Tayo Abdulrazak
Case Western Reserve University - Weatherhead School of Management
Chris Laszlo
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Over the last six years, Buckeye Business Products has adapted may sustainable initiatives in order to grow, develop, and have a meaningful impact on society. The company has invested in many sustainable practices such as the use of their ETI Converting Equipment, which has led to a significant environmental and social impact in the community.
During the interview with the Vice President of Buckeye Business Products, Robert Turnbull, he mentioned that “the biggest impact our company can have is by reducing our energy imprint.” Since 2010, the company has successfully reduced its energy consumption by about 40%. Their innovations include remodeling the electrical distribution lines of the factory, installing more windows, and investing in new machinery that is more energy efficient.
Buckeye Business Products produces Thermal Transfer Labels which have high-bond adhesives that are used for shipping, packaging, warehousing, receiving, and work-in-progress and inventory management. A key innovation is the ETI Converting Equipment, which has allowed the company to integrate all of its manufacturing processes into one step. This has led to effectively decreasing its energy consumption, lowering emissions during manufacture, and cutting the time it takes to manufacture its products.
Normally, there are several steps in the process of manufacturing the Thermal Transfer Labels, such as coating and die cutting. This requires different machines to complete each task. The ETI Converting Equipment allows the company to convert its original raw materials to the end product of finished labels in one process by using just one machine. The decreased energy consumption has allowed Buckeye Business Products to become more efficient in their daily activities while aiding them in their goal of reducing their energy imprint.
In 2010, Buckeye Business Products knew that to keep up with the ever growing manufacturing industry they needed to make a change in their business practices and do it in a systematic way. They put great emphasis on aligning everything they did with the company’s values. The organization slowly began to work on improving the efficiency of their operations, enabling them to retain their competitive edge. Buckeye Business Products wanted to go in a direction that encompassed sustainable initiatives while generating profit and creating a positive impact in the community they work in.
The executives decided to invest in the ETI Converting Equipment. This made for a more sustainable practice by increasing efficiency and cutting the cost of manufacturing their Thermal Transfer Labels. But cutting costs was not the only motive. The company’s executives wanted to make sure that it would bring about a social and environmental benefit.
Since Buckeye Business Products began to use the ETI Converting Equipment, the company has grown tremendously and has incorporated their sustainable practices into developing the community. The ETI Converting Equipment has made manufacturing easier for the employees because it cuts out the intricacy of each step. This has allowed for other aspects of the business to run smoothly. It has cut manufacturing and energy costs, increased profits, and reduced energy consumption. Buckeye Business Products prides itself on adhering to the company’s mission and values while making a substantial social and environmental impact in their community.
The use of the ETI Converting Equipment and other energy reduction initiatives has helped Buckeye Business Products retain and increase wealth around the business. By cutting energy costs by about 40%, the company is able to generate a larger profit. They are then able to use this increased profit to expand, buy more equipment, and reach more consumers. Since 2010, Buckeye Business Products has seen a significant increase in their sales, about 5-fold. This increase in sales is partially attributed to increased efficiency with the ETI Converting Equipment.
Through its energy saving initiatives, Buckeye Business Products has been able reduce the cost of their manufacturing activities, which has allowed them to make a significant impact in their community. By cutting down on costs this has allowed the company to grow about 5-fold since 2010, enabling it to double its hiring and create more jobs for the community. Mr. Turnbull said, “the company is very invested in being in the community,” which it has shown through its hiring process that empowers individuals and generates wealth for the community.
Buckeye Business Products' innovative investment in the ETI Converting Equipment aligns with the UN Global Goal of “Responsible Consumption and Production.” One subgoal is that companies integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle. Buckeye Business Products has adopted a sustainable production practice though the use of their ETI Converting Equipment. Its manufacturing process now uses less energy as well as generates less emissions which contributes to a significant environmental benefit.
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Buckeye Business Products is a family owned manufacturing company located in Cleveland, Ohio, that creates high quality labels and ribbons. Since 1896 they have been the leading manufacturer of thermal labels and have become increasingly innovative in the manufacturing and office supply industry. The company is constantly finding new ways to adapt in the ever changing industry as well as to continue to provide quality products and service to their consumers. Buckeye Business Products is focused on producing high quality, low priced goods for their customers while creating a positive impact in the community.
