Nanlite Integrates Sustainability into All Facets of Its Operations
Jun 6th 2024
We're thrilled to publicly announce that Nanlite and Nanlux have incorporated proactive environmental practices into everything we do, from how we design and build our products, to how we support and repair them in the United States. This isn't the kind of thing an organization can do overnight. We've been hard at work at this for years, and we're excited to finally share it with you. This is our statement:
Position Statement on Sustainability for Nanlite USA, MAC Group, and Nanguang China
As a responsible organization committed to sustainable practices, we affirm our dedication to minimizing our environmental impact and promoting the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants. By integrating sustainability principles into all facets of our operations, we aim to contribute positively to the world around us.
Our approach to sustainability is rooted in the following principles:
1. Environmental Stewardship: We recognize the finite nature of our planet's resources and are committed to conserving energy, water, and other natural resources in the manufacturing and distribution of Nanlite and Nanlux products. Through efficient use and responsible management, we seek to minimize waste and pollution.
2. Social Responsibility: We value the welfare of communities and strive to foster inclusivity and diversity in all aspects of our work. We support fair labor practices, human rights, and ethical sourcing to ensure a positive impact on the lives of people globally.
3. Economic Viability: We believe that sustainability and profitability can coexist harmoniously by investing in sustainable practices and innovative technologies.
4. Collaboration and Innovation: We recognize that addressing complex sustainability challenges requires collective action and continuous innovation. We are committed to a collaboration between Nanlite USA, MAC Group, and Nanguang China to drive positive change and foster a culture of learning and improvement.
5. Transparency and Accountability: We are dedicated to upholding high standards of transparency and accountability in our sustainability efforts. Through regular reporting we seek to build trust and demonstrate our commitment to responsible practices.
In aligning our actions with these principles, we strive to be a catalyst for positive change and a model of sustainable business practices. By embracing sustainability as a core value, we aim to inspire others to join us in safeguarding our planet for future generations.
Sustainability at the Nanlite Factory
Nanguang, the company that created Nanlite and Nanlux, has been making products for video production, film making, and photography for over 30 years. Our singular focus is lighting equipment for creatives. We pay enormous attention to ecological protection throughout our manufacturing process. The vast majority of our products are made in our own factory, we control the entire operation, and this is how we can implement sustainable practices.
We've made a series of measures to reduce the environmental impact of our products:
- We use environmentally friendly materials certified by RoHS, such as circuit boards and aluminum sheets, as well as FSC-certified paperboards.
- We substituted some paints with color powder to reduce emissions from the source and strengthen the control of unorganized emissions.
- We promote material recycling initiatives: The 4 key metals and 10 plastics and packaging materials currently used in our products are recyclable.
- We are dedicated to reducing the proportion of plastic in our packaging materials.
- We leverage the sustainability of recycled resources and actively invest in the development of new energy.
Nanguang currently has rooftop solar panel systems installed on 4 of its buildings. Since these systems were put into operation in August 2023, the average monthly power generation has exceeded 100,000 KW, achieving 40% renewable electricity self-sufficiency.
We plan to expand the use of solar energy, and we're committed to exploring new possibilities to increase the proportion of renewable energy with the goal of reducing carbon emissions.
We have increased our VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) pollution control efforts to improve air quality by reducing total emissions. Through technical upgrades, our overall VOC emission index has reached 2.56t/a. By introducing more efficient waste gas treatment equipment, such as water spray and activated carbon absorption, we have further increased our gas treatment efficiency to over 80%.
The equipment has passed preliminary acceptance and is currently operating normally. There are two waste gas emission outlets registered and approved by the local environmental protection department at our buildings. We regularly entrust a third party to test the concentration at the waste gas inlets and outlets, and all results meet the standards.
More ways the Nanlite factory is improving sustainability:
- Investment in Environmental Governance and Protection: We actively engage in environmental protection and governance activities, with a total investment exceeding $45,000 in 2023.
- Building a Cleaner Production Workshop: We voluntarily applied for the Guangdong Province Cleaner Production Audit Project, which was approved by the local environmental department in June 2022.
- Reducing Carbon Emissions: We regularly inspect waste gas treatment equipment to ensure proper operation and we focus on strengthening the management of VOC raw and auxiliary materials and products to prevent leakage during storage and transportation.
- Management of Solid Waste: The solid waste generated during production is sorted and collected by the sanitation department, and hazardous waste such as paint residue, activated carbon, and organic solvents will be handled by qualified hazardous waste disposal companies.
- Construction Project Environmental Impact: We fully consider the impact on the surrounding environment when expanding and we prepare environmental impact reports in accordance with legal requirements. We propose reliable control measures and governance strategies for pollution sources generated during production to minimize the environmental impact of our operations.
- Reduce & Recycle: We post reminders for water and electricity conservation in public areas, we encourage all employees to conserve electricity, paper and water, emphasizing the importance of every watt, sheet, and drop, separate bins for general waste and recyclable material are placed in all public areas, clearly labeled.
We will continue to uphold the concept of sustainable development, continually seeking innovation and improvement. We aim to provide more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly products to our customers, further promoting green production and sustainable development. Our goal is to strike a balance between economic growth, societal progress, and environmental protection.
Nanlite USA & MAC Group Sustainability Policies and Procedures
In today's rapidly changing world, where climate change and environmental degradation are pressing issues, MAC Group and Nanlite USA recognize the importance of incorporating environmental considerations into our business practices. We are continuing the commitment Nanguang China has made to environmental sustainability in the following ways:
- Extended warranty
- Utilizing returned products for parts
- Proper disposal of waste material
Extended Warranty
Our 2-year warranty with the extension to 3-years upon registering online contributes to our sustainability efforts by:
- Lengthening product lifespan: By extending the warranty coverage, consumers are more likely to repair their products instead of disposing of them when they encounter problems. This reduces the amount of electronic waste that ends up in landfills, contributing positively to environmental sustainability.
- Encouraging responsible consumption: Knowing that their products are covered by an extended warranty, consumers are more likely to take good care of them and consider repair options instead of simply replacing them. This mindset promotes responsible consumption and reduces the overall environmental impact of consumer goods.
- Reduced manufacturing demand: If more people can keep their products working for a longer period through extended warranties, there will be less demand for new products. This can lead to a decrease in the extraction of raw materials, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of new products, contributing to environmental sustainability.
Overall, extended warranties can play a role in promoting a circular economy and reducing the environmental impact of consumer goods.
Utilizing Returned Products
MAC Group and Nanlite USA maintain a robust repair and customer service department. All non-repairable returns are stripped of all usable parts to enhance sustainability. This practice not only helps us reduce waste and lower costs but also contributes to a more sustainable business.
When a customer returns a product due to defects or malfunctions, these items are often sent back to the manufacturer or immediately disposed of. We however choose to break them down and salvage usable components or parts. By repurposing these parts, we reduce the need for new materials, thus lowering their environmental impact.
One key advantage of using returned products for parts is the reduction of waste. Rather than sending entire products to landfills or incinerators, we extract valuable components that can be used in the repair or manufacturing of new products. This not only minimizes the amount of waste generated but also helps conserve resources by extending the lifespan of usable parts.
In addition to waste reduction, utilizing returned products for parts also leads to cost savings. By reusing components from returned items, we have lowered our production costs by reducing the need to purchase and ship new materials. This has resulted in improved profitability and competitiveness, as well as potential consumer savings through more affordable products.
"...we affirm our dedication to minimizing our environmental impact and promoting the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants."
By reusing components from returned items, we have minimized waste, lower costs, and improved our overall sustainability practices. Embracing this approach not only benefits our company but also contributes to a more environmentally responsible and resource-efficient economy.
Proper Waste Disposal
Mac Group and Nanlite USA have engaged All Green Services LLC to remove and recycle all of our electronic and toxic waste in an environmentally proper way.
Proper disposal of electronic and toxic waste by a company can have a positive impact on the environment in several ways:
Preventing Pollution: Electronic and toxic waste contain materials that can harm the environment and human health if not disposed of properly. By managing these waste streams responsibly, we can prevent pollutants from seeping into soil and water sources, reducing the risk of contamination.
Minimizing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: When electronic waste is incinerated or disposed of in landfills, it can release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. Proper disposal methods, such as recycling and treatment, can help reduce these emissions.
Resource Conservation: Electronics often contain valuable materials that can be recovered and reused, reducing the need for mining and extraction of new resources. By recycling electronic waste, companies can help conserve natural resources and decrease the overall environmental footprint of their operations.
Legal Compliance: Many countries and states have strict regulations governing the disposal of electronic and toxic waste to protect the environment and public health. By complying with these regulations, we can avoid potential fines and legal penalties while also demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.
Overall, proper disposal of electronic and toxic waste by MAC Group and Nanlite USA helps to minimize environmental impact, preserve natural resources, and protect the health of communities and ecosystems.
At Nanlite, we're committed to helping you realize your creative visions by making high-quality products that were built to last, yet are affordable and within reach. We're also fully committed to sustainable business practices and will continue to improve as much as possible in this regard. From all of us at Nanlite USA, MAC Group, and Nanguang China, we would sincerely like to thank you for choosing Nanlite and Nanlux.
Icon graphics by Mees Groothuis
Connected green circles graphic by Gerd Altmann