“We prioritize local production, even in a highly competitive and technological fields as ours.”
On the occasion of the International Zero Waste Day, we asked Christophe, head of production service at Skiply, his point of view on the subject.
Manon: Christophe, can you explain to us how and where the devices are made?
Christophe: “All plastic casings are manufactured either in Roquemaure in the Gard department for Smilio A, or in the Savoy region for Smilio S and Ubiqod Key. The electronic cards are made in Savoie and Haute-Savoie. The only things we have produced outside France are the modules and electronic components that are on our cards. Everything else is produced within a maximum radius of 80 to 100 kilometers, whether it is casings, supports, posters or stands. All our products are assembled in Savoie. We prioritize local production, even in a highly competitive and technological field as ours. I believe that this is important for customers who have a desire to be environmentally conscious.”
Manon: What actions have you implemented in production to minimize your environmental impact in a zero waste perspective?
Christophe: The plastic cases we receive from our clients who ended their contract are recycled as much as possible and reused in the production process. Some will even be offered for sale again under the “refurbished” label, depending on their general condition. This is also true for the supports: we take back the supports that go with the cases and, when it is possible, we re-inject them in the future productions. Here too we try to have the least negative impact possible.
Manon: What about the cases that you do not reuse, how does it work?
Christophe: No case is thrown away. We store them until the volume is sufficient to send them for recycling. We are constantly looking for companies that have real expertise in this field.
Manon: Are you aware of any other action implemented at Skiply to reduce wastes and/or carbon footprint?
Christophe: For all the cardboard wastes, we call upon a small company called Yaka Velo once or twice a month. They come to collect our unusable cardboards using electric bikes. So, we do not throw away our cardboard waste in the yellow bins, we systematically try to use a clean zero waste solution.
Manon: Was moving the offices also an environmental measure?
Christophe: Yes, of course. Before we were in Chatelard, isolated in the mountains, and there was less opportunity to take the train. Even if the initial idea was noble (to revitalize rural areas), the fact that we relocated in Aix-Les-Bains allowed us to reduce our carbon footprint, in terms of travel. Moreover, more and more employees try to take the train to come to work or carpool.
Manon: Finally, do you think that Skiply is a company committed to the environment ?
Christophe : Yes, we certainly do our best. An interesting data : since February, 2019, I have spent €2241.15 on the purchasing of supplies for 2000 packages and 22 tons of shipments, which is very little. The cardboards boxes and pallets that we receive from our suppliers are systematically reused. The last order of cardboards was placed in October or November, and was about specific box sizes. I only use these boxes occasionally, so I have a stock that I think is still valid for at least another 6 months.
Thank you Christophe for sharing your experience !
