Sustainability in the knife and tool industry

[Grant Lamontagne]

Sustainability is important- I am not going to get into an environmental debate, but I think we can all agree that fouling our own next is a bad thing.  So, to that end, I would like to compile a list of manufacturers and steps they have taken towards operating in a sustainable manner.  And, who could stand some improvement.

Many manufacturers are switching to using recycled materials in handles and other places, and that's a great start.  I think the first major one I heard of was Wenger with their Mike Horn model, whose handles consisted of recycled plastic bottles and wood pulp, but now I am certain a bunch of other manufacturers are doing something similar- even if I can't think of them at the moment.  Maybe Spyderco?

I also know that the cellidor that Victorinox uses in scales are supposed to be a cellulose plant based polymer, which means that it should (theoretically) decompose eventually.  That having been said, I have some very old SAKs and they show no sign of breaking down, so I couldn't say how true that is.

Further I see manufacturers talking about reducing packaging, and yet you still see those giant plastic clam packs on many retailer shelves.  Whether they are recyclable or not, I would love to see those go away forever simply because they are frustrating as heck.

Does sustainability in the knife and tool manufacturing industry affect or interest anyone else?

Def

[Bigshep]

Honestly, yes. I would like to see it happen. Any manufacturers who participate in sustainable practices would garner my attention. Also I think new methods of, say, knife  handles, would be welcomed.
Micarta is welcomed, why not a lighter plant based material? I would give it a shot.

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[Murphy Slaw]

I hate clam packs too. I like cardboard because it ages well and is simple.

Otherwise, I really don't give it any thought.

Everything came from the Earth and will eventually return to the Earth.

Well, except alien stuff...

[Bigshep]

I hate clam packs too. I like cardboard because it ages well and is simple.

Otherwise, I really don't give it any thought.

Everything came from the Earth and will eventually return to the Earth.

Well, except alien stuff...

Count me in on clam pack hatred, Worst things ever.

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[David Bowen]

Leatherman (screenshot)

Gerber
https://fiskarsgroup.com/brands/gerber/



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[Grant Lamontagne]

Thanks for that Dave- it's nice to know that they are all getting on board, although I feel like that's pretty much a necessity when operating in Oregon, a place well known for environmental responsibility.

I do dislike the phrase "environmental marketing" though.  I have dealt with enough marketers to know that marketing is often devoid of substance, and I prefer to see real efforts being made, not just talked about- not that I think that is the case with either Leatherman or Gerber.

I also know how harmful things like epoxies and dyes can be for the local environment and it's nice that Leatherman is taking the initiative to ensure they are having little to no impact.

Getting back to the clam packs, this is an excellent example of "I must, but I must not" as they are an excellent deterrent to retailer shrinkage.  I have spent a great amount of my time in Loss Prevention with large retailers and I see the benefit of clam packs- they really do make a difference as it is much more challenging to slice open a clam pack clandestinely versus opening a box.  Not that it doesn't happen, but at least you make the bad guys work for it!   

From a marketing standpoint they also mean that your product has greater visibility on the shelf, which increases sales of your product over a less visible competitor.

Clam packs make a lot of sense, and they are difficult, if not impossible to do without using a lot of plastic, which is frustrating from an environmental standpoint as well as from a consumer frustration standpoint.

It's a great discussion point, and one we have only touched n here in the past.  I really appreciate hearing other people's thoughts on it. 

Def