Sustainability Report 2022_23

29
More examples of material efficiency:
→ In Vreden, polystyrene, wood and metal cuttings
that accumulate during the process of producing S.KO
components have been separated by an automated
extraction system since the end of 2022. This prevents
approximately 1,400 tonnes of mixed waste per year
and returns the materials to the recycling loop.
→ Pressing approximately 950 steel barrels per month
has saved 90% of the transport volume in Vreden since
the end of 2022.
→ Optimising the length dimensions of hydraulic hoses,
11 tonnes of material per year could be saved in
Altenberge. The rest of the hose sections are collected
separately at the factory and sent for recycling.
→ In Panevėžys, employees have developed a tipping
device to prevent adhesive residues from forming
in IBC containers. These residues would otherwise
have to be disposed of as hazardous waste.
→ Other projects to create closed material loops are in
planning at several plants and for different materials
such as for polyurethane waste in Vreden.
To raise awareness of the careful use of resources, we
are running a campaign at all production facilities focusing
on saving energy and water, and reducing waste.
→ Improved utilisation of steel coil remnants in the
l-beam production in Altenberge led to material savings
of approximately 170 tonnes in 2022.
→ Reducing the hose length of the paint mixing plant in
Gotha, successfully reduced the amount of paint residue
produced during the rinsing process by more than 50%.
→ Digitalising production control systems also includes
paperless assembly processes: These were piloted in the
cooling unit production in Vreden and also in the axle
production in Altenberge. Roughly 500 pages less paper
per month were printed as a result in Vreden.
Paperless assembly processes reduce manual labour and waste.
Tilting device to prevent adhesive
residues in IBC containers
➔ GRI 306-2