Sustainability - Securing the Future

08/21/2023 Unternehmensnachrichten

Sustainability is increasingly moving into focus at Rutronik and is perceived as a comprehensive approach that encompasses ecological, economic and social dimensions. The aim is to develop concepts and enact specific measures to ensure the sustainable management of finite resources. And this has a direct impact on our business activities. Within this context, we present an overview of how Rutronik is addressing different sustainability initiatives.

A wide range range of expertise

have extensive knowledge of markets and technological advancements. A key aspect is design-for-sustainability. Gerd Becker, Senior Director Service and Quality Management: "Through our discussions with business partners, we have noticed a growing emphasis on the concept of 'sustainability', which is receiving more focus than ever before. Leveraging our precise understanding of industry needs and our unwavering customer focus, we are able to align our product portfolio accordingly. Therefore, we now offer components that incorporate ecological aspects throughout the entire product life cycle. This complements the insight and advice provided by our team of experts to our customers." Further, our broad range of products makes a tangible contribution to environmental protection: The more it is possible to procure components via a single channel, the lower shipping costs will be and the more likely it will be that components can be harmonized optimally. We believe that we must have a positive influence on our customers' buying habits. Yet another crucial aspect is our wealth of experience in logistics and supply chain solutions. In collaboration with our business partners, we work on developing customized and optimal solutions that ensure the ongoing availability of production processes, while reducing transport volumes to a minimum. At the end of the day, everyone profits from this.

Packaging protects the environment

Rutronik focuses on minimizing the use of packaging materials whenever possible. The ESD / Dry Pack packaging system ensures that goods are not damaged. Preventing damage to electronic components is crucial, as it poses a significant environmental burden. The cardboard packaging used by Rutronik consists of at least 76% recycled paper. The ESD air cushion film used
as filling material now has a recycled content of 50%, while maintaining ESD suitability. Some major customers also employ reusable packaging systems.

Efficient buildings

When constructing and furnishing buildings, topics such as energy efficiency and environmental protection are already
key considerations during the planning phase. At the headquarters in Ispringen and the logistics center in Eisingen, photovoltaic systems have, wherever possible,
been installed on all the buildings. Last year, the systems provided roughly 46% (1,071,162 kWh) of our total electricity demand at the headquarters and the logistics center. As a result, approximately 643 tons of CO2 emissions were saved compared to conventional electricity. In addition, the change from heating oil to gas was completed in 2019. This changeover allows Rutronik to achieve an annual reduction of roughly 215 tons of CO2 emissions. Just like the headquarters and the logistics center, all of Rutronik's locations are fully equipped with the latest energy-saving LED technology. This has resulted in a significant reduction in electricity consumption, further contributing to climate protection.

Returning raw materials back into the cycle

Since 2005, Rutronik has been cooperating with “Arbeit für Menschen mit Behinderung GmbH” (AfB) a non-profit organization for people with disabilities that refurbishes no longer required IT equipment for private reuse. By recycling and returning the devices to the economic cycle, electronic scrap is avoided and natural resources are conserved. This reduces harmful emissions and saves raw materials and energy. Moreover, the equipment provided by Rutronik creates one workplace for people with disabilities each year.

Top-view of the logistics center in Eisingen with its installed photovoltaic systems.