Where others see waste, we see raw materials
Even the most modern production processes generate some degree of waste. That’s why waste management is seen as an environmental protection issue at edding, forming part of the edding value chain. At edding, waste products are seen as valuable raw materials.
In a closed-loop injection-moulding process, any sprue (leftover plastic) is returned immediately to the production process. Reuse of other plastic residues is also optimised.
In total, since 2015 83% of the plastic parts of the permanent, whiteboard and flipchart markers in the edding EcoLine range have been made up of post-consumer material, a recyclate, which is derived from “waste after usage”. This is plastic waste that comes from collected and returned, disused plastic components of all different types. Recyclate is produced following a multi-stage treatment process and can be used for the production of new products, including edding markers.
In total, 90% of the plastic parts of the edding EcoLine permanent, whiteboard and flipchart markers are made up of recycled material (83% post-consumer material and 7% pre-consumer material).
When it comes to plastics, packaging and inks, it goes without saying that we also separate and recycle waste, reuse as much as we can and dispose of it properly. But we don’t just think about recycling in production. Rubbish in our offices is also carefully separated and properly disposed of.
Responsible innovation
Our “Research and Development” (R&D) team is responsible for the initial and ongoing development of edding’s products, as well as for the necessary tests which all of our products undergo prior to series production. Among other things, products are tested for durability, storage, light resistance and writing.
Little by little, we are seeking to replace the conventional plastic material used in our standard products with secondary raw materials, where this is possible in products or product components.
We are specifically working on replacing the primary materials used in the manufacture of refill bottles. Key sustainability issues do not just affect the plastic components of our products, but more specifically the inks, where there are particular requirements in terms of quality. The inks need to work on a wide range of surfaces, have high brilliance of colour, be permanent or wipeable – and all of this with as few substances as possible, whilst being non-toxic. The solvents used are predominantly water (approx. 41%) and alcohol (approx. 36%). The remaining 23% or so of solvents are used for speciality inks and vary depending on customer requirements, or requirements concerning durability and the application surface.
Post-consumer recycling
For edding’s EcoLine products, we already make use of sustainable raw materials in the form of bioplastics and recycled materials. We have gained valuable experience in the use of these substances during the development of these products. This provides a sound basis for a gradual expansion in the use of alternative materials, especially post-consumer recycled materials.
At edding, it’s traditional to refill
Along with the manufacturing of our products, we specifically focus on processes that extend their operating life and allow them to be disposed of appropriately. Our top priority is refillable markers, as this enables us to significantly increase the lifespan of these products. The first approach to this is the “drop dispenser”, where the marker is unscrewed and the ink dropped into it. This method enables quick refilling and immediate reuse.
Refilling using a capillary system is a user-friendly innovation. The nib of the marker is placed in a refill bottle and soaks up the ink until full – a simple and highly efficient system. Approximately 70% of the markers that we offer are refillable, with replacement nibs available for approximately 25%.
edding EcoLine
Awarded for excellence!
On 13 November 2017, the Green Brands Germany award was presented by international brand marketing organisation GREEN BRANDS to a total of 38 different brands. This was the second time the edding EcoLine range was honoured as a “green brand”. Our Green Brands seal of quality now also bears one star. The award recognises ecologically sustainable brands that reflect people’s increasing awareness of the need to be more sustainable, protect the environment and lead a healthy lifestyle. Green Brands recognises a brand’s commitment to climate protection, sustainability and environmental responsibility.
The edding 24 EcoLine highlighter
Anyone trying to find new ways of looking after the environment will often find that the solutions come from nature itself. Here at edding, we’ve worked hard to develop the most eco-friendly product in its category. The result is our edding 24 EcoLine highlighter series, made predominantly from renewable resources such as sugar cane. We’ve been rewarded for our efforts as we have now been awarded the Blue Angel ecolabel – a first for highlighters everywhere!
edding 24 EcoLine highlighter
- Highlighter for the luminous marking and highlighting of text passages and notes on almost all paper surfaces
- Awarded the "Blue Angel" eco-label
- At least 90% of the cap and barrel are made from renewable resources
edding 22 EcoLine permanent marker
- Permanent marker for marking and labelling almost all materials, e.g. paper, cardboard, metal, plastic and glass
- At least 90% of the total plastic used in the marker is made from recycled material (83% post-consumer)
- The chisel nib has a stroke width of 1-5 mm
edding 32 EcoLine flipchart marker
- Flipchart marker specially designed for writing and marking on flipchart paper, presentation paper / cards and other paper sheets
- At least 90% of the total plastic used in the marker is made from recycled material (83% post-consumer)
- The chisel nib has a stroke width of 1-5 mm
edding 28 EcoLine whiteboard marker
- Whiteboard marker for writing and marking on whiteboards
- At least 90% of the total plastic used in the marker is made from recycled material (83% post-consumer)
- The writing is dry-wipeable from virtually all non-porous surfaces such as enamel and melamine
