Innovation

Danby's multifaceted waste reduction initiatives are centred around the Remanufactured Program, which utilizes reverse logistics, to reroute damaged products in distribution and retail stages, back to Danby production plants, where they can be refurbished or recycled; thereby maximizing the lifespan of resources in the supply chain. This initiative works in tandem with other green supply chain management practices that aim to reduce the company's carbon footprint while maximizing the use of bio-degradable packaging; demonstrating the comprehensive nature of steps taken to ensure optimized sustainability throughout every step of the manufacturing process. 

Their waste reduction projects are fueled by human capacity-building initiatives, which set high standards for employee and partner working conditions, creating environments conducive to human flourishing. One piece of this is their ridged supplier code of conduct, which includes a zero-tolerance policy for unsafe working conditions or child labour among Danby’s suppliers and partners. Furthermore, they invest in capacity-building via their refugee program, which creates opportunities for individuals facing undo hardship to resettle and integrate effectively; providing sponsored refugees with employment opportunities within Danby. 

Together, these sustainability and CSR-focused initiatives create the necessary inputs for a holistic inter-organizational, human-centred, circular economy innovation; by creating socially beneficial working conditions that aid in the perpetuation of environmentally conscious business practices. 

Inspiration

Danby President and CEO, Jim Estill acquired the company in 2017, however, this was not his first time running an established multinational organization. After graduating from the University of Waterloo in 1980, Estill pursued his passion for technology by buying and selling small electronics. This eventually evolved into his first business venture, EMJ Data Systems, later purchased by Synnex in 2004, where Estill grew the company to achieve $2 billion in sales, during his final year as CEO in 2009. After his departure from Synnex, Estill found himself in a moral conundrum. He had achieved great monetary success but did not feel satisfied that his work was done. This motivated him to look for a renewed sense of purpose in his work, concluding that he “needed to make more money so [that he] could do more good”. 

While Estill has always valued environmental sustainability and social justice, he utilized philanthropy and corporate social responsibility as a means of individual fulfillment and self-actualization. What started as a simple donations budget, eventually evolved into some of Danby’s most significant examples of CSR integration, including their refugee program. In terms of their environmentally vested innovations, Estill acknowledges that for the sake of the triple bottom line, businesses have to be willing to “accept a longer pay-out” while investing in organizational innovations that support a sustainable future. He follows the principle that meaningful change is derived from the sum of small changes businesses can enact as opposed to one-off grand gestures, which are often synonymous with greenwashing. 

Ultimately, Estill believes that participating in genuine acts of goodwill produces “unintended [positive] consequences”, that keep employees, customers, and shareholders satisfied, contributing to organizational flourishing.

Overall impact

8 Decent Work and Economic Growth:

Danby’s care for the communities and the environment comes with several advantages. On the one hand, the company facilitates a supportive and stable work environment filled with committed employees who can communicate their values. On the other hand, their sustainability and efficiency initiatives attract conscious customers.

9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure:

The company’s transparency drives positive impacts both externally and internally. Adopting incremental changes, avoiding greenwashing, ethical supply chain practices, supporting environmental compliances and constant auditing, both internally and by third parties, makes Danby stand out as an excellent example among industry players.

10 Reduced Inequalities:

During various global refugee crises, Danby Appliances strives to support those in need. Their sponsorship programs, some of which are still in force today, helped more than 50 families to settle, find employment in Canada and even offer themselves jobs to refugees. Danby strongly emphasizes diversity, inclusion and equal payment at their workplace. These factors not only brought about a good reputation but also social welfare, a growing number of employees, outside support for the company and a committed, loyal workforce.

12 Responsible Consumption and Production:

The interview with Jim Estill, President and CEO of Danby Appliances revealed that the company dedicates R&D capacities to projects focused on energy efficiency, for example, their most recent project which hopes to develop energy compressors, which are 50% more efficient than the market standard. Their use of recycled packaging reduces waste and their overall carbon footprint. Additionally, by repairing faulty or damaged products, the refurbishment centres prevent appliances from ending up in landfills. Another one of their responsible consumption and production efforts is the Circle Home Furniture Bank, which provides resources to reduce waste in the community by collecting and redistributing home goods to families in need, oftentimes outfitting full homes.

Business benefit

Looking at what impacts these initiatives have on Danby Appliances, it can be said that by contributing to the well-being of communities and welfare, the company achieved positive recognition by the public and secured a committed bunch of employees. Their furniture bank program not only supported refugee, but also relieved the burden of their employees, who would otherwise throw these items away. Thus, the overall effect is the workers’ satisfaction by providing them the opportunity to recycle. Additionally, in an environment in which workers are appreciated, employees can better communicate the core values of the company.

Considering the environmental actions, such as recycled packaging, conscious budgeting of innovations and refurbishment centres, they allowed the company to be more efficient, and reduce waste and overall ecological footprint. Besides, repairing damaged products still ensures the company a stream of revenue. Regular auditing ensures that the company meets legal requirements and mitigates the number of actions that would otherwise deteriorate customer’s trust.

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Social and environmental benefit

Environmental benefits

As highlighted above, the company dedicated significant R&D efforts to develop its products. Such products - like the highly efficient compressor – cut down on emissions and carbon footprints by decreasing commercial and household consumption. By recycling their packaging and repairing faulty products, Danby works against harming the nature and damaging our ecosystems by lowering wastes and plastics associated with single-use packaging and items. In conclusion, the company strives to achieve efficiency, minimize the wastes and the environmental impact when it comes to manufacturing their appliances.

Social benefits

From a societal perspective, Danby Appliances has left significant positive impacts. Donations and sponsorship programs, whether for hospitals, refugees, earthquake survivors or women’s shelter, the company helped people in settling down in a new country, rebuilding communities and supplied the underprivileged with furniture and appliances. The diversity and inclusion initiatives helped Danby to facilitate a work environment where employees feel equally valued.

Interview

Jim Estill, President and CEO