Bambo and the Environment

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Work with environmental issues is given high priority at Bambo Nature. Instead of viewing environmental work as an expense, we consider it a prerequisite for the creation of a successful company.

What’s an environmentally conscious company to do? To help minimize impacts on the environment and our health, Abena, the manufacturer of Bambo Nature, has voluntarily elected to undergo strict, rigorous environmental inspections of their products. The setting of criteria is based on an assessment of impacts during the whole life-cycle - all the way from raw material to production, consumption and waste. This means all raw material suppliers, business partners, distributors, and subsidiaries must embrace these principals and actively take them on board in daily business practice. Abena and their raw material suppliers have been independently tested and successfully have complied with a number of strict conditions regarding the environmental impact of their products. Abena’s Bambo nature is the only Baby Diaper in the world with a certified eco-label; called the Nordic Swan Eco-label. In addition, Abena pursues a comprehensive Total Quality Management policy with ISO certificates, OSHA certificates, other health certificates, and is a member of the United Nation’s Global Compact. (See all certificates in PDF below.)

Bambo Nature’s commitment to protecting the environment is long-term with the intention that both we and future generations will be able to live in harmony with nature. They achieve this by focusing on the following:

Abena only uses state-of-the-art renewable raw materials.

	The wood used for pulp is derived from sustainable forestry; where more trees are planted than felled.
	There is absolutely zero chlorine used in the bleaching process.
	No chemicals or compounds from SVHC (REACH Article 33(2)) are used – Substances of Very High Concern.
	No known substances that are harmful to health or the environment.

- Phthalates	- Formaldehyde (HCHO)
- Organotins (MBT, DBT, TBT)	- Colophonium
- Heavy metals	- AZO-pigments
- Chlorine (CI)	- PVC
- Abena has gone as far as to prevent use of any chemical or compound that is known as locally irritating or sensitizing.

Abena adheres to strict requirements during production.

Abena requires a reduction on energy consumption.

- Bambo Nature Baby Diapers are manufactured on Abena’s newest and most efficient diaper machine.

Abena adheres to requirements on resource consumption.

There are criteria on factory emissions into the air, water and land.

- Abena has reduced carbon dioxide pollution.

There are no chemicals used during production.

- No optical brighteners	- No skin care lotions
- No perfumes, essential oils	- No odor eliminators

Abena has designed an absorbent core with less SAP

- New technology with a wheat starch absorber

Abena has almost completely reduced all waste during manufacturing.

- Even powder and dust from the plant is filtered, collected and sold for further use.

Abena’s packaging and distribution focuses on reducing waste and the use of fuels

	Abena coined and started the Re-3 Concept of Recycle, Reduce & Reuse
	- Abena’s sustainable carrier bag reduces the world’s CO2 emission by using recycled plastics.
	Abena does not use cardboard boxes to package and ship Bambo Nature Baby Diapers.
	Products and packaging materials can be disposed of through recycling, incineration or composting.
	Products are designed to be easily dismantled so that parts can be recycled and/or composted.
	Bambo Nature is 80% biodegradable, more than 3 times as much as other brands.
	Stora Enso, wood pulp supplier of Abena, member of Clean Shipping Project.

Abena’s environmental requirements are strict and they are careful to ensure minimal environmental impact in all they do. With over 80% of diapering using disposables, it is estimated that over 18 BILLION diapers are used per year; and probably more since the introduction of pull-ups and training pants. It is imperative that companies invest time, energy, research, and technological development to create products that are eco-friendly and sustainable. Abena acknowledges that all consumption affects the environment. However, their products have a significantly lower impact on the environment than others. Working with their raw material suppliers, accepting independent tests and inspections, and producing one of the most environmentally-friendly baby diapers, Abena has demonstrated their commitment to improving the world we live in.

Bambo Nature pursues a comprehensive Total Quality Management policy.

The Nordic Swan (Environment)

The Nordic Swan is the official environmental labeling in the Nordic countries. Nordic Swan assesses the product’s environmental impact during its entire life cycle.

Health Certificate

With this certificate Bambo Nature/ABENA informs about the raw materials used in its incontinence products.

Global Compact – A UN initiative (Social Responsibility)

Abena is a member of The Global Compact which is a voluntary corporate initiative to bring companies together to support ten principles in the areas of human rights, labor standards and the environment.

Life Cycle Assessment

This Life Cycle Assessment describes the environmental impact generated by absorbing incontinence products from Abena. The 12-Page Assessment addresses use of water, use of energy, emissions, waste, and transportation.

Declaration on the packaging of Abena disposable incontinence products.

This declaration describes the raw materials and ingredients of Cartons and Bags used for packaging; including the use of adhesives and inks.

Strict environmental and quality requirements run through all our activities and are also a decisive factor when selecting suppliers, transporters and distributors.