CSR report: Troldtekt offcuts used in new cement
Throughout 2018, Troldtekt A/S and Aalborg Portland A/S worked together to find ways of recycling offcuts from Troldtekt panels in cement production. The trial scheme has now become permanent. The project is described in the CSR report for 2018 which has been submitted by Troldtekt A/S to the United Nations.
In 2018, dust from the processing of acoustic panels at Troldtekt A/S acquired new value through its use in cement production at Aalborg Portland. The project to recycle offcuts from the finished Troldtekt panels was initially a trial scheme – but it proved so successful that it is now permanent.
“The material from Troldtekt is received with open arms by us, because it is a product made from natural materials and fully in line with our desire to promote circular cooperation, and thus substitute fossil fuels and conserve natural raw materials,” says Henriette Charlotte Nikolajsen, Manager Environment, Energy and QMS at Aalborg Portland.
The recycling story is told in the new CSR report for 2018, which is published as part of Troldtekt’s membership of the voluntary global initiative for corporate social responsibility, the UN Global Compact.
A strategically important milestone
Sixty-two percent of the material which Aalborg Portland receives from Troldtekt is used to replace raw materials, while 38 per cent of the material is used to replace fossil fuels. This is the first time that Aalborg Portland has been able to recycle offcuts from finished products as a raw material in new cement.
“The focal point of our business strategy is the sustainable Cradle to Cradle design concept, the basic idea being that products and waste must be recycled to create new value. Troldtekt panels can do this in several ways, among other things as compost. However, it is something of a milestone that we have now also successfully managed to recycle waste products in cement production,” says Troldtekt CEO Peer Leth.
He explains that the dust is transported to Aalborg Portland in the cement lorries that would otherwise be returning empty after delivering cement to the Troldtekt production in Troldhede in western Jutland (Denmark).
More FSC®-certified wood
Troldtekt’s CSR report describes several CSR initiatives which were implemented in 2018. Among other things, Troldtekt has increased the proportion of locally sourced FSC-certified Norway spruce in its products. FSC certification is a guarantee of responsible forestry management, and Troldtekt can now supply acoustic panels which carry the ‘FSC 100%’ (FSC®C115450) certificate. This means that all the wood in each panel is FSC-certified.
“A significant proportion of our panels are FSC-certified, but we want to produce even more of them as more Danish forest owners hopefully start certifying their forests. Our strategy is to produce sustainably, and the market is ready to buy more certified products,” says Peer Leth.
The FSC label guarantees, among other things, that no more trees are felled than the forest can reproduce – and that local workers are trained, equipped with safety equipment and paid a decent wage.
Deaf colleague and international responsibility
Other highlights from Troldtekt’s 2018 CSR report include:
- Roll-out of CSR approach to the two new domestic markets, Sweden and Germany. In both countries, Troldtekt supports NGOs that promote the circular economy.
- Employment of a deaf colleague in production on equal terms with his colleagues.
- Building of a new production line at a cost of DKK 180 million. Troldtekt now has a high-tech and highly efficient production, which provides a solid foundation for improving the company’s energy and environmental performance in the coming years.
>> Read Troldtekt’s CSR report in full here
FACTS ABOUT TROLDTEKT A/S:
- Troldtekt A/S is a leading developer and manufacturer of acoustic ceiling and wall solutions.
- Since 1935, wood and cement have been the main natural raw materials in production, which takes place in Denmark in modern facilities with a low environmental impact.
- Troldtekt’s business strategy is founded on the Cradle to Cradle design concept, which plays a key role in safeguarding environmental benefits towards 2022.
- Since 2010, Troldtekt has been a member of the UN Global Compact, the world’s biggest voluntary initiative for corporate social responsibility with 8,700 member companies.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Peer Leth, CEO, Troldtekt A/S: +45 8747 8130 // ple@troldtekt.dk
Tina Snedker Kristensen, Head of Marketing and Communications, Troldtekt A/S: +45 8747 8124 // tkr@troldtekt.dk