solutions.
Do you not have to accept any restrictions at all for this changeover?
No. Today, fiber offers more and in some cases better properties than plastic. It is tough, shock-absorbent, and grease and water repellent. With the help of multifunctional packaging, we are also succeeding in significantly reducing our packaging volume. Our customers benefit, because by using our packaging they avoid all statutory additional costs such as C02 taxes and increased levies for plastic packaging.
And how do your customers react?
We presented our new packaging concept to our customers in advance and asked them for their opinions and comments. The reactions were positive through and through. We even incorporated some of the suggestions directly into the development process.
Does that make you feel like a pioneer in the sector?
A little bit. In my opinion, we are the first German tool manufacturer to introduce plastic-free tool packaging made from 100 percent renewable raw materials that is fully recyclable, compostable and biodegradable. This can be a game changer for our industry ecologically and economically. The world is constantly changing and that’s how we must be as a company. Especially in the current times it is en vogue to present oneself as a company socially and environmentally correct and committed. But when it comes to creating facts, the wheat is quickly separated from the chaff.
Is the new packaging already in use or still in preparation?
We are on the home stretch. This means that we will be able to offer the first packaging from “Natureline by Exact” for the most important product groups at the beginning of 2022 and then successively expand the range.
Our goal is to be able to offer a sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging alternative for our entire product range in order to reduce the proportion of plastic and synthetic materials to a minimum.
