Environment
It is our philosophy to maintain a high quality and to protect the environment. As a modern and environmental company, following the environmental trends is a natural part of the everyday life in the nursery. We continuously assess the possibilities for improving the various processes of the company.
We have already installed biological sand filters, which allow us to purify water that has been used for fertilising, and the water is recycled without discharge into the surrounding environment.
The nursery also has a rainwater tank with a capacity of approx. 9,000 m
3, which makes it self-sufficient. Rainwater without sodium and chloride is also the best for Kalanchoë.
The nursery has been certified according to the acknowledged environmental certification body for the floriculture sector
MPS (Milieu Programma Sierteelt). This means that we have to make environmental reports of the chemicals, fertilising substances, waste substances and energy used at the nursery. MPS documents our influence on the environment using a scale from A to C, where A is the highest level. Knud Jepsen a/s intends to stay in the best MPS category and to improve on a continuous basis.
Download certificate. The nursery is also implementing
ISO 14001, and in the nearest future the establishment of
MPS-GAP (Good Agricultural Practise) will commence. We expect these two systems to be implemented and certified by the end of 2005.
Biological Control
The environment is a natural part of Knud Jepsen a/s, and therefore it also comes natural to apply biological methods to control pests.
Kalanchoë is a delicate plant, which barely tolerates the use of pesticides. Therefore, the use of biological control to combat pests and plant diseases was an obvious choice, and we use beneficial animals every week to control any pests in the production. This protects the plants and the employees working in the greenhouses.
However, biological control cannot solve every problem. To prevent the spreading of disease it has become general practice that the employees adhere to principles of good hygiene and cleanliness at work.
Quality Management
In order for Knud Jepsen a/s to meet the expectations of the customers and the environmental requirements of the stakeholders, it is necessary for us to control the growing process down to the last detail.
Every treatment and observation is recorded in culture analyses. These weekly files are important documentation, which enable us to constantly improve quality.
This means that we quickly become aware of any deviation from the optimal condition during the daily culture control, and permanent changes are subsequently implemented in our production tool.
The production methods are continuously optimised on the basis of the experiences, which are added the growing initiatives.
Working Environment
Had it not been for our skilful employees, Knud Jepsen a/s would not be able to produce Kalanchoë of such a high quality and deliver such fine financial results. Skilful and satisfied employees are the most important assets of the company. Therefore, the health of our employees is highly prioritised, and we try to improve job satisfaction, health and safety for our employees on an ongoing basis.
Among other successful initiatives, we can mention the fully automatic container loader, which has been set up in the packing area to relieve the employees' lifting of plant trays. We have also improved the lay-out of working areas in the stock plants department and implemented height-adjustable tables, so our employees can adjust the working height when pinching back cuttings.
Our employees participate actively in the whole process. Every month we hold a meeting for the employees, where all employees can contribute with suggestions for improvements.
The working environment is also an integrated part of the company's continuous work with ISO 14001 and the future MPS-GAP, which is expected to be implemented and certified by the end of 2005.
As evidence of the company's commitment, the Danish Working Environment Service has classified Knud Jepsen a/s as a "Level 1 Company" (the highest ranking). In order to obtain Level 1 status from the Danish Working Environment Service, the company should have undertaken initiatives beyond the legal requirements and constantly focus on ergonomics, mental and physical conditions and improvements of technical aids.
Environment policy
Environmental Policy for Knud Jepsen a/s
Environment policy will be published together with our annual accounts. Healthy Environment for Flowers and People.
New Environmental Management System in the Company
We are working at designing an environmental management system capable of complying with the requirements laid down in DS/EN-ISO 14001. This involves a range of new measures in the company.
In the production of Kalanchoë Queen, we naturally comply with all requirements by the authorities. This means among other things that we:
· Pollute to the least possible extent
· Minimise the consumption of energy
· Use all methods of treatment that are optimal and based on an
environmentally desirable and financial point of view
· Take measures so as not to expose nature to undersirable environmental
effects
Ongoing Improvements of the Environment
We are highly attentive to environmental developments and assess the prospects of currently improving the various processes in the company. In future we will co-operate with suppliers who can deliver raw-materials, products, and services that are always environmentally secure.
In addition we participate in the recognised environmental registration system MPS (Milieu Project Sierteelt) that documents the company´s environmental effects.
Better Environment for Our Employees and Company
Our employees undertake co-responsibility for the enhancement of the environment. They are involved directly in our environmental work. Further education and training ensure that their knowledge and sense of responsibility are being strengthened. An enhanced environment also means improved security and health for the employees.
Open Dialogue on the Environment
In Knud Jepsen a/s we wish to have an open dialogue with all interested parties. At the same time we do not want to annoy our neighbours. Therefore we prepare a report every other year on the environmental conditions af the company. This environmental
