I think this is a very interesting topic. Just reading the posts here shows how many people have actually thought about it.
It is hard to believe, but in some parts of the world environmental awareness still needs to be raised and brought even more to the forefront than it already is. One of the knife concepts I submitted for the Re imagine project focused on raising awareness of environmental concerns. I will post the text for that below.
I think Victorinox could benefit from highlighting sustainability within its product line, at least to a certain degree. Much like the need for bladeless knives has been embraced, it would not be a replacement, just an evolution that can exist alongside the traditional lineup.
There is usually a cost associated with producing anything sustainably, so I imagine balancing that cost is the challenging part. This is not a non profit organization, it is a private company after all. Seeing the new distribution centre recently and seeing firsthand how a modern operation can evolve in ways I had not properly considered was very eye opening.
I had a few questions.
- Are there any bottlenecks you see now that you want to focus on?
- Would you say the modern Distribution Centre is the largest step forward in sustainability within the company in the last 10 years, or is there something else that should also be considered?
- While combining many different locations into one, like the Distribution Centre, must have a huge impact, does the proximity to the factory still create challenges? Everything the factory needs has to be transported from the Distribution Centre, while everything the factory produces must return there. I do not know what kind of physical volume that represents, but it must involve several trucks making that trip. An electric rail connection between the two would likely be one of the best environmental options, but prohibitively expensive. What about electric transport trucks? Is that something being considered?
- Environmentally friendly packaging is one of the most obvious ways a company can show it is addressing the issue. Is there anything new on the horizon that you can share regarding that?
- Do you use AI resources to help identify areas of greatest concern when it comes to sustainability?
- Do you mainly apply common modern sustainable business practices that are found in other global companies, or are you developing specific proprietary practices that require more manpower and development resources? That could become a significant cost if not carefully managed. Could you give some examples of ones specifically developed inhouse?
My Re-imagine design:
Mount Robson
Plus scales made from pieces of recycled discarded Victorinox plastic of all different colours shredded and remolded into new scales.
Needing an EDC knife that was compact but very capable to handle tough tasks around a farm. A serrated blade is very important in many peoples day to day life. Some people also prefer a straight blade. Combine the two. I would like to submit a knife based on the companion with a 60% serrated blade like those found on the Mt Rainier, Matterhorn and Mt McKinley years ago. Also change the nail file to a small blade, the cork screw is replaced with the Philips screwdriver, the package hook now receives one with a nail file like the one on the Compact. This would also have plus scales. Is it possible to recycle discarded, damaged cellidor scales by grinding them up and remolding them into scales with random pieces different Victorinox colours. Every scale would be different. The scales would represent Victorinox's commitment to the environment. The environment is represented by the name Mount Robson while also paying homage to the other historical 91mm models that had the 60% serrated main blade. I'm including a picture of Mount Robson in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Specifications
- Tools: 60% serrated main blade, standard small blade, scissors, box opener/cap lifter layer. Package hook with file, Philips screwdriver. reamer with sewing eye.
- Materials: Plus scales made from pieces of recycled discarded Victorinox plastic of all different colours shredded and remolded into new scales.
- Dimensions: 91.00mm × 17.00mm × 0.00mm
- Weight: 86.00g
