Special edition newsletter
ECONOMICALLY ECOLOGICAL - Green is the new black
Knauf Surdulica as leader in green initiatives - It is possible to combine quality, efficiency and care for nature
(Photo: Jovan Krstić)
Through a series of concrete initiatives, Knauf Surdulica shows how sustainability can be integrated into everyday business, setting standards for the industry in Serbia and beyond.
Use of thermal energy and water recycling
One of the oldest steps towards sustainability in the Knauf Insulation plant is use of hot water that is produced as a by-product of the production process - for heating buildings, administrative buildings and production halls. This achieves a double benefit - cost reduction and elimination of additional pollution. In addition, the factory collects water generated during production, whether it`s fumes, condensation or washing machines. This water is purified and re-used in the production processes, which significantly reduces fresh water consumption.
Waste wool recycling and briquetting
Knauf Surdulica has developed a system that enables the recycling of waste wool. Wool scraps that do not meet aesthetic or dimensional standards they are returned to the production process or turned into briquettes which serve as additional fuel. Not only does this approach reduce waste, but it also optimizes resource use. In addition, the factory is working on developing a model for reclaiming waste wool from the market, which is a complex process that requires compliance with regulations and the cooperation of all participants in the chain.
(Photo: Jovan Krstić)
Pallet and packaging repair
As part of its waste reduction efforts, the factory focuses on reparation of pallets used in production. Instead of throwing them away, Knauf repairs them and puts them back into use,
either within the plant or at the supplier. A similar approach is applied to packaging coming from oil and other hazardous materials, which is also returned to the suppliers for re-use.
Environmental impact
The Surdulica facility has equipment which enables optimal functioning of production processes without environmental pollution. Regular air, water and soil quality measurements confirm that the factory operates in accordance with the strictest standards and Serbian regulations. Quarterly wastewater tests, semi-annual checks of air emitters and annual soil analysis ensure that all results remain within the prescribed norms.
"Zero waste to landfill" – a step towards full sustainability
The company Knauf Insulation is in the final phase of the implementation of the "Zero waste to landfill" project, which means that the factory aims to completely stop dumping waste on landfills. This objective is achieved through recycling, material reuse and optimization of production processes. Thanks to these efforts, the plant is among the leaders of the Knauf Group regarding the implementation of this ambitious project.
(Photo: Goran Trifunović)
Optimization of energy and resource consumption
The factory is continuously working to reduce energy, water and coke consumption. The proportion of briquettes and slag in production batches is tested, in order to reduce coke consumption, which, with already implemented measures to reduce energy consumption, resulted in a reduction of CO2 emissions by 159 kg per ton of finished product! In addition, stone wool from the factory is packed in foil whose thickness is reduced by 40%, in which the share of recycled materials is 30%, which has less printing on it and is fully recyclable.
Innovations and employee education
Knauf Surdulica constantly invests in equipment modernization and employee education. A new machine for packing smaller wool packages has increased efficiency, while individual meters on all energy consumers enabled precise monitoring and optimization of consumption. Energy audits and workshops for employees are planned to further raise awareness of the importance of sustainability.
The Knauf Insulation factory in Surdulica represents an example how responsible business can be aligned with high standards of sustainability. Through innovative processes, recycling, resource optimization and continuous improvement, this factory not only contributes to environmental conservation, but also lays the foundations for long-term sustainability. As part of the global Knauf Group, the factory in Surdulica shows that it is possible to combine quality, efficiency and care for nature, with the clear intention to improve year after year and remain a leader in the industry.
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"ECONOMICALLY ECOLOGICAL - Green is the new black"
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