Sustainability

PVC Lifecycle 

1. The raw materials in PVC are vinyl chloride and vinyl chloride monomer.

   • The chlorine gas used can emit highly toxic chemicals into the environment, called dioxins.

   • VCM (vinyl chloride monomer) is a toxic gas. It can cause health risks, like cancer, if inhaled. There are efforts to minimize the release of VCM during production.

2. PVC, Polyvinyl Chloride, is made when VCM is polymerized under heat and pressure to create a PVC polymer. This is then combined with additives, like plasticizers, stabilizers, and pigments, to be manufactured into sheets.

   • The production of PVC releases VOCs, which adds to the forming of smog and air pollutants. They have also been known to cause respiratory and neurological damage.

   • This process requires a large amount of energy, usually powered by fossil fuels, which emit CO2 into the atmosphere.

• Once made into sheets, the desired design can be printed onto the vinyl with ink or another media and then coated, which gives it its durability and weather resistance.

  • The printing process needs electricity and the ink is likely made up of a pigment, resin, and solvent.

1. Transportation to the installation site usually uses gasoline, which is made of petroleum liquids and crude oils.

   • The vehicle emits exhaust, which releases carbon monoxide (CM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), VOCs, and CO2.

• Installation is when the finished billboard is fixed to a display. This process likely includes ropes, cables, and equipments to get the billboard onto the display.

1. The bulk of a billboard's life is the time its campaign is active. This can be anywhere from one week to many years, depending on the purpose of the advertisement, the location, visibility, etc. Typical life cycle is 4-6 weeks.

2. Once the billboard is uninstalled, it is ready to be disposed of. Billboards account for over 500 tonnes of the PVC that ends up in the landfill. They are unable to be recycled into other plastics at the end of their lifecycle. Instead, most end up in the landfill, or incinerated.

   • Life in a landfill can lead to poisoning groundwater, smoke, heavy metal additives, dioxins, aromatic hydrocarbon, aldehydes. Plastic can take over 400 years to decompose in the environment.

   • Solid waste: slag, ash, filter, residues, neutralization salt residues

   • Incineration releases dioxins, CO2, vinyl chloride, PCBs, chlorobenzene/benzene, toluene, naphthalene, lead, cadmium, and phthalates

Rareform Lifecycle 

1. The Rareform product lifecycle begins at recovery, by collecting PVC and PE billboards once the billboard campaigns have ended. This process avoid any toxins, emissions, or fumes that billboards would be releasing at the end of their life in a landfill.

   • Recovery includes the transportation of the billboards to Rareform's facilities in Agoura Hills, CA and Nashville, TN. This transportation is not incremental to the transportation in the regular course of the PVC lifecycle. Instead of the transporting the billboards to the landfill, the billboards are transported to Rareform's facilities.

   • In 2022, Rareform repurposed 3.5 million pounds of PVC and recycled 2.4 million pounds of polyethylene (PE).

   • The PVC billboards are used in the creation of Rareform products (below). The PE billboards are sold to companies as feedstock for products, primarily recycled PE decking.

2. Once the billboards are brought to Rareform's facilities, the PVC billboards are sorted by color, hand-cut into 7' panels, and further hand-cut using templates based on the dimensions of Rareform products (totes, duffles, coolers, travel accessories, etc.). Rareform has specifically created products with small template dimensions, therefore eliminating any waste from the cutting processes. The products made from scrap material include mini pouches, keychains, and "patchwork" products (where small panels are sewn together. Because the base of each Rarform product is the PVC billboard, the production of Rareform bags skip any other process of manufacturing a new material, thus saving energy and minimizing the toxic gasses and chemicals released as a result.

   • Any PVC billboard that cannot be repurposed into a Rareform product (due to excess of material, logo infringment, wear & tear) repurposed through another division, BillboardVinlys, as a recycled PVC tarp. The PVC tarps are inventoried and listed online for sale to customers who use these products for farming, construction, home projects, etc.

   • The cut PVC vinyl panels are transported to factory partners, where final production takes place to sew the panels into a finished good. 95%+ of the components used (interior cloths, handles, straps) are made from recycled materials. Once production is complete, the finished goods are shipped to Rreform's facility in Agoura Hills, CA. This uses fuel and emits CM, NOx, PM, VOCs, and CO2. We ship our finished products by sea, to take advantage of more fuel-efficient shipping and to ship more products in one trip.

3. The finished products are stored in Rareform's warehouse until fulfillment to the end customer.

   • To minimize packaging, they are stored in the same boxes that they are shipped in.

   • During fulfillment, products are packaged in non-toxic, recyclable packaging, with instructions on how to recycle it properly.

   • Products are shipping via USPS and FedEx Post.

4. Because PVC is created to be sturdy and weather, water, UV resistant, Rareform products are made to last and to minimize the need for replacement.

   • In the event of damaged products that cannot be sold, the products are donated to one of our charity partners to ensure the continued use of the product.

   • The warranty policy covers the product for one year after purchase. If a customer requests a product repair, we have a policy to repair the bag, free of charge - regardless of how long since purchase.

At Rareform, we are dedicated to environmental stewardship and sustainability. Our commitment is rooted in the belief that businesses can play a pivotal role in addressing environmental challenges. We are working to establish an Environmental Management System (EMS) to guide our efforts and ensure that our operations align with our core values and environmental objectives.

Environmental Commitment:

Purpose and Origin: Rareform was founded with the mission to repurpose and recycle 100% of billboards in the United States. Our origins are rooted in the desire to minimize waste, conserve resources, and reduce environmental impact through innovative recycling solutions.

Expansion of Impact: We recognize that the logistics network developed to achieve our mission can be a model for sustainability across industries. Our goal is to transfer our expertise and knowledge to assist other sectors struggling with recycling challenges.

By collaborating with various industries, we aim to enable them to achieve the ambitious goal of recycling or upcycling 100% of their materials, contributing to a circular economy and a more sustainable future.

Policy Guidelines:

Environmental Compliance: Rareform is committed to complying with all relevant environmental laws, regulations, and standards applicable to our operations. We will strive to go beyond legal requirements to uphold high environmental standards.

Resource Conservation: We will minimize resource consumption, including energy, water, and raw materials, through efficient processes, technologies, and practices.

Our procurement decisions will prioritize environmentally friendly products, materials, and suppliers whenever feasible.

Waste Reduction and Recycling: We will actively seek opportunities to reduce waste generation and promote recycling and upcycling initiatives within our organization and in collaboration with external partners.

Our goal is to achieve a zero-waste or near-zero waste status by implementing waste reduction strategies and promoting responsible disposal practices.

Emissions Reduction: We are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants associated with our operations. We will invest in cleaner technologies, energy efficiency measures, and emission reduction programs.

Continuous Improvement: We will continuously monitor and evaluate our environmental performance through regular audits, assessments, and data analysis.

Our EMS will be reviewed and updated periodically to incorporate best practices, technological advancements, and stakeholder feedback to drive continuous improvement.

Responsibilities:

Leadership: Demonstrate commitment to environmental sustainability, allocate resources for EMS implementation, and provide leadership and guidance to achieve environmental goals.

Employees: Adhere to environmental policies and procedures, participate in training and awareness programs, and contribute ideas for improving environmental performance.

Partners and Suppliers: Collaborate with partners, suppliers, and stakeholders to promote environmental sustainability, share best practices, and pursue mutual environmental objectives.

Communication and Reporting:

We will communicate our environmental policy, objectives, and progress to all stakeholders through various channels, including internal communications, public disclosures, and engagement with regulatory authorities.

Our EMS will include mechanisms for monitoring, measuring, and reporting environmental performance indicators and targets to track progress toward our environmental goals.

The purpose of this Office Stewardship Policy is to establish guidelines and practices that promote responsible resource management, sustainability, and environmental consciousness within the workplace. This policy aims to create a culture of stewardship, encouraging employees to take an active role in conserving resources and minimizing the office's environmental impact. This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors within the office premises as well as virtual employees. It encompasses all areas and activities related to resource utilization, waste management, energy efficiency, and sustainable practices.

1. Resource Conservation

   1. Paper Usage

      1. We encourage digital documentation and communication whenever possible, reducing reliance on paper-based processes.

      2. We promote double-sided printing and the use of recycled or sustainably sourced paper products.

   2. Energy Efficiency

      1. Ensure all electronic equipment (computers, printers, copiers, etc.) are set to energy-saving modes or turned off when not in use.

      2. We encourage the use of natural lighting and energy-efficient lighting fixtures (all lighting in office is set to be motion sensor).

      3. Conduct regular maintenance and inspections to identify and address any energy wastage or inefficiencies.

   3. Water Conservation

      1. We have automatic faucets in bathrooms to keep water from running for extended periods of time.

      2. We encourage at-home employees to implement water-saving techniques such as fixing leaks promptly and not letting water run unnecessarily.

2. Waste Management

   1. Recycling

      1. We have provided clearly labeled recycling bins in the office for paper, plastics, glass, and other recyclable materials.

      2. We educate all employees on proper recycling practices and the importance of reducing contamination.

   2. Waste Reduction

      1. We encourage the use of reusable or refillable containers for beverages and meals. b.

      2. We provide reusable or refillable containers and untensils

      3. We minimize the use of disposable items, such as single-use plastics, in office operations.

3. Education and Feedback

   1. Communication

      1. Share educational campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of office stewardship and sustainable practices.

      2. Share success stories and best practices within the office to inspire and motivate employees to actively participate.

   2. Feedback

      1. Encourage employees to be candid about the company's and their co-workers stewardship.

      2. Allow feedback to lead to change and updates as needed

   3. Vendors

      1. We encourage the use of recycled products whenever possible.

4. Compliance and Evaluation

   1. Compliance

      1. Regularly review and update this policy to align with evolving environmental standards and best practices.

      2. Monitor employee adherence to the policy and address any non-compliance through appropriate channels.

   2. Evaluation

      1. We conduct periodic audits and assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of the office stewardship program.

If you're ever looking for a new favorite sustainable brand (other than RF of course), send a message in the office slack! We love discuss our new and truest finds. Below are a few we love already:

• Cloud Paper - Bamboo Toilet Paper

• Blueland - Cleaning Supplies

• Grove - Cleaning & Household Products

• For Days - Clothing & Take Back Bag

• Good On You - Ethical Brand Ratings

• Cadence - Pill/Toiletry Bottles