Circular Business Plays a Crucial Role
Solutions for circular business are one of the main tasks undertaken by our research and development team.
We’re convinced that a seamless circular economy is key to making this world a better place from an environmental and economic perspective.
That’s why we’re developing pioneering material loops that span raw materials procurement, use by our partners to our end customers – and beyond.
Creating a Trailblazing Loop
Recycling is one of the essential elements of the circular economy. But it’s not the only one. We look at the entire product life cycle with all of its phases, including waste, water and materials. We want to close loops here too.
As early as the product development phase, we examine how we can maximise product life, design products to conserve resources, make recycling straightforward – and much more. Digital processes and the use of sustainable packaging are helping us to reach new efficiency standards for our manufacturing and logistics operations, as well.
Sustainability is Uncomfortable
We’re scrutinising all of our processes. And we’re leaving no stone unturned. We’re constantly reviewing every element to find a better environmental solution. It’s a complex process and one that is often uncomfortable because we’re leaving well-trodden pathways behind.
Recycling Post-Production Scrap
Avoiding all waste would be ideal. But unfortunately, production generates residues and offcuts, even with the best of planning. As we did for old windows, we have come up with recycling solutions for these materials, too: for example, post-production scrap from extrusion is shredded right at our plants and basically put back in the production cycle.
Zero Pellet Loss
We became the first company in the window industry to receive the Zero Pellet Loss certificate. This programme and Operation Clean Sweep are part of the plastic industry’s global efforts to reach zero pellet loss. As part of these endeavours, we have launched many steps and processes at our production facilities that minimise or prevent pellets from entering wastewater – and ultimately our seas and oceans.
Our sustainable window profile, ReFrame, is made out of 100 per cent recycled material.
A smart use for waste heat
Manufacturing our profiles and sheets generates waste heat as part of the process. We put it to good use and have put the first tangible solutions into practice. For instance, the biggest office building at our site in Pirmasens is heated with waste heat, stopping energy from being lost into the environment.
Sustainable Logistics Partners
Every empty lorry journey doesn’t just waste time and money; it also has an unnecessary negative effect on the environment. So we choose to work with logistics partners that develop smart and sustainable solutions to minimise CO2 emissions.