Sustainability - for the only world we have
Sustainability in the ecological and social sense is an integral part of our business - for years firmly anchored in our strategy.
We act responsibly along the entire value chain. From seeds to customers.
We create transparency and focus on long-term, strong partnerships and joint solutions.
For people and the environment - for the only world we have!
Sourcing guidelines
When sourcing its goods, RMB aims to take not only economic but also social, ethical and environmental aspects into account.
RMB’s business partners must guarantee their employees sufficient wages, provide decent working conditions and have a social ethical certification.
No raw materials associated with destruction of rainforests or loss of biodiversity are used.
Packaging must involve the use of as little material as possible, generating a minimum of waste and, in the best case, be ecologically degradable.
Energy and Environment
We work diligently with all resources and strive to improve continuously. At our production site in Brunnen we have been CO2 neutral for many years.
Careful handling of food is very important to us, following the principle of "avoiding is better than recycling and disposal".
- Food which can not be sold anymore is passed on free of charge to "Tischlein deck dich".
- Byproducts from the ricemill, such as grinding dust or broken rice, are used for animal feed.
- Waste is consistently separated and recycled.
Action – not words
Milestones
2017
Replacement of the Foldingboxes to Foodboard. This new cardboard prevents the migration of mineral oils, is recyclable and therefore environmental-friendly.
2015
About 1.8 mio. Fairtrade consumer packs has been produced in 2015.
More than 3'500 farmers are now active in our projects in India and Thailand.
2014
Reismühle Brunnen’s basmati rice is becoming ever more popular. Not just because of the Fairtrade and organic label, but also because of the excellent taste, independent experts now confirm. In future, Reismühle will be allowed to place the Bio Suisse gourmet bud label on its basmati rice.
2011
Installation of a solar panel system covering an area of 870m2 and with a capacity of over 100,000 Kwh p.a. (to be fed into the public grid from 4 October 2011)
Launch of a sustainability project for rice production in India and Thailand focusing on combating poverty (fairtrade), organic cultivation, biodiversity, reduction of greenhouse gases and water management in the primary sector
2010
Strategy revised with sustainability anchored in the mission statement and strategy
2008
Conversion of lighting systems to movement sensor control
2005
Obtained ISO 14001 environmental certification
2004
Voluntary agreement with the Business Energy Agency (EnAW), an independent energy consultant
Launch of the third fairtrade rice product from India in a pilot project
2003
Installation of system to recover heat from air compressors
Launch of the second fairtrade rice product from Thailand
World’s first rice mill with a social and ethical SA 8000 certificate
2002
Expansion of electric storage heaters and conversion to heating from heat pumps
Launch of the first fairtrade rice product from Thailand
1997
Introduction of the first organic rice variety
1995
Purchase of new energy-efficient engines
1987
Heating converted from oil to electric storage heaters