RetailBags has been awarded the EcoVadis gold medal

At RetailBags, trading name of API Caropack Europe BV, we are proud to announce that we have been awarded the gold medal by EcoVadis. This recognition places us among the top 5% of companies worldwide in terms of sustainability performance. EcoVadis is a leading assessor of corporate sustainability, evaluating companies on criteria such as environment, labour and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement.

After a previous silver award, we took additional steps this year to improve our processes and policies, which resulted in achieving this gold medal. This gold medal not only recognises our efforts to offer sustainable packaging solutions, but also to promote sustainable business practices that take responsibility for the community and the planet. This achievement highlights our commitment to the highest standards of sustainability and ethical conduct.

What is EcoVadis?
Impact of the EcoVadis gold medal on RetailBags and our relations
Future plans for sustainability at RetailBags
Bibliography

What is EcoVadis?

EcoVadis is a globally recognised rating system that assesses companies on their sustainability performance. The platform was established in 2007 with the aim of improving the environmental and social practices of companies worldwide by leveraging their impact on global supply chains. EcoVadis assesses companies on a wide range of non-financial management indicators focusing on environment, labour practices and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement (EcoVadis, n.d.)

EcoVadis’ assessment methodology is based on international sustainability standards, including the Global Reporting Initiative, the United Nations Global Compact and the ISO 26000 standard, which provide a detailed picture of a company’s performance in these areas. Companies are provided with a scorecard that helps them understand which areas need improvement and how they compare with their industry peers (CertificeringsAdvies Nederland, n.d.).

This assessment not only helps companies improve their own sustainability performance, but also facilitates due diligence for potential partners who value responsibility and sustainability within their supply chains.

Impact of the EcoVadis gold medal on RetailBags and our relations

Being awarded the gold EcoVadis medal is a great achievement for RetailBags (API Caropack Europe BV), especially after previously receiving the silver medal. This medal demonstrates our corporate social responsibility in terms of the environment, social responsibility and ethics.

From silver to gold:

After receiving the silver medal in 2022, we used feedback from EcoVadis to refine our processes and make improvements, this led us to gold. We are willing to learn and improve.

Strengthening trust:

For our (future) partners, this gold medal confirms that RetailBags is a reliable and progressive organisation. It reinforces confidence in our capabilities as a leading supplier that not only acts responsibly, but also actively contributes to improving industry standards. With our enhanced status, we can now gain even better access to new markets and cooperation opportunities, where high demands are placed on sustainability performance.

A partner in sustainability:

Our continuous efforts to improve sustainability on all fronts make RetailBags an ideal partner for companies that value an ethical and responsible supply chain. By partnering with us, you are choosing a supplier that not only promises, but actually contributes to a more sustainable future.

Future plans for sustainability at RetailBags

We will continuously improve and expand our sustainability efforts. Below are some concrete plans.

Cleaner shipments from the Far East:

As well as our European production partners, we also work with production partners in the Far East. One specific initiative we are currently implementing is advising in cleaner transport methods. Currently, we see that in terms of CO2 reduction, there are many gains to be made in cleaner transport methods for our shipments from the Far East.

By allowing relations to use rail transport, a significantly more environmentally friendly alternative compared to sea and air freight, we aim to reduce our carbon footprint.

Transparency in supply chain:

In addition to our commitment to sustainability through EcoVadis, we at RetailBags are also actively preparing for the new European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This important regulation, which comes into force from 30 December 2024, requires companies to thoroughly map their supply chains to ensure that their products do not contribute to deforestation.

Designed to reduce the impact of deforestation on climate change, the EUDR promotes transparency and sustainability within international supply chains. We are currently accurately mapping the geo-locations (polygon) of raw materials used throughout the supply chain. We are also in the process of drafting a due diligence statement, describing all raw material sourcing locations.

In doing so, we work closely with our suppliers to ensure that all materials meet strict EUDR standards, and we implement improved traceability systems to accurately track the origin of our raw materials.

Continuous improvement based on feedback:

The recognition by EcoVadis offers us valuable insights and feedback in addition to a nice award. We plan to use this feedback as a guide for further improvements. Every aspect of our operations is scrutinised to determine where there are still gains to be made so that we not only maintain our current status, but can even improve it to platinum.

This means a continuous process of evaluating, adapting and optimising our sustainability practices.

Want to know more about what our EcoVadis gold medal can do for your business? Please contact us for more information.

Bibliography

EcoVadis. (z.d.). Over ons | EcoVadis. https://ecovadis.com/nl/about-us/

CertificeringsAdvies Nederland. (z.d.). EcoVadis | CertificeringsAdvies Nederland. https://certificeringsadvies.nl/milieu-en-duurzaamheid/ecovadis/

Preparing for the EUDR

RetailBags prepares for EUDR

At RetailBags, we are fully committed to sustainability and quality, core values that we apply to every aspect of our production and delivery of custom packaging. We are actively preparing for the upcoming European regulations on deforestation, the EUDR (European Union Deforestation Regulation).

RetailBags and the EUDR
Background of the EUDR
Impact of the EUDR on RetailBags
Development Information System European Commision
Benefits of EUDR compliance for our relations
Bibliography

RetailBags and the EUDR

RetailBags, the trade name of API Caropack Europe BV, is a family-owned company that has been providing custom packaging and carrier bags to the retail sector since 2004. We believe that unique packaging or (carrying) bags can add value to a product, which is why we specialize in creating solutions that reinforce our clients’ brand identity.

Sustainability and quality are key for us. We understand the impact of packaging materials on the environment and take responsibility to produce as sustainably as possible. We do this by working with manufacturing partners who share our goals and by encouraging customers to make sustainable choices.

In light of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), we will further strengthen our commitment to sustainability. We ensure that our packaging meets the highest quality and sustainability standards, including compliance with EUDR regulations. Our mission is to work together to build a future where sustainable promotional packaging is the standard for the entire retail sector.

Background of the EUDR

The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is a regulation introduced to limit the import of products that contribute to deforestation. This regulation, adopted in 2023, requires companies importing certain raw materials and products into the EU to follow strict due diligence procedures. This means that companies are required to thoroughly examine their supply chains and be able to demonstrate that their products do not come from areas that have been deforested (Regulation on Deforestation-free Products, n.d., para. Background).

The EUDR targets a range of products related to deforestation, including soy, coffee, cocoa, palm oil, timber, rubber and beef, as well as products derived from them such as leather, furniture and chocolate. For companies in the packaging sector, such as RetailBags, the regulations are especially important when importing paper, which is often obtained from wood (Nature, P. B., n.d.).

Designed to support the global fight against deforestation and climate change, this legislation forces companies to make their supply chains transparent and effectively manage risks (Regulation on Deforestation-free Products, n.d., para. Background).

Impact of the EUDR on RetailBags

As an importer of paper packaging, among other products, RetailBags is directly subject to the rules of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). These regulations require us to be able to provide accurate information about the origin of our paper and prove that our products do not come from deforested areas. This does not only apply to paper bags and (shipping) packaging, but also for other custom solutions we offer such as, for example luxury gift packaging.

We see the EUDR regulations as an important additional step in our sustainable mission. Although we are expected to comply with the EUDR legislation by December 30, 2024, we are already busy gathering the necessary information to achieve full transparency and comply with the EUDR.

We are now investigating the following data:

Geo-locations: We accurately map the geo-locations (polygon) of raw materials used throughout the supply chain.
Due diligence statement: We issue a due diligence statement describing all raw material sourcing locations.

We research the above information together with our established production partners, with whom we have worked reliably for many years. Thanks to these long-standing relationships, this process runs smoothly. We regularly visit our partners to ensure compliance with our high standards.

Our customers can rest assured that we are working hard to be fully compliant with the requirements of the EUDR by December 30, 2024, and that they will receive compliant packaging solutions.

Development Information System European Commision

To facilitate compliance with the EUDR, the European Commission is developing an IT system, the Information System. This system contains the due diligence statements that companies and traders must submit to meet regulatory requirements. When exactly this system will be ready for use is not yet clear.

The European Commission is expected to offer a training environment and “train-the-trainers” sessions to all interested companies in the summer of 2024, in cooperation with member state authorities. This allows stakeholders, such as RetailBags, to become familiar with the system early on (Deforestation Regulation Implementation, n.d.).

The European Commission will also make available manuals, self-studies and other relevant learning materials, such as video tutorials. We are closely following further developments of these trainings.

Benefits of EUDR compliance for our relations

At RetailBags, we strive to provide EUDR compliant packaging solutions that help our clients achieve their sustainable goals and strengthen their brand. Once we have gathered all the necessary information and are compliant with EUDR legislation, this will provide a number of benefits to our relations:

Sustainability and transparency: By partnering with RetailBags, relations can be confident that their packaging will come from sustainable and responsible sources as of December 30, 2024, when the new EUDR legislation takes effect. Although we are already FSC® certified, compliance with the EUDR will provide additional transparency. We map the geo-locations of raw materials used. This helps our relationships achieve their own sustainability goals, which are increasingly important to consumers.
Brand reinforcement: With packaging that meets strict sustainability standards, customers can promote their brand as environmentally conscious and socially responsible in this area. This creates a positive reputation and sets them apart from competitors who are less transparent about their supply chain.
Certainty and confidence: We are working hard to comply with the upcoming EUDR regulations, which provides our clients with certainty and confidence. They know they will receive high-quality products that meet the highest quality standards and EUDR regulations.
Support: We will keep relations informed of our progress in complying with the EUDR through our blog and LinkedIn. This ensures that they are well informed about the steps we are taking to ensure compliance with the new regulations. In addition, we offer our relations a reliable supplier who is and remains abreast of current and new sustainability legislation.

In short, by choosing RetailBags as a partner, associates gain access to sustainable packaging that is well aligned with their brand strategy and compliant with future EUDR legislation.

Feel free to contact us for clarification, guidance or to discuss how our packaging solutions can align with your sustainable goals.

Bibliography

Deforestation Regulation implementation. (n.d.). Green Business. https://green-business.ec.europa.eu/deforestation-regulation-implementation_en#information-system

Nature, P. B. (n.d.). About the EUDR. NEPCon – Preferred by Nature. https://preferredbynature.org/certification/eudr/about-eudr#

Regulation on Deforestation-free products. (n.d.) para. Background. Environment. https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/forests/deforestation/regulation-deforestation-free-products_en#background