Our Green policy

People

Since 1982 Dataflex has been a producer and wholesaler in ergonomic office products. An investment in the ergonomics of a workplace produces profit in matters of health, productivity and the well being of people who intensively use IT resources. A healthy workplace leads to less complaints of the arm, neck and shoulder, whereby absenteeism decreases.

Dataflex monitor arms have countless adjustment possibilities, tilting, swiveling, rotating and adjustable in height and depth. Because of this employees will be able to individually set the right height, position and distance to the computer screen. Notebook stands are designed to bring notebook screens at eye level. Document holders aid in making documents easier and enjoyable to read. The user can sit up straight more and does not have to bend over while reading or typing. All this consequently reduces tensions in the neck, shoulders,arms and wrists.

Dataflex cable management keeps cables together and neatly stowed away for the user. Dust cannot accumulate and spread in the air, because our LTX Laser printer hoods protect users from toner - and fine dust particles by using a special filter. They also reduce the effects of excessive noise at the workplace by absorbing the noise through acoustic foam in the hood. The indoor climate at the office is healthier and the workplace is quieter, thus allowing people to maximize productivity without being disturbed.

Planet

Dataflex started using green energy in 2004 and is taking steps to reduce natural gas consumption. For 2010 high efficiency improvements to the heating systems have been implemented, to keep the office and factory warmer in a more efficient manner. In 2011 the system in the factory has been renewed, where by in 2012 considerable reductions will be realised. In 2010 a natural gas reduction of 22% was achieved compared to year 2009. Green energy amounted to a CO2-reduction of 76 330 kg in 2010.

Figure 1. Pie chart CO2 Emissions

Emissions from commercial traffic have however increased slightly due to the increased sales and distant commercial trips to be of service to more clients. This increase has been exceeded by the reduction of commuting, thus saving a net amount of 5 990 kg in CO2 emissions.

Figure 2. Bar chart of CO2 Emissions (in tonnes - kilograms)

From 2012 Dataflex will actively be involving suppliers to make the whole production chain sustainable. The goal of this collaboration is to proceed beyond the idea of buying off pollution, she sets the standard in 'Cradle-to-Cradle' design. Dataflex selects raw materials and assembly methods subsequently making it easier to recycle products. Therefore we work a lot with recycled aluminum: which consumes 95% less energy than the production of new aluminum¹. The quality of recycled aluminum is equal to the quality of new raw material. The product is lighter and lasts longer.

Objectives

In 2012 Dataflex will set up a real-life life cycle analysis of a mimimum of three core products, with the goal of monitoring product performances on a yearly basis. The objective of 2012 is to reduce new raw material extraction of aluminum and steel to 55%. Every subsequent year the recycling share will be increased by 15%, until in 2015 all Dataflex products are produced from completely recycled materials. A part of this intention is a program where old products from clients will be taken back and melted into new office products. Thus leaving Dataflex with a sharper vision on future designs, whereby the lifespan of the product can be extended. In 2015 Dataflex will be producing three core products climate neutral, largely by structurally reducing emissions with sustainable sources of energy. Remaining emissions will be compensated through the European emissions trading with the goal of stimulating organizations in our region to participate in CO2 reduction.

ProtectioGlobus

Dataflex uses the services of ProtectioGlobus, a 'State of the Art' software application which has the ability to calculate and monitor the environmental performances of the organization. The calculation results in a footprint, expressed in no less than seventeen emission types ( including CO2). The company footprint can be consolidated to products. In this way Dataflex simply calculates how many emissions per product are emitted. Thereafter products from suppliers and semi-finished product producers are linked to your own product, until the complete production chain, going all the way back to the basic raw materials, have been calculated. The complete product performance from raw material to waste is the life cycle analysis (LCA) of the product. These analysis comply with strict product LCA guidelines.

¹ IVAM, 2011. Aluminium and sustainability. Aluminium Centrum, Amsterdam. Web: http://www.aluminiumcentrum.nl/aluminiumcentrum.nl/files/Doc/Duurzaamheid%20Aluminium/
IVAM_summary_Aluminium_and_Sustainability_20110524.pdf