Sustainability is increasingly evident in the values and operations of organizations. At Aikolon, sustainability has been ingrained in our values from the very beginning and is an essential part of our corporate culture.
We aim to provide value to our customers by focusing on quality and cost-efficiency. As an example, consider a small but significant aspect that illustrates our leadership in responsible practices within the plastic industry. Right from the start, we have offered our customers grinding services for cutting boards. This process involves smoothing the worn surface of a cutting board made from PE500 (polyethylene) material, resulting in a nearly new cutting board with a fresh surface.
Efficient use of raw materials is our top priority. In the Aikolon production process, we minimize the size of surplus pieces as precisely as possible. We order optimized pieces from the factory according to predefined plans whenever feasible. We also ensure in our production planning that every plastic sheet or component from the factory is fully utilized. When residual pieces are generated on Aikolon's production line, their dimensions and detailed product information are immediately updated in our company's inventory system. Residual materials that we can no longer use in our production are recycled through our partner network.
At Aikolon's new Aikon® production line, we utilize biogas processed by Kiertokaari, including for heating the ovens used in the coating process. This biogas is produced from organic waste and wastewater sludge in Rusko waste center, ensuring that every sorted fragment of organic waste within Kiertokaari's service area is genuinely put to beneficial use. Choosing biogas is one aspect of responsible business, and aside from improving energy efficiency, reducing carbon footprint was a compelling reason behind this decision. Additionally, the proximity of Kiertokaari's biogas network was advantageous. At Aikolon, we constantly strive to develop even more responsible ways of operating. The carbon footprint of manufacturing transparent plastics is significantly lower than that of glass, and the use of biogas further reduces it.
With our state-of-the-art production line, Aikolon can offer its customers all services related to plastic processing, coating, and marking from one place, fully automated. Until now, plastic had to be shaped at one location and surface-treated at another, leading to unnecessary transportation of plastic sheets from one place to another, sometimes even between two different production facilities. With Aikolon's comprehensive production line, we eliminate unnecessary traffic, a holistic solution that is unmatched anywhere else in Europe.
Our personnel are our most important asset, and we pay special attention to their well-being and safety. Preventive measures are the most effective way to enhance safety and reduce risks. We continuously work to increase our employees' awareness of safety risks and conduct regular audits of safety practices. We are committed to developing our safety culture together with our employees and monitor Aikolon's accident frequency monthly. Furthermore, we analyze workplace accidents and near-miss incidents and learn from them.
Our work community is equal, where all employees are respected, and good opportunities are given for professional development. Our goal is long-term employment and a dedicated workforce. Changing life circumstances can pose challenges at times, and we want to assist our employees in the best possible way. We are flexible, negotiable, and understanding. We encourage our staff to learn and come up with new ideas and approaches. We brainstorm, succeed, and sometimes fail, but we do not fear mistakes; we accept them as part of evolving business.
The Association for Finnish Work has awarded Aikolon Oy the Key Flag emblem as a testament to our service being produced in Finland and employing Finnish workers. The primary criterion for granting this emblem is that the product or service must be manufactured or produced in Finland. Additionally, the company must have a significant domestic ownership stake, operate with Finnish management, and have its headquarters located in Finland. Studies indicate that Finns trust that Key Flag companies pay taxes in Finland and operate openly and transparently. Member companies of the Association for Finnish Work create jobs in Finland, thereby strengthening both economic and societal well-being. They consider the responsibility of production and operations, supporting employee skills, well-being, and equality.