Memorable milestones in our aim to become more sustainable as a company and as a sector: a. Signing the Accelerating Sustainability and Transparency Together manifesto with peer competitors and holding subsequent grower meetings; b. Taking the next step in making our energy supply more sustainable by having our own ‘battery container’. As an extra bonus, employees can now use the energy generated by the solar panels on the roof of Royal Lemkes in their homes. Successful introduction of the Supply Logistics project, whereby growers’ supply streams are grouped. The result is a triple-win for all parties: reduced costs, reduced CO2 emissions and greater control over operations. Creation of the Plantify Academy along with the commendable personal growth of numerous colleagues. Inauguration of the Royal Lemkes Foundation, which supports several national and international charities. Professional development of our communications, including our first annual report, our first external newsletter, Plantyfacts, and a new intranet. The Supply Chain Finance pilot, a unique digital payment platform for our suppliers. Enjoyable and valuable events, including the Royal Lemkes Family Day, Ride for the Roses, supplier meetings for growers and carriers, internal inspiration meetings (such as Sustainable Thursday) and the internal celebration of two 50th work anniversaries. “In the autumn of 2018, we will be able to look back on 10 years of successful cooperation between Royal Lemkes and IKEA. From the start, this cooperation was built on trust, openness, transparency and – last, but not least – togetherness. TOGETHER, we have implemented important tools and processes in our daily business which has created the base for a very efficient and successful cooperation. Markus Rieke Business Development Manager, Green Plants Category IKEA Purchasing Services (Germany) GmbH “Living Plants are very important for IKEA, as they are a relevant element of home furnishing and home decoration. They bring seasonality and vitality into our stores and, together with the sales of pots and vases, are a successful business in their own right.” 7
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