Intraocular lens (IOL) manufacturer Rayner is leading the way with sustainable business practices in the ophthalmic industry with its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiative.
The initiative encompasses strategies to benefit all stakeholders including patients, eyecare professionals and employees. The company envisions enhancing quality-of-life of patients with its products while concurrently setting sustainability standards.
“Our unwavering dedication lies in seizing these opportunities [growth and advancement] to fulfil our mission of providing innovative and highly effective ophthalmic solutions that meet the expectations of our global customers,” Rayner said.
According to Rayner, the company’s commitment to sustainability has resulted in more than 2,500 trees planted (which is equivalent to approximately 380 tonnes of CO2 being absorbed), implementation of diversity, equality and inclusivity policies and an 85% reduction and reuse of solvents within its manufacturing processes.
Rayner has also designed its ESG initiative so that it can adapt to the evolving ESG landscape.
The company’s comprehensive environmental commitment includes active reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through cycle to work schemes, incorporation of hybrid and electric vehicles into the company’s fleet and installation of electric vehicle charge points at its headquarters. Furthermore, it is committed to completing the greenhouse gas emissions survey biannually.
Rayner has also transitioned to digital device use from print product literature and paper which it says has resulted in over 30 tonnes of paper saved annually. Its operations have accomplished an 83% reduction of single plastics use through strategies such as changing product packaging from blister tray to pouch, according to the company.
In June 2022, the company entered into a partnership with Brussels-based medical device company HASA OPTIX, a manufacturer of high-quality, recyclable single use ophthalmic surgical instruments and instrument sets. Rayner said this will provide ophthalmologists with high-quality surgical equipment that adheres to the company’s sustainability standards.
In addition to environmental initiatives, Rayner is committed to social equity, diversity and justice. Part of its commitment is to annually review gender pay disparities and total reward practices and organise workshops that assist employees with their mental health and wellbeing. Furthermore, the company has implemented policies and procedures to detect and avoid instances of modern slavery and human slavery throughout its global supply chains.
Rayner works to hold itself to account, in accordance with its governance initiative with compliance measures regularly reviewed by the executive committee. The company has completed the EcoVadis survey, which focuses on 21 sustainability criteria to assess the quality of a its sustainability management system, to implement best sustainable practice into its governance structure. Its governance initiative also extends to customers and suppliers to ensure adherence to Rayner’s Values and Code of Business Conduct.
Additionally, Rayner also has a tree planting in New Zealand through its distributor, Medix21 Surgical. Medix21, in collaboration with the charity Trees That Count, plants a tree for every one of Rayner’s RayOne lens sold.
The company is also confirmed as the official keep cups sponsor at RANZCO’s 54th Congress in Perth later this month.
“As part of this initiative, Rayner will be providing delegates with a sustainable keep cup that can be washed out at dedicated wash stations within the congress and reused at and after the event. This will reduce a considerable amount of waste and further support RANZCO’s sustainability efforts,” the company said.
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