RIPACYCLE: How SEFMAT is revolutionising end-of-life product management

The SEFMAT group is strengthening its commitment to environmental responsibility with the launch of RIPACYCLE®, an innovative programme for the collection, sorting, reuse and recycling of Ripack® shrink guns. Designed as a natural extension of its CSR policy, this initiative aims to take back control over the end-of-life stage of its products and to offer a concrete solution rooted in the circular economy.

A project designed to generate measurable environmental impact

At RIPACK®, the real challenge today lies in an industrial company’s ability to manage the end-of-life phase of its products.

This is the starting point that gave rise to RIPACYCLE®. The company’s values, its constant pursuit of product and service quality, and users’ concerns about how to dispose of end-of-life products all reinforced the management’s decision to recycle and refurbish shrink guns.

The project is built on a strong idea: if Ripack® designs and assembles its own products, then no one is better placed to collect, dismantle and repurpose them at the end of their lifecycle. RIPACYCLE® follows this logic by offering a simple, incentivising and structured solution for its users. 

An integrated and structuring CSR approach

RIPACYCLE® is fully aligned with SEFMAT group’s sustainable development strategy, applied to its brands Ripack®, Ripagreen®, Ripack Supplies® and Ripamark®. As a concrete CSR initiative, this new service brand helps reduce the environmental footprint of products while reinforcing the transparency and coherence of the company’s commitments.

RIPACK® thereby demonstrates its intent to meet contemporary challenges of sustainability, local responsibility and circularity, while offering real added value to users.

A smooth process designed for the end user

The system is designed to be simple and accessible. When a shrink gun reaches the end of its life, the user can:

• Send it free of charge to the Ripacycle® workshop in France thanks to a European-wide collection service.
• Then choose between two options:
  • Receive a €100 voucher to use towards the purchase of a new Ripack® shrink gun.
  • Donate the equivalent amount to a selected environmental protection charity. 

Upon receipt, the technical teams dismantle and analyse the equipment. Parts in good condition are reused in a strict refurbishing process; others are recycled via qualified channels.

This system lays the foundation for a genuine market for reconditioned products, guaranteed in both quality and traceability.

Reconditioned shrink guns now available for purchase

Continuing this circular logic, the SEFMAT Group now offers a selection of reconditioned Ripack® shrink guns for sale via ripacycle.com, all tested and approved by its technical teams.

The high quality and strong repairability of the products make this reintegration into the market possible.

The range includes current models (Ripack 3000+, 3000 and 2500) as well as older models no longer sold new, such as the Ripack 2000 or Ripack 2200.

Products are classified into three quality grades:

• Grade A : tool in excellent condition, fitted with a brand-new regulator.
• Grade B : tool in excellent condition, fitted with a reconditioned regulator.
• Grade C : tool in good condition, with cosmetic flaws (scratches, marks), fitted with a reconditioned regulator.

This offering enables professionals to access reliable equipment at an attractive price, while also contributing to reducing the environmental impact of their operations.

Logistical and technical challenges successfully addressed

Launching a programme such as RIPACYCLE® on a European scale required addressing several challenges: managing free return transport, ensuring a smooth user journey, quality control of parts, and optimising recycling channels.

The Ripack® teams have implemented a simple and reliable initial solution while continuing to work with logistics partners to develop an even more efficient system.

The company is also innovating in the qualification of reusable parts and the ongoing improvement of its procedures.

The strategic role of the distribution network

Partner distributors play a crucial role in the rollout of the RIPACYCLE programme. On the ground, they serve as key intermediaries for informing, educating and supporting users.

This collective effort is essential to the success of the programme and more broadly to embedding reuse and recycling practices within this industrial sector of shrink guns.

Measured impact and an evolving approach

The effectiveness of RIPACYCLE® relies on the rigorous monitoring of results. RIPACK® teams plan to track closely:

• The number of shrink guns collected, reconditioned and recycled.
• The CO₂ emissions avoided through the programme.
• The total amount donated to the selected charity. 

All of this information is available on the website and updated regularly.

A response to market expectations

Today, more and more professionals are incorporating CSR criteria into their purchasing decisions. RIPACYCLE® allows distributors and users of Ripack® shrink guns to make a committed and responsible choice, while also reinforcing their own environmental policies.

By becoming part of this virtuous cycle, each user contributes to reducing the ecological footprint of their activity.

With RIPACYCLE®, the SEFMAT group, through its Ripack® brand, provides a concrete illustration of what it means to take responsibility as an industrial company.

Considering the overall impact of a product also means anticipating its usage and end-of-life, and offering credible, sustainable and accessible solutions.

Through this initiative, the company embraces a modern vision of industry: responsible, circular and future-oriented.