Secto Design showcases its commitment to sustainability through Life Cycle Assessments, eco-friendly manufacturing, plastic-free packaging, and renewable energy initiatives.
Secto Design, a Finnish design lighting manufacturer, has made significant strides in its sustainability efforts. Over the past two years, the small family-owned company has invested heavily in conducting a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of its products. This rigorous process allows Secto Design to transparently disclose the environmental impacts of its production processes and products throughout its life cycle.
“Now we can provide customers with information based on verified data. Our customers can be sure that by choosing Secto Design lighting, the sustainability requirements of the project will be fulfilled,” Joakim Jusélius, a second-generation entrepreneur at Secto Design, stated in a press release.
This transparency is crucial in an era where consumers and businesses alike are increasingly prioritizing sustainability.
Life Cycle Assessment and Eco-manufacturing
Secto Design’s dedication to environmentally conscious manufacturing is evident in several aspects of its operations. The company’s lamps are handmade at its factory in Heinola, Finland, which runs on renewable energy. The factory aims to achieve carbon-negative production within the next five years. The primary material used in Secto Design’s lamps, PEFC-certified birch, is sourced sustainably from Finland.
This sustainable material not only ensures the longevity and quality of their products but also supports local forestry practices. The company has made significant investments in improving material and operational efficiency at its factory, such as installing a new sorting line and a more efficient dust extractor.
Additionally, Secto Design partners with logistics companies that offset the carbon footprint of distribution, and they avoid airfreight whenever possible to further reduce emissions. By focusing on sustainable sourcing, efficient manufacturing, and responsible logistics, Secto Design exemplifies a holistic approach to environmentally conscious production.
The brand uses its Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), conducted according to the EN 15804 standard, to transparently disclose the environmental impacts of its products throughout their entire life cycle. The results of the LCA will be used to prepare Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), providing verified data that underscores the sustainability of Secto Design’s operations and products.
The LCA conducted by Secto Design employs tools like SimaPro and the Ecoinvent database to ensure transparent and accurate data. This thorough assessment quantifies the environmental impact of each product at every stage of its life cycle, from manufacturing to disposal. These EPDs will be independently verified and published in the EPD library later in 2024.
Plastic-Free Packaging and Waste Management
Secto Design has taken a significant step forward in its commitment to sustainability by launching its first completely plastic-free individual packaging line, starting with the Petite collection. This initiative is part of a broader effort to eliminate plastic use across all operations, reflecting the company’s dedication to reducing environmental impact. By investing in innovative packaging solutions and partnering with startups like Paptic and Woamy, which develop biodegradable alternatives to plastic, Secto Design is paving the way for more sustainable packaging practices within the industry.
In addition to its strides in packaging, Secto Design has also focused on enhancing its waste management processes. In 2023, the company conducted a comprehensive waste audit and subsequently renewed its waste management approach to systematically increase recycling and recovery rates. Goals for 2024 include achieving a 50% recycling rate and reducing the waste volume per product by 5%. The factory has seen improvements in material and operational efficiency with the installation of a new sorting line and a more efficient dust extractor, which contribute to minimizing waste and promoting a more sustainable production environment.
Ongoing Sustainability Initiatives
Sustainability is deeply embedded in Secto Design’s business strategy and operations. The company continuously seeks ways to reduce its environmental footprint, such as transitioning to 100% renewable energy and planning the installation of solar panels. Additionally, Secto Design has implemented various innovations in its production processes, such as using an electric forklift and a new sanding machine to improve energy efficiency and reduce waste.
Secto Design also emphasizes the longevity of its products. Joakim Jusélius points out:
“Secto Design lamps last from one generation to the next thanks to their timeless design and premium quality. We are pleased to now be able to disclose the life cycle of the products using verified data. Without facts, sustainability talk is just empty words”.
By grounding its sustainability efforts in verified data and transparency, Secto Design not only meets but exceeds the growing demand for environmentally responsible products. As the company continues to innovate and invest in sustainable practices, it sets a powerful example in the design and manufacturing industry.
