Kartoflex Arbo Trophy 2023 Awarded to Saica Flex

The Kartoflex Arbo Trophy 2023 has been won by Saica Flex Netherlands B.V. in Etten-Leur. According to the jury, Saica Flex has achieved a remarkable performance in the field of an integrated approach to safety and serves as an example for the industry.

Kartoflex, the industry association for carton and flexible packaging, presented the Kartoflex Arbo Trophy for the sixth time on April 13th in Nijkerk. The prize – now highly coveted – is a reward for companies that have achieved a high level of safety and a demonstrable improvement or cultural change in the field of industry-specific safety risks.

Richard Weijers, QSHE Manager of Saica Flex Netherlands B.V. (winner of the Kartoflex Arbo Trophy 2023)

Saica Flex sets an example for the industry. 

The jury's decision to award the Trophy to Saica Flex is based on the improvements they have demonstrated in recent years, both in terms of technology and behavior. Making a cultural shift with 200 people is complicated. Having a well-functioning LTT program (Log out Tag out Try out) and more than 2 accident-free years is a significant achievement. They systematically conduct OOG (Observation Unconscious Behavior) rounds, which identify new risks and opportunities.Within Saica Flex, there is a high level of safety awareness with a dedicated safety team continuously working to promote safety and health within the factory. 

The safety team is led by QHSE Manager Richard Weijers and HSE Employee Daphne van Meijgaarden. LTT has been expertly implemented within the company and successfully carried out. Actually going through/applying the steps involved in LTT requires a lot of knowledge, structure, and discipline. Saica Flex does this correctly, which is a remarkable achievement. Those who have witnessed it are impressed by what has been achieved under the leadership of Richard Weijers. The Trophy is awarded to Saica Flex as a reward for surpassing themselves and as an incentive to continue in the same vein. What they have achieved sets an example in the industry, and Saica Flex deserves the Kartoflex Arbo Trophy 2023!

Safety and a pleasant working environment take precedence. 

Richard Weijers, QSHE manager of Saica Flex, stated, "Over the past two years, we have worked hard to make our company safer. Everyone has contributed, from management to the shop floor. This Arbo trophy is a huge recognition of everyone's efforts. It's not luck; it's hard work. It's working together.

Safe working is a shared responsibility

The two other nominated companies, Acket Drukkerij Kartonnage B.V. in Oss and Wipak Produktie B.V. in Sittard, received a special certificate with a very honorable mention.

From left to right: Roger Janssen, Managing Director of Wipak Produktie B.V. (nominee), Richard Weijers, QSHE Manager of Saica Flex Netherlands B.V. (winner of Arbo Trophy 2023), Kartoflex Chairman Bauke van der Molen Kuipers, and Jelmer Lukassen, QSHE Manager of Acket Drukkerij Kartonnage B.V. (nominee).

The jury commends Acket for its practical pursuit of a high level of safety. The nomination is based on the work carried out at Acket regarding the folding/gluing machine. It is noteworthy how multiple folding/gluing machines have been equipped with approach protection. When the folding/gluing machine is approached too closely, the speed is first adjusted (yellow zone) and then brought to a standstill (red zone). Clear markings on the floor are present. Those involved have been extensively involved in thinking about and implementing improvements and have considered what is important to them. This means that on one hand, they experience less strain, and on the other hand, moving parts are better secured, all with a solution fully supported by the people themselves. This approach at Acket deserves high praise.

According to the jury, what makes Wipak special is the very high level of safety awareness throughout the organization. Continuous improvement (Safety Blue Cross) and the 5S program (orderliness and tidiness and sorting and arranging of materials) are central within the organization. Safety observations are carried out. This involves every employee periodically conducting rounds, even in areas outside their own. The actions resulting from these observations must then be effectively implemented. At Wipak, there is a Safety Cross, which means that the days of the month are prominently displayed and whether or not a safety incident has occurred is indicated. Wipak has maintained a high level of safety for an extended period, and this is a significant accomplishment.

About Royal Kartoflex

Kartoflex is the employers' association of Dutch manufacturers of cartons and flexible packaging. Kartoflex represents the interests of its members in various areas, including collective labor agreements, occupational safety and health, pensions, training, environment, and food safety. As an entrepreneurial industry association, Kartoflex has been representing the industry in discussions with the government, trade unions, and other relevant organizations for many years. Kartoflex also negotiates labor conditions within the carton and flexible packaging industry.