Sicomin- GreenPoxy 56

GreenPoxy 56 is the epoxy resin with the highest bio-content available on the market. It is limited in terms of its use with very specific applications, but has all the advantages of an epoxy resin in terms of its mechanical properties. It is fast hardening for quick cycles.

GRV’s View:

This is a great example for a functional match between technical properties and a more sustainable performance. Providing surfers and snowboarders with boards that match their core value is a great goal.

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GRV Transparency ToolGreenPoxy 56

 

2020

Management
Commitment
Product

Brand Management

  • Sicomin has worked with Bureau VERITAS to adhere to their ‘Carbon Footprint Program’
  • The Sicomin factory is solvent free
  • Since Sicomin creates fluid epoxy and hardeners, there is no waste. All chemical raw materials are mixed in house without any additional chemical reaction
  • Sicomin is researching the recyclability of epoxy resins for the future

Brand Commitment

  • Sicomin has reached the second level of the Footprint Progress® by Bureau VERITAS which means their product and eco-innovation has been checked and certified for eco-design
  • The bio-based product line makes up 30% of their portfolio, but represents over 50% of their production inventory
  • Sicomin is taking part in a EU funded project for developing bio-based composites for the railway industry with epoxy, flax and linen
  • In terms of environmental engagement, Sicomin is focused on bringing more bio-based raw materials into their portfolio. They are working on a product line which will be 100% bio-based

Product

  • GreenPoxy 56 is the epoxy resin with the highest bio-content available on the market
  • All raw materials are sourced in Europe
  • The bio-based content is USDA certified, ensuring that its ingredients are really are from biological resources
  • Brand Management
  • Brand Commitment
  • Product

GRV takes a holistic approach to brand management. We take into consideration all pertinent topics and issues, which are in direct control of the brand. GRV analyzes how the brand utilize their management in business and in their supply chain.   GRV adopte une approche globale du management de la marque. Nous prenons en compte tous les aspects pertinents de la conception à la production des produits, qui sont sous le contrôle direct de la marque. Dans son évaluation, GRV analyse plus particulièrement le niveau de maitrise de la chaîne d’approvisionnement.

When determining ‘Brand Commitment’, GRV looks at the pro-active efforts of a brand is making towards sustainability. For example, the percentage of sustainable product lines within the entire portfolio, or the life cycle assessments and public reporting. We look for key indicators of a brand’s engagement towards responsibility. Lors de la détermination de l’engagement de la marque, GRV examine les efforts proactifs d’une marque en faveur du développement durable. Par exemple, le pourcentage de lignes de produits durables dans l’ensemble du portefeuille, ou les analyses du cycle de vie et les rapports publics. Nous recherchons des indicateurs clés de l’engagement d’une marque envers la responsabilité.

On this level GRV is looking at product related information, such as material content, supply chain and certification. Warranty, reparability and “end of use” advice are also important aspects. At the moment, GRV is looking at selected highlight products from different product lines, which show the special sustainable efforts of the brand.

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  • Integration of Sustainability

    At Sicomin, the drive towards a more sustainable product definitely comes from the top management. The owner holds 100% of the company shares and has made ...more

    At Sicomin, the drive towards a more sustainable product definitely comes from the top management. The owner holds 100% of the company shares and has made it a priority to switch towards renewable resources as fast as possible.

    Chez Sicomin, la volonté de créer un produit plus durable vient sans aucun doute de la direction de l’entreprise. Le propriétaire détient 100 % des actions de la société et s’est fixé comme priorité de s’orienter le plus rapidement possible vers les ressources renouvelables.

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  • Certifications, Standards and Guidelines

    Sicomin has worked with Bureau VERITAS to adhere to the ‘Carbon Footprint Program’, a global factory inspection based on the ISO 14000 series. Sicomin is not ...more

    Sicomin has worked with Bureau VERITAS to adhere to the ‘Carbon Footprint Program’, a global factory inspection based on the ISO 14000 series. Sicomin is not yet 14001 certified but is striving to gain this certification. Sicomin has also reached the Gold Level of Sustainable Surf, a US based non-profit checking the environmental credentials of surf brands. This check involves laboratory tests and an extensive questionnaire and audit.

    Sicomin a travaillé avec le Bureau Veritas pour adhérer au ” Carbon Footprint Program”, une inspection mondiale des usines basée sur la norme ISO 14000. Sicomin n’est pas encore certifiée 14001 mais s’efforce d’obtenir cette certification.

    Sicomin a également atteint le niveau « Gold Level » chez Sustainable Surf, une organisation à but non lucratif basée aux États-Unis qui vérifie les performances environnementales des marques de surf. Cette vérification comprend des tests en laboratoire ainsi qu’un questionnaire et un audit approfondi.

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  • Social and Environmental Responsibility

    In terms of environmental engagement, Sicomin’s focus is definitely geared towards bringing more bio-based raw materials into their portfolio. They are working on a ...more

    In terms of environmental engagement, Sicomin’s focus is definitely geared towards bringing more bio-based raw materials into their portfolio. They are working on a product line which will be 100% bio-based. On the social welfare side, the number one hazard is the toxicity of epoxy chemistry. Since the factory is in France, there is a very high standard of safe working practices.

    Epoxy is a chemical product, which needs to be handled according to health and safety regulations. This has to be taken into account not only for the workers, but also for the clients. The Sicomin factory is solvent free. Solvents can be aggressive and can contaminate air and water easily when not handled with care.

    En termes d’engagement environnemental, l’objectif de Sicomin est clairement d’utiliser davantage de matières premières d’origine biologique dans son catalogue de produits. L’entreprise travaille sur une ligne de produits qui sera à 100% d’origine biologique.

    Sur le plan social, le danger numéro un est la toxicité de la chimie des résines époxy.

    L’usine étant située en France, le niveau des obligations sociales est très élevé. L’époxy est un produit chimique, qui doit être manipulé conformément aux règles de santé et de sécurité. Cela doit être pris en compte non seulement pour les travailleurs, mais aussi pour les clients.

    L’usine de Sicomin est exempte de solvants. Les solvants peuvent être agressifs et peuvent facilement contaminer l’air et l’eau s’ils ne sont pas manipulés avec précaution.

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  • Sourcing Strategy

    Sicomin is a supplier of raw material for anything related to boat equipment, surfboards, snowboards and skis, bike frames, and other hard goods such as ...more

    Sicomin is a supplier of raw material for anything related to boat equipment, surfboards, snowboards and skis, bike frames, and other hard goods such as from the automotive industry. So it is therefore part of the second tier from a brands point of view. All raw materials are sourced in Europe, which means a high degree of health, safety and environmental standards are already in place.

    Chemistry is a field of activity which is under a high level of scrutiny in relation to the EU law, governed by Safety Data Sheets, which are in turn updated on a regular basis and classified using CMR qualifications. Sicomin tries to avoid all substances determined to be ‘critical’ by the CMR classification. Some are impossible to avoid, however, making up about 20% of all chemicals used at Sicomin. The purchase team is strongly advised to limit or even eliminate those critical ingredients wherever possible.

    Sicomin est un fournisseur de matières premières pour tout ce qui concerne l’équipement des bateaux, les planches de surf, les planches à neige et les skis, les cadres de vélo, les autres biens durables, l’automobile, l’industrie, etc. et fait donc partie du deuxième niveau du point de vue des marques.

    Toutes les matières premières proviennent d’Europe. Cela signifie qu’un niveau élevé de normes en matière de santé, de sécurité et d’environnement est en place.

    La chimie est un domaine d’activité qui fait l’objet d’un examen approfondi par rapport au droit communautaire, régi par des fiches de données de sécurité, qui sont à leur tour régulièrement mises à jour et classées selon les qualifications CMR.

    Sicomin s’efforce d’éviter toutes les substances jugées “critiques” par la classification CMR. Certaines sont cependant impossibles à éviter, et représentent environ 20 % de tous les produits chimiques utilisés par Sicomin. Il est fortement conseillé à l’équipe d’achat de limiter, voire d’éliminer ces ingrédients critiques chaque fois que cela est possible.

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  • Testing

    Lab tests are done in house and field-testing of final end-consumer products is done with the end consumer brands. Les tests en laboratoire sont effectué...more

    Lab tests are done in house and field-testing of final end-consumer products is done with the end consumer brands.

    Les tests en laboratoire sont effectués en interne et les tests sur le terrain des produits de consommation finale sont effectués avec des marques de consommateurs finaux.

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  • Emission Management

    Since Sicomin creates fluid epoxy and hardeners, there is no waste. All chemical raw materials are mixed in house without any additional chemical reactions taking ...more

    Since Sicomin creates fluid epoxy and hardeners, there is no waste. All chemical raw materials are mixed in house without any additional chemical reactions taking place. All chemical factories are controlled by outside organizations to ensure no contamination of the surrounding environment.

    In 2010 Sicomin built a state of the art factory with water, air and soil protection measures in place. Every unit has a ventilation system with filters. Sicomin is a solvents free factory, cleaning is done using water not chemical products and then treated before being sent into the sewage system, so there is no chemical contamination of the outside world.

    Comme Sicomin crée de l’époxy fluide et des durcisseurs, il n’y a pas de gaspillage. Toutes les matières premières chimiques sont mélangées en interne sans aucune réaction chimique supplémentaire.

    Toutes les usines chimiques sont contrôlées par des organismes extérieurs afin de garantir l’absence de contamination du milieu environnant. En 2010, Sicomin a construit une usine à la pointe de la technologie, avec une protection de l’eau, de l’air et du sol. Chaque unité dispose d’un système de ventilation avec filtres.

    L’eau nécessaire au nettoyage des équipements de production est traitée et renvoyée à la canalisation. Il n’y a pas de contamination chimique du monde extérieur.

    Sicomin est une usine sans solvants, seule l’eau est utilisée pour le nettoyage.

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  • Product Transport Strategy

    All raw materials are sourced in Europe and transported mainly by truck and train. This translates to fairly short transportation distances and relatively low CO2 ...more

    All raw materials are sourced in Europe and transported mainly by truck and train. This translates to fairly short transportation distances and relatively low CO2 emissions. Within Europe product is delivered by truck, and outside of Europe it is shipped to its destination.

    Toutes les matières premières proviennent d’Europe et sont transportées principalement par camion et par train. Cela se traduit par des distances de transport assez courtes et des émissions de CO2 relativement faibles. En Europe la livraison se fait par camion, et expédié pour le reste du monde.

     

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  • End of Use

    When it comes to bigger products such as surfboards, snowboards, etc, most people keep them as souvenirs. For the smaller products with no emotional attachment, ...more

    When it comes to bigger products such as surfboards, snowboards, etc, most people keep them as souvenirs. For the smaller products with no emotional attachment, Sicomin is trying to find possibilities for recyclability and even biodegradability. This is one of their projects for the future.

    Lorsqu’il s’agit de produits plus volumineux tels que les planches de surf, les snowboards, etc., la plupart des gens les gardent comme souvenirs. Pour les produits plus petits sans attachement émotionnel, Sicomin essaie de trouver des possibilités de recyclabilité et même de biodégradabilité. C’est l’un de leurs projets d’avenir.

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  • Life Cycle Assessment

    LCA is part of the certification process with Bureau Veritas on the Carbon Footprint Program. In Sicomin’s case this is a study between standard ...more

    LCA is part of the certification process with Bureau Veritas on the Carbon Footprint Program. In Sicomin’s case this is a study between standard Epoxy and bio-based Epoxy.

    According to this assessment, Carbon Footprint of Sicomin’s bio-based systems is on the average 40% less than a Petroleum based system. Human Toxicity impact of SR GreenPoxy resin systems is 3 times less on the average than SR 1280 resin system.

    L’ACV fait partie du processus de certification « Carbon Footprint Program » du Bureau Verita. Dans le cas de Sicomin, il s’agit d’une étude entre l’époxy standard et l’époxy biosourcé.

    Selon cette évaluation, l’empreinte carbone de Sicomin des systèmes biosourcés est en moyenne 40% inférieure à celle d’un système pétrolier. L’impact sur la toxicité humaine des systèmes de résine SR GreenPoxy est 3 fois inférieur en moyenne à celui du système de résine SR 1280.

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  • Reporting

    Bureau VERITAS does not presently publish the progress of Sicomin but they have developed a new certification and new level of “eco conception”, the Footprint ...more

    Bureau VERITAS does not presently publish the progress of Sicomin but they have developed a new certification and new level of “eco conception”, the Footprint Progress© Certification. The Footprint Progress© is a result driven certification that enables companies to inform their customers about their products’ environmental impact throughout the product life cycle.

    Its purpose is to prove to the consumer, with a visible logo, that the product has limited environmental impact. Sicomin has reached the second level (the first level being a commitment to eco design), which means their product and eco-innovation has been checked and certified for eco-design.

    Le Bureau VERITAS ne publie pas actuellement de rapport sur l’évolution de Sicomin mais ils ont développé une nouvelle certification et un nouveau niveau d ‘«éco conception», la Certification Footprint Progress ©. La Footprint Progress © est une certification axée sur les résultats qui permet aux entreprises d’informer leurs clients sur l’impact environnemental de leurs produits tout au long du cycle de vie du produit.

    Son but est de prouver au consommateur, avec un logo visible, que le produit a un impact environnemental limité. Sicomin a atteint le deuxième niveau (le premier niveau étant un engagement en faveur de l’éco-conception), ce qui signifie que son produit et son éco-innovation ont été contrôlés et certifiés pour l’éco-conception.

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  • Brand's definition and share of environmentally friendlier products

    Sicomin defines their most environmentally friendly products as their bio-based product line which makes up 30% of their portfolio, but which represents over 50% of production inventory. ...more

    Sicomin defines their most environmentally friendly products as their bio-based product line which makes up 30% of their portfolio, but which represents over 50% of production inventory. The other 60% of their formulations are crude oil based.

    Chez Sicomin, les produits les plus respectueux de l’environnement sont réunis dans la gamme des produits biosourcés qui représente 30% de l’offre produit, mais qui représente plus de 50% de la production de l’entreprise. Les 60% restants de leurs formulations sont à base de pétrole brut.

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  • Brand's definition and share of more socially responsible products

    As a company producing chemicals in the EU, the social responsibility concerns mostly pertain to protection of human and environmental health in production and intended ...more

    As a company producing chemicals in the EU, the social responsibility concerns mostly pertain to protection of human and environmental health in production and intended use. At Sicomin this results in limiting the use of hazardous chemicals as much as possible and providing sufficient protection and information for Staff and end consumers. They are also a “solvent free factory”, which is one key way to ensure safety for humans and nature.

    En tant qu’entreprise produisant des produits chimiques dans l’UE, les préoccupations au niveau de la responsabilité sociale concernent principalement la protection de la santé humaine et environnementale dans la production et l’utilisation des produits. Chez Sicomin, cela a pour effet de limiter autant que possible l’utilisation de produits chimiques dangereux et d’offrir une protection et des informations suffisantes au personnel et aux consommateurs finaux. Il s’agit également d’une «usine sans solvants», un moyen essentiel d’assurer la sécurité des humains et de la nature.

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  • Innovation

    Sicomin are leading the bio-based movement in epoxy resins and are investing considerable resources into providing 100% bio-based products. Sicomin est un leader dans la production ...more

    Sicomin are leading the bio-based movement in epoxy resins and are investing considerable resources into providing 100% bio-based products.

    Sicomin est un leader dans la production des résines époxy biosourcé et investit des ressources considérables dans la fourniture de produits 100% biosourcés.

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  • Progress

    When we, GRV, ask about progress, we ask the brands specifically about topics which they would like to work on during the next year. Short ...more

    When we, GRV, ask about progress, we ask the brands specifically about topics which they would like to work on during the next year.

    1. Short term: provide a product which is 100% bio-based
    2. Medium to long term: work on efficient recyclability and research the options regarding biodegradability / or in terms of biodegradability
    3. Getting bigger players, such as theautomobile industry, involved in using bio-based epoxy resins

    Lorsque nous, GRV, nous interrogeons sur les marques sur leurs innovations, nous le interrogeons spécifiquement sur les sujets sur lesquels elles aimeraient travailler au cours de l’année suivant.

    1. Court terme: proposer un produit 100% bio
    2. Moyen à long terme: travailler sur une recyclabilité efficace et rechercher les options en matière de biodégradabilité / ou en termes de biodégradabilité
    3. Impliquer des acteurs plus importants, tels que l’industrie automobile, dans l’utilisation de résines époxy biosourcées
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  • Stakeholder Initiatives

    Sicomin takes part in a EU funded project for developing bio-based (flax and linen) technology for the railway industry. Sicomin participe à un projet financé par ...more

    Sicomin takes part in a EU funded project for developing bio-based (flax and linen) technology for the railway industry.

    Sicomin participe à un projet financé par l’UE pour le développement d’une technologie biosourcée (lin et lin) pour l’industrie ferroviaire.

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  • Contribution to Common Welfare

    The resin industry is mainly based on polyester, which is a cheaper but less durable ingredient compared to epoxy. By using epoxy or even better, ...more

    The resin industry is mainly based on polyester, which is a cheaper but less durable ingredient compared to epoxy. By using epoxy or even better, bio-based epoxy, Sicomin contributes to common welfare by supplying ingredients which are long lasting with many favorable mechanical properties. Longevity is one of the most important and often overlooked drivers for greater sustainability.

    L’industrie de la résine est principalement basée sur le polyester, qui est un ingrédient moins cher mais moins durable que l’époxy. En utilisant de l’époxy ou, mieux encore, de l’époxy biosourcé, Sicomin contribue au bien-être commun en fournissant des ingrédients durables avec de nombreuses propriétés mécaniques favorables. La longévité est l’un des facteurs les plus importants et souvent négligés d’une plus grande durabilité.

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  • Traceability

    All raw materials are sourced in Europe. This means a high degree of health and safety and environmental standards are assured. But since chemistry is ...more

    All raw materials are sourced in Europe. This means a high degree of health and safety and environmental standards are assured. But since chemistry is a global industry with big players they only allow limited transparency towards their sourcing. Some smaller suppliers are more transparent.

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  • Supply Chain

    The ingredients for this product, which has the highest bio content on the market, come from the EU.

  • Certification

    The bio-based content is USDA certified, ensuring that its ingredients are really are from biological resources.

  • Materials

    The bio-based material varies according to availability and usability. Because those formulas are intellectual property, therefore protected, the detailed ingredient list of all used materials ...more

    The bio-based material varies according to availability and usability. Because those formulas are intellectual property, therefore protected, the detailed ingredient list of all used materials is not made available to the public.

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  • Environmental and Social Management

    Chemistry is a field of activity which is under a high level of scrutiny in relation to EU law, and is governed by Safety Data ...more

    Chemistry is a field of activity which is under a high level of scrutiny in relation to EU law, and is governed by Safety Data Sheets, which are in turn updated on a regular basis and classified using CMR qualifications.
    Sicomin tries to avoid all substances determined to be ‘critical’ by the CMR classification. Some are impossible to avoid, however, making up about 20% of all chemicals used at Sicomin. The purchase team is strongly advised to limit or even eliminate those critical ingredients wherever possible.

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  • Animal Welfare

    There is no animal content in the formulas, nor is any animal testing used.

  • Product Transportation

    All ingredients are delivered by train and truck, not by air-freight which has the biggest environmental impact in terms of carbon footprint. Most products are ...more

    All ingredients are delivered by train and truck, not by air-freight which has the biggest environmental impact in terms of carbon footprint.
    Most products are ordered a long time in advance and are easy to plan for, limiting the need for air-freight delivery of time sensitive products. This is valid for the sourcing as well as the delivery of the finished Sicomin product.
    Most Sicomin customers are based in the EU, the products are sent 90% by truck and 10% by train. Within Europe product is delivered by truck, and outside of Europe it is shipped to its destination.

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  • Product Packaging

    The global standard set up for chemicals is to use plastic containers of 1m3 or smaller metallic drums, which are reused and circulated. The product ...more

    The global standard set up for chemicals is to use plastic containers of 1m3 or smaller metallic drums, which are reused and circulated.
    The product is packed in recyclable PEHD cans. Sicomin pays additional taxes for the waste treatment. End customers must drop off the empty cans in a designated place. The canisters could be recycled, but due to the lack of necessary chemicals to clean the them, the empty cans are mostly burned in an incinerator plant.

     

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  • End of life

    When it comes to bigger products such as surfboards, snowboards, etc, most people keep them as souvenirs. For the smaller products with no emotional attachment, ...more

    When it comes to bigger products such as surfboards, snowboards, etc, most people keep them as souvenirs. For the smaller products with no emotional attachment, Sicomin is trying to find possibilities for recyclability and even biodegradability. This is one of their projects for the future.

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Founded in France in 1946 Sicomin has been producing epoxy resins since 1983 Sicomin is a 2nd generation family-owned business, with the 3rd generation on their way. Focus: chemistry, epoxy formulation and production. Sicomin has 55 employees.

Fondée en France en 1946, elle produit des résines époxy depuis 1983. Sicomin est une entreprise familiale de la deuxième génération, et la troisième génération s’apprête à prendre le relais. Spécialité : chimie, formulation et production d’époxy. L’entreprise compte 55 employés.