By Sarah Spencer – CEO Saito Labels & Tags
Our Commitment to Real Sustainability
Introduction
At SAITO, “sustainable” is more than a buzzword or a marketing gimmick—it’s a fundamental commitment to creating a better future. Our approach is grounded in tangible actions that yield real benefits for our community, environment, and clients. From our state-of-the-art solar-powered factory to innovative waste reduction strategies, we are dedicated to making a positive impact.
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- Solar-Powered Operations SAITO is proud to be New Zealand’s only solar-powered label factory. By harnessing the power of the sun, we significantly reduce our carbon footprint and energy costs, preventing 30 tonnes of carbon emissions in just six months. This commitment to renewable energy is a cornerstone of our sustainability strategy.
- Water Harvesting In our efforts to be self-sustaining, we harvest rainwater for use in our operations. This not only reduces our reliance on municipal water supplies but also promotes responsible water management.
- Low-Carbon Steel The steel used in our factory construction has the smallest carbon footprint available, producing 47% less carbon than traditional alternatives. This choice underscores our commitment to minimizing environmental impact from the ground up.
- Innovative Building Materials Our walls are constructed with Saveboard, an innovative material developed by a fellow New Zealand company. By diverting 15,000kg of waste from landfills, Saveboard replaces traditional plasterboard and exemplifies our dedication to sustainable building practices.
- Advanced Air Quality We have installed a pure air system that treats for pathogens, ensuring a safe and clean environment for our employees and clients, particularly those in healthcare and food production.
- Enhanced Building Materials Our factory features an optical composite that is 30% clearer, one-third lighter, and 40 times stronger than glass, providing superior thermal and acoustic properties. This material choice contributes to the overall efficiency and sustainability of our facility.
Private Ownership with Global Impact
In a sector dominated by global conglomerates, SAITO stands out with its focused expertise in working labels and tags. Our deep equipment knowledge and robust supplier relationships enable us to provide high-performing, cost-effective solutions tailored to industrial and commercial applications.
Strategic Partnerships and Innovation
SAITO’s strategic partnerships allow us to innovate and introduce specialized products that address specific market needs. Our collaborations have led to the creation of print-on-demand asset labels, long-term repositionable warehouse labels, and unique voice-encrypted labels. These innovations not only enhance operational efficiency but also contribute to sustainability by reducing waste and improving traceability.
Community Impact and Employee Well-being
Our investment in a sustainable factory has also yielded significant benefits for our employees. The enhanced work environment has enabled staff to achieve a better work-life balance, with some even becoming homeowners. By fostering a supportive and sustainable workplace, we contribute to the well-being of our community.
Conclusion
At SAITO, sustainability is a tangible commitment to making tomorrow better than today. Our innovative factory in Kerepehi stands as a testament to our approach to business—grounded in real actions and measurable outcomes. From solar power and water harvesting to low-carbon materials and advanced air quality systems, our dedication to sustainability is visible, quantifiable, and delivers both environmental benefits and cost savings to our customers. For more information on our sustainable practices and how we can help your business achieve its sustainability goals, reach out to SAITO Labels today.
Key Highlights
- Solar-powered operations reducing 30 tonnes of carbon emissions in six months.
- Water harvesting for self-sustainability.
- Low-carbon steel with 47% less carbon footprint.
- Saveboard walls diverting 15,000kg of waste from landfills.
- Advanced air quality systems for pathogen treatment.
- Innovative optical composite providing superior properties.