Corporate Social Responsibility has been elevated to a higher level by Kiremko with the introduction of its own sustainability label. Kiremko Fair Future stands for consciously dealing with the environment, and not doing things because you have to, but because it’s the right thing to do.
In May this year, the official opening of Kiremko’s new commercial premises took place. The company from Montfoort, the Netherlands, designs, produces and installs machines and complete production lines for making chips, crisps and various other potato products. “Every day we challenge ourselves to continue improving potato processing. We don’t just build new machines and production lines, but we also contribute to the success of our customers that way,” says Paul Oosterlaken, Kiremko’s manager. “Conscious entrepreneurship benefits our products and the production of our clients. With our newly constructed building we extended that, and given it a name: Kiremko Fair Future. CSR was always very important, but is now emphasised even more by our own sustainability label.”
Fair Future is, in its own words, best described as consciously dealing with the environment. Doing things because it’s the right choice, not because you have to. “By working consciously and sensibly, we save the environment and that’s good for the planet, for people and for potatoes.” He mentions more and more clients ask them to develop and produce lines that take the environment into consideration. “The manner in which we do that is also becoming increasingly important. The powers behind the production lines for the potato processing industry that we install globally, are the people that design and build them. The wellbeing of our workers is therefore of the utmost importance. That’s why we paid extra attention to the working environment so that staff can function optimally. But the personal development of our colleagues is also part of our mission, and ensures we can safeguard the future.”
More than just environmental aspects
The new construction of the premises was consciously thought up. 1,268 solar panels were installed, which is good for the environment and, according to the director, is also an excellent investment. Besides, the heat from the machines is reused, the light is reduced when it’s not needed and the air is heated with recovered energy.
Paul: “Much water and energy is needed in the potato processing industry. Reducing the use of water and energy and realising an emission reduction and heat recovery contribute to a reduction of production costs of our customers.” Fair Future, for that matter, isn’t just about the environmental aspect. “Those trading while keeping the future in mind, automatically think of the children. That’s why we think it’s no more than fair to help young people in the right direction. We sponsor local initiatives and charities, but we also sponsor many initiatives that put young people first. Kiremko introduces large groups of young people to technique to show them all the possibilities, and help them make the right choices for their education that way. That’s good for their future, but also for Kiremko’s future, because tomorrow’s colleagues are today’s children. Let's talk about a Fair Future.”
More information:
Kiremko
Paul Oosterlaken