awareness · environment · goals · oral health · sustainability · united nations ·Jun 01, 2022

Sustainability at TePe

Sustainability at TePe means ensuring environmental, economic, and social well-being for today and tomorrow. It means meeting the needs of people and society, without compromising the ability of future generations to also meet their needs. It is about living within the limits of the planet and protecting the environment. At TePe we take a holistic approach to sustainability, integrating it into every aspect of the business.

World Environment Day

World Environment Day is organized by the United Nations around a theme that focuses attention on a particularly pressing environmental concern. This year on June 5^th is the 50^th year anniversary and a celebration is occurring in Sweden where it first began in 1972. The theme for 2022, “Only One Earth,” calls for collective, transformative action on a global scale to celebrate, protect and restore our planet. #OnlyOneEarth

Aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The 17 SDGs of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity adopted by the UN General Assembly. These goals provide the global community with a roadmap on how to achieve long-term sustainable development from an economic, social, and environmental perspective.

TePe has chosen seven goals to focus on based on two standpoints: How relevant they are for TePe’s business and our potential to impact their achievement.

SDG 3: Good health and well-being

As the scientific support for a connection between oral and general health grows stronger, TePe's vision of healthy smiles for life is more relevant than ever. Within the framework of TePe Share, we aim to educate and inspire, working across the globe to raise awareness of healthy habits and the importance of good oral health.

SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy

TePe uses renewable energy throughout production and has invested in our own solar power facilities in Malmö and Wells. We put a special emphasis on increasing our energy efficiency to minimize our carbon footprint.

SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth

Our long-term sustainability commitments are based on financial growth, research, innovation, and partnerships, which foster further business opportunities. TePe aims for diversity and gender equality at all levels, striving for a safe and inclusive workplace. A safe and secure work environment is of utmost importance for TePe. Our suppliers are required to sign TePe’s Code of conduct, which follows the UN Global Compact ten principles.

SDG 9: Industry, innovation, and infrastructure

We continuously improve our own efficient use of resources and reduce carbon emissions to reach overall carbon neutrality. Reducing the carbon footprint and shifting to sustainable materials and technology is integrated in our innovation process.

SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production

We aim to reduce resource use, degradation, and pollution along the whole life cycle of our products, while aiming to increase people’s quality of life. We focus on resource efficiency by constantly investigating and implementing renewable or recycled materials in our products and packaging. Educating people on sustainable consumption and lifestyles is also part of our focus on long-lasting health and well-being.

SDG 13: Climate action

We take responsibility by striving towards carbon neutrality, using renewable energy in our production, shifting to renewable or recycled raw materials where possible, and striving to reduce the potentially adverse environmental effects of our products, services, and transport.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals

With our partners within science, innovation, health, and society, we engage in the development of sustainable solutions for people and planet – globally and locally. Our long-term engagements include initiatives bringing together industry, academia, and society, such as UNOPS S3i, FDI World Dental Federation, the STEPS research program, the Pink Ribbon initiative, and Björkman & Zelmerlöw Foundation with the Kenswed project.