Month: September 2024

By using creativity and persistence, the packaging department team at Yamagata, Japan, managed to reduce their waste plastic material by 11 percent, making them an inspiration for all sites globally. And it all started with one small idea.

Boehringer Ingelheim’s Yamagata site – 400 kilometers north of Tokyo – is surrounded by beautiful nature. On her daily drive to work, Yuko Goto, who works in the Yamagata packaging department, sees both the snow-covered Mount Gassan on the horizon and the many cherry fields that the Yamagata prefecture is famous for. “I feel very close to nature here,” says Yuko, “I am happy to live and work in such a beautiful environment.”

In the packaging department, Yuko and her colleagues guarantee a steady supply of 45 different Boehringer Ingelheim products for customers and patients in Japan. Yamagata started bulk exports to regional markets like Australia and New Zealand in 2023, and Yuko’s team is also responsible for packing for export. Packaging medicines in an automatic process creates scrap waste when the margin of the plastic film is cut away. The Yamagata site currently produces 2 billion tablets a year – a process that leads to 16 tons of plastic waste material.

“I have two children, and it is important to me to pass on a better future to the
next generation” – Yuko Goto, worker at the Yamagata Packaging Department

Working close to the production line, the amount of scrap waste produced became evident to Yuko – and something she decided to change. In 2021, she submitted a proposal to re-evaluate the established production process to reduce material loss and to improve packaging efficiency. “It was just sad to see all the material scrap waste, so we had to act,” Yuko explains. At Yamagata, employees are encouraged to submit their own ideas for small “quick-win” projects. This approach, called “Kaizen”, has led to a continuous flow of proposals for improvement. “I have two children, and it is important to me to pass on a better future to the next generation,” Yuko shares.

Using our resources in a sustainable way

The approach in Japan is true for all of us at Boehringer and a great example of what we aim for. Our Leitbild states that “we feel responsible for our communities and are respectful of our resources”. Boehringer will always strive to be better: develop better therapies, enable better healthcare solutions, and contribute to a better world for future generations. This includes protecting natural resources and reducing waste. The world’s natural resources are not endless. To use them sustainably, the amount extracted needs to reflect the resources’ capacity to recuperate and regrow.

“Our societies are currently using more resources than we have,” says Anthony Matheri, Senior Manager Circular Economy at Boehringer. “According to the Global Footprint Network, by May countries like Germany or Japan have used more resources than one earth can sustainably support.“ Boehringer is aiming to do its part to reduce the global over-usage of resources. Through the global MORE GREEN program and by applying a holistic approach, we are working to reduce our environmental footprint, including in areas such as carbon emissions, energy, water, and waste.

“By bringing together our global community, we can help and inspire each other.”

– Dr. Anthony Matheri, Senior Manager Circular Economy at Boehringer Ingelheim

Circular Economy helps us to keep resources in a loop

The concept of circularity – one component of which is waste reduction – promotes moving away from a linear business model of take-make-dispose. Instead, the approach encourages a circular business model that “closes the loop”. This means keeping resources in a “circular loop” where material is recycled and reused for as long as possible, or where the use of raw material is reduced altogether. “One way that we are increasing circularity within our operations is through eco-design and green chemistry,” Anthony explains, adding “This means challenging the status quo and considering product sustainability throughout the product life cycle of the end-to-end value chain.”

That was a key learning for the Japanese team. The machine manufacturer claimed that it was impossible to change established processes. But the team did not want to give up. So instead, they started innovating on their own and found a way to reduce material loss and to improve the packaging efficiency of three blister machines. They successfully reduced the scraps for the plastic film connection by half. This resulted in a waste reduction of 100 meters of film per process order.

By re-evaluating their processes, the Yamagata team managed to shorten the width of plastic film by 2 mm, leading to another reduction of 1.8 tons of waste. This also meant the scrap waste was reduced by 11 percent.

The team managed to reduce 11 % of scrap waste through the re-evaluation of processes

“There were many challenges, but in the end, we found a way to reduce the width of the plastic film and optimize the packaging material,” Yuko says with a smile on her face. In addition to the waste reduction, the weight reduction of the packaging materials has led to unexpected benefits. For example, logistics have become more efficient and employee safety has increased, since less volume means less weight that workers need to handle when transferring goods.

Reducing plastic waste further

This project, which started as one small idea, has now snowballed to create new projects which reduce plastic waste even further. The Yamagata site is also currently consulting with the machine manufacturer to see how they can collaborate to reduce packaging scrap waste even further – or altogether. In addition, since the blister machine manufacturer has the highest market share in Japan, our initiative opens up the possibility for many other clients to implement changes as well, thus benefiting not just Boehringer, but society as a whole.

So how can a project that reduces plastic film by 2 millimeters in Japan help us decrease our environmental impact globally? “No one can be an expert in all areas,” Anthony points out, “but by bringing together our global community, we can help and inspire each other.” Key to this is building systems of knowledge exchange between different cross-functional teams around the world. In this way, we are sharing the experiences gained from local circularity projects and using them to initiate and scale up similar projects at other sites.

Anthony summarizes: “The waste reduction project in Japan has the potential to not only increase the circularity of Boehringer’s operations locally, but also inspire many more similar waste reduction projects at Boehringer sites around the globe.”

Every kilo helps, and everyone can contribute when it comes to waste reduction. “Small things can make a huge difference”, Yuko agrees and tells us about how the project has given her the confidence that she can do more for the future. “I questioned what I took for granted and realized the importance of breaking down stereotypes and continuing to challenge myself. To contribute to a big change, I learned to find small opportunities and take action.”

Plastic pollution – tiny particles with a long-lasting impact

Plastic pollution poses a critical challenge within circularity. Plastic is not biodegradable, i.e. instead of decomposing, the material breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces. These so called micro- or nano-plastics have a devastating effect on the world’s health. They enter waterways and oceans, negatively impacting the health of both humans and animals. Boehringer is working on sustainable optimization solutions for these issues in line with the work of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Their joint goal: A healthier future for humans, animals and the environment.

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Find out more about Boehringer Ingelheim’s global sustainability initiatives, ranging from creating more sustainable healthcare solutions and community engagement with impact to environmental stewardship in Imagine: our sustainability story hub.

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In the ever-evolving landscape of food safety, the journey from Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) to Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) systems and audits represents a pivotal shift towards heightened standards and rigorous expectations of customers and retailers. This transition underscores a commitment to excellence and reflects the dynamic interplay between regulatory compliance and consumer trust. The many complexities of this transformation also bring myriad benefits for companies and consumers — from bolstering food safety protocols to enhancing market competitiveness.

In this blog, we explore some of these benefits along with the challenges of transitioning from GMP to GFSI, as well as how SCS Global Services can help you achieve your food safety goals. We will also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about GFSI, such as:

What is GFSI and what does it do?What are the differences between GMP and GFSI audits?What are the advantages of GFSI certification?What are the challenges of GFSI implementation?How do I choose the right GFSI recognized audit for my business?How can I prepare my company for a successful GFSI audit?How can SCS help you with GFSI auditing, training, and consulting?

Who is GFSI and what does it do?

GFSI is a non-profit founded in 2000 by the Consumer Goods Forum, a global network of retailers and manufacturers. GFSI’s mission is to provide continuous improvement in food safety management systems to ensure confidence in the delivery of safe food to consumers worldwide.

GFSI does not conduct audits or certify food facilities. Instead, GFSI sets the benchmark for food safety standards and recognizes the schemes that meet its criteria. GFSI also facilitates the collaboration and harmonization of food safety practices across the industry and provides guidance and resources for food businesses to improve their food safety performance.

Some of the most popular GFSI-recognized schemes are:

BRCGS (Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standard)SQF (Safe Quality Food)FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification)GLOBALG.A.P. (Good Agricultural Practices)PrimusGFS (Global Food Safety)

Each scheme has its own scope, requirements, and certification process, but they all follow the GFSI benchmarking framework, which ensures a consistent and high level of food safety across the global food supply chain.

What are the differences between GMP and GFSI audits? 

GMP audits serve as the basic level of food safety audits, and they focus on the hygiene and operational conditions of a food facility. GMP audits are based on the regulatory requirements of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), depending on the type of food product. GMP audits are also conducted by state and local authorities and by third-party certification bodies, such as SCS.

GFSI audits are the advanced level of food safety audits, and they cover the entire food safety management system of a food business. GFSI audits are based on a rigorous benchmarking framework, which incorporates the Codex Alimentarius principles and the specific requirements of each scheme. GFSI audits are only conducted by accredited certification bodies, such as SCS Global Services, that are approved by the scheme owners, and that have qualified, trained auditors who understand the complexity of the products they are assessing.

Some of the main differences between GMP and GFSI audits are:

GMP audits are a great entry point to establishing food safety programs, but GFSI is more robust and already approved by customers and retailers.GMP audits are checklist-based, while GFSI audits are performance-based.GMP audits are usually announced, while GFSI audits have a mandatory, unannounced cycle.GMP audits are usually shorter than GFSI audits because GMP audits are not benchmarked to meet minimum duration requirements.GMP audits do not require food safety culture commitment, which is becoming a regulatory requirement.

What are the advantages of GFSI certification?

GFSI certification has many benefits for food businesses, such as:

Enhancing food safety and quality and reducing food safety risks and incidentsImproving customer confidence and satisfaction and increasing market access and competitivenessReducing audit duplication and complexity and saving time and moneyAligning with the best practices and standards in the industry and demonstrating leadership and commitmentSupporting continuous improvement and innovation and fostering a food safety culture

What are the challenges of GFSI implementation? 

With the increased rigor and higher standards associated with GFSI, implementation can pose some challenges for food businesses, such as:

Requiring more resources and expertise, often involving more internal stakeholders and greater responsibilityRequiring more policies and procedures, which bring more record-keeping and traceabilityRequiring more training and education plus more internal and external auditsRequiring more investment and maintenance along with more corrective and preventive actionsRequiring more time spent planning along with more change and adaptation

Although these challenges may be experienced upon initial preparation, a committed team that is knowledgeable and supportive can ease these constraints while increasing your business profitability, brand protection, and growth.

How do I choose the right GFSI scheme for my business? 

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as each GFSI scheme has its own advantages and disadvantages, and each food business has its own needs and preferences. That being said, some of the following factors can help your organization make an informed decision:

Your product category and scope plus the suitability of the scheme for your type of foodYour customer requirements and expectations and the acceptance of the scheme by your target marketsYour familiarity and experience with the scheme and the availability of the scheme resources and guidanceYour technical resources and capabilities along with the availability of the scheme auditors and certification bodiesYour cost, budget, and the return on investment of the scheme

How can I prepare my company for a GFSI audit?

Preparing for a GFSI audit can seem like a daunting task, but with commitment and diligence, it can also be a rewarding opportunity to improve your food safety performance and achieve your certification goals. Some of the steps that can help you prepare for a GFSI audit are:

Register with the scheme owner and select the certification body, such as SCS Global Services, that will conduct your audit.Download the scheme standard and checklist and conduct a gap assessment to identify your strengths and weaknesses.Develop and implement your food safety management system and document your policies and procedures.Train and educate your staff with key, required training such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and scheme standard requirements.Communicate the steps needed to ensure compliance with your management team.Conduct internal audits and mock exercises to verify and validate your food safety plan.Address any non-conformities and corrective actions in a timely manner.Review, challenge, and update your records and traceability.Confirm your audit date and scope with the Certification Body and Auditor.Prepare your facility and staff for the audit day by increasing training, interviews, and team meetings.

How can SCS help you with GFSI certification?

SCS is an international leader in third-party food safety certification, and we have over 40 years of experience and expertise in the food and agriculture industry. We offer a full range of services to help you achieve your GFSI certification. In the sections below, we walk through several of the specific services that may benefit your company.

Training and Consulting

We offer public, private, and on-demand interactive training on various topics, such as HACCP, preventive controls, food defense, food fraud, food safety culture, and specific GFSI schemes. We provide trainings in both English and Spanish to ensure competency throughout your facility.

Consulting

We also offer consulting services to help you develop, implement, and improve your food safety management system. We do this through documentation preparation, onsite gap assessments, and verification activities that ensure the audit readiness of the site and team.

Auditing and certification

We offer auditing and certification services for various GFSI-recognized schemes, such as BRCGS, SQF, GLOBALG.A.P., and PrimusGFS. We have a team of qualified and experienced auditors who can conduct your audit in a professional and objective manner. We also have a team of technical and customer service staff who can support you throughout the certification process.

Other services: We offer other services that can complement your GFSI certification, such as product claim verifications, including gluten-free, USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, as well as sustainability; standards development and strategic consulting, such as life cycle and gap assessments.

SCS Global Services looks forward to helping your organization move from GMP to GFSI. If you are interested in learning more, consider watching the replay of our webinar, “Unraveling GFSI certification – Pathway to move beyond GMP & Non-Accredited Audits.” And if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact Denise Webster, Vice President of Food Safety: dwebster@scsglobalservices.com.

There has been a lot of discussion and inquiries surrounding CSRD and how will it impact business and operations. Let us walk through some of the basics and outline immediate implications and possible anticipations for companies with business in the EU.

The main takeaway is that the context and conditions of doing business in Europe are in transition towards a sustainable economy. This policy & regulation driven transition is all centered around integrating ESG (environmental, social and governance) criteria into business operations. Commonly predicted effects of this integration are:

Stakeholders will have access to more detailed and comparable ESG information.Verification of non-financial ESG information will be like for financial reporting.The conditions for acquiring investments and loans will be more attractive for sustainable activities.

History of the EU Green Deal

The first commitments made by the international community to reduce GHG emissions were in the Kyoto Protocol in force since 2005. In Europe, the EU Green Deal was adopted in early 2020 with the goal of being the first climate-neutral continent transforming the EU into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy, ensuring:

net zero emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050economic growth decoupled from resource useno person and no place left behind

This became the framework for a range of directives and regulations to deliver the EU Green Deal ultimate goal: a sustainable economy.

The Green Deal is complex. Its elements are launched over a period of several years. The elements are based on best available knowledge, and therefor subject to change. Constant additions, negotiations and changes will be part of the deal. It will be essential to understand the basic implications, requirements and timelines set forth. For both EU companies and companies outside the EU with EU business dependencies.

Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) – An Introduction

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is bringing together, in a more cohesive and comparable framework, much of the data and technical EHS reporting that your company should already be tracking. It is an update of the Non-Financial Disclosure Regulation- NFDR, aligning it with other regulations and standards, like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).

It will not be a one-size-fits-all. Understanding through ‘double’ materiality assessment of what matters most to your business is the key. ‘Double’ means to be about the material impact of your business activities on the environment and society, and how sustainability issues are impacting your business. Within the CSRD framework, the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) provide a standardized format for reporting about material topics and sub-topics.

CSRD – Timelines and Structure

Based on the status of deployment of the Green deal in January 2024, multinationals will begin reporting in 2025 based on FY2024; large enterprises in 2026 based on FY2025; and publicly listed SMEs in 2027 based on FY2026 (with an opt out option to 2028). As the definitions and criteria for these groups are subject to changes, please refer to official EU sources for the actual details.

ESRS and new concepts for sustainability reporting 

The European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) contains the criteria for reporting, based on the double materiality assessment for each company to decide which elements to include in their own reporting. There will be mandatory third-party verification audits. Data would eventually be XBRL tagged (digital tag) for easier comparable searches online.

The ESRSs require understanding of material risks and opportunities in the full value chain. For example, in the case of an apparel company, with the circumstances surrounding the sourcing of materials for clothing in Vietnam from another company in your supply chain are of material concern. Expanding materiality across the value chain brings about a larger data requirement for companies, requiring engagement upstream, even when those businesses outside of the EU.

New to CSRD is the inclusion of “nature” as a silent stakeholder to be considered in assessments and reporting. Companies should consider the implications of how operations are impacting nature or creating a more sustainable path.

Moving Forward

Companies will need to start evaluating their current data and gaps to CSRD and understand reporting timelines and requirements needed. This policy & regulation driven transition is all centered around integrating ESG (environmental, social and governance) criteria into business operations in order to disclose non-financial information about material sustainability impacts of a company’s business. CSRD is part of a coherent set of elements of the EU Green Deal. All of these elements are designed to work in harmony to create transition to a climate neutral and sustainable economy in the EU and beyond.

Our global network of Associates can support your sustainability reporting including CSRD.

Inogen Alliance is a global network made up of dozens of independent local businesses and over 6,000 consultants around the world who can help make your project a success. Our Associates collaborate closely to serve multinational corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, and we share knowledge and industry experience to provide the highest quality service to our clients. If you want to learn more about how you can work with Inogen Alliance, you can explore our Associates or Contact Us. Watch for more News & Blog updates here and follow us on LinkedIn

Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library

Tell us a little bit about the both of you and what you currently do at GoDaddy?

Renee Deines serves as the Manager of Care Incentives, affectionately known as ‘Dr. Fun,’ within the Incentives and Recognition Team at GoDaddy. With over eleven years of experience at the company, she plays a pivotal role in developing contests, recognition programs, events, and fostering a vibrant company culture.

Lanie Moser, on the other hand, is the Director of Employee Relations. As part of a dedicated team, she specializes in employee engagement, performance management, and navigating employee relations, including policy interpretation and addressing policy violations. Lanie has been with GoDaddy for twelve years, now!

Outside of work, you have a party equipment rental business. Would you mind sharing more about it and how it came to be?

Throughout their time at GoDaddy, Lanie and Renee have cultivated a strong friendship, bonded by shared experiences such as navigating IVF journeys and welcoming children within a close timeframe. Their conversations often revolved around their entrepreneurial aspirations and the dream of launching their own businesses. This dream took shape when they decided to partner in creating Queen Creek Soft Play. They are firm believers in the power of manifestation. Just a month after their decision, they officially launched their business and were thrilled to receive booking requests almost immediately.

Outside of work, Lanie and Renee embarked on an exciting venture in the events and entertainment industry. Initially unsure of which specific direction to take, they were confident in their ability to succeed no matter the path. During their exploration, Lanie stumbled upon a remarkable opportunity: the previous business she had used for her daughter’s birthday was up for sale, complete with all its equipment!

Recognizing the potential, Lanie and Renee arranged to meet with the business owners, negotiated a deal, and successfully purchased the entire operation. Over the course of just one month, they transformed their vision into reality. They diligently moved all the equipment, developed a professional website, established an email account, opened a business bank account, and meticulously cleaned each piece of equipment.

To enhance their brand, they partnered with a talented marketing company for logo design and website content, and hired a professional photographer to capture stunning product images. Throughout this whirlwind of activity, they managed to balance their responsibilities at GoDaddy while also being present for their families, showcasing their dedication and entrepreneurial spirit.

What advice would you give to others who are looking to start a side hustle while working full-time?

If you’re considering starting a side hustle while juggling a full-time job, Lanie and Renee have some valuable advice to share. First and foremost, leverage your network. Tap into the strengths and insights of those around you, and don’t hesitate to accept help when it’s offered. Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it also takes a village to build and grow a successful business!

Make the most of the resources available at GoDaddy. Beyond the exceptional products, there’s a wealth of knowledge and expertise within the community. From building and troubleshooting to engaging with our Employee Resource Group, GoDaddy Entrepreneurs in Tech, that offers learning opportunities and coaching, the support network at GoDaddy is vast and has played a crucial role in Lanie and Renee’s success. Remember, everyone at GoDaddy embodies an entrepreneurial spirit and will be cheering you on!

Lastly, embrace the power of positive self-talk. Lanie and Renee live by the mantra, “What you talk about, you bring about.” Share your visions of success, articulate your goals, and discuss your aspirations for the future—whether that’s one year, five years, or ten years down the line. Manifest the reality of becoming the business owner you aspire to be, and watch as those dreams begin to materialize. Lanie and Renee are thrilled to have launched Queen Creek Soft Play and are grateful to share their journey with their GoDaddy colleagues, having spoken their vision into existence together.

Are you enjoying this series and want to know more about life at GoDaddy? Check out our GoDaddy Life social pages! Follow us to meet our team, learn more about our culture (Teams, ERGs, Locations), careers, and so much more. You’re more than just your day job, so come propel your career with us.

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