We are working to make our own production processes more and more sustainable. Our focus on circular value creation is part of this mission.
The goal: to gradually decouple raw material consumption and value creation in the future. To achieve this, we are already reusing production waste and examining the use of secondary raw materials. In this context, a distinction is made between post-industrial materials (waste from production) and post-consumer materials (used products). This closes cycles in production by reusing materials.
We are also taking a closer look at the lifecycle phases of our products. In this way, the company is able to identify potential for bringing the products themselves or the valuable materials back into the cycle. Some aspects in this context include ensuring products can be repaired or the use of post-consumer materials.
Unfortunately, even the most state-of-the-art machines cannot produce without generating waste. For example, the production of an I/O module always leaves behind tiny plastic parts that initially have no practical use.
Instead of simply disposing of these parts, they can be collected by type, melted down and then returned to a granular form (called “regranulate”). The regranulate is then ready for use again without further preparation.
The great advantages of the process are particularly evident in the quantity of production waste. After all, the proportion of materials that would traditionally have to be disposed of is significantly reduced. And the consumption of crude oil can also be significantly reduced as a result, since less new plastic granulate is required.