CRADLE TO CRADLE

 

First environmentally friendly cradle to cradle toilet paper
Van Houtum is the first and only company in the world to manufacture 100% biologically degradable toilet paper: Satino Black. It is the true and only CO2-neutral toilet paper based on 100% recycled paper and a environmental friendly production process, yet still as soft and white as traditional toilet paper. The paper is awarded the FSC-recycled label and the European Eco-label.

Prize winning communication



Van Houtum has chosen consciously for outstanding communication about Satino Black. The Satino Black packaging had been awarded with a Red Dot award, one of the most prestigious international design competitions. Satino Black has its own, explicit website where you will find all information.





Production process
In the production process of hygienic paper various chemicals are used during the production process to ensure, on the one hand, that the process runs smoothly, and on the other hand, to give the paper specific properties. In 2.5 years Van Houtum has changed from harmfull chemicals to biologically degradable, harmless materials.
heeft in 2,5 jaar tijd alle schadelijke chemicaliën vervangen voor biologisch afbreekbare, niet-schadelijke  grond- en hulpstoffen. This achievement has been rewarded with a Cradle to Cradle certificate from the American organisation MBDC. This is the organisation of Michael Braungart and William McDonough, the founders of Cradle to Cradle (C2C). The core principle of this philosophy is 'waste is food'. The Cradle to Cradle philosophy means that the raw materials of products are endlessly reused or biologically degraded and returned to the environment. This will prevent the depletion of natural reserves, wastage and pollution from spiralling out of control.

The continual improvement of its environmental performances over the years has led to Van Houtum's CO2 emissions, water and energy usage being among the lowest in the world for this sector. While standard coal and gas fired power stations achieve an energy yield of about 50-60%, Van Houtum is able to achieve an energy yield of more than 80% with its own heat and power station. The electricity and heat generated are used efficiently during the production process. Any water required is kept in the closed loop as long as possible, ensuring that the company's water usage is way below the branch average. Chemicals needed in the production of paper are replaced by biologically degradable additives so that no harmful substances can be left behind in the environment (Cradle to Cradle). Waste substances produced during the recycling process (short paper fibres, chalk, etc.) are supplied as raw materials to a nearby cardboard factory, where the cardboard boxes used to package Satino Black paper are made.

Cradle to Cradle Charter Organization
Van Houtum has been awarded as Cradle to Cradle Charter organization in October 2010 during a festive event because of its 75 year anniversary.
Managing Director Henk van Houtum and Cradle to Cradle founder Michael Braungart signed the Charter. About a dozen companies worldwide are entitled to use the name “Cradle to Cradle Charter Organization”. This is a recognition of organizations which implement C2C design principles and practice in their products, services, operations and organizational change efforts. The C2C Charter includes a framework that indicates where the company will be ten years from now.