Sustainability

In our efforts to realize sustainable management, we perform life cycle assessments (LCA) consistent with ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 following different LCA phases. The modelling approach and the results go through extensive external quality assurance check by the experts. We calculate and document the product carbon footprint (PCF) using the cradle-to-gate scope as per ISO 14067 and we provide carbon footprint information for most of our foam products to our customers.

We select our raw materials and suppliers under strict aspects of sustainability. Sekisui Alveo conducts regular assessments on various sustainability and regulatory issues and integrates the outcomes for future product improvements. These advantages are then passed on to our customers along the supply chain.

• Full traceability of raw materials throughout the supply chain
• Resource-conserving production methods
• Use of renewable raw materials as well as biogenic waste and residual materials to reduce the use of fossil energy sources in accordance with ISCC PLUS standards
• Use of local suppliers to shorten transport distances

Our high-performance polyolefin foams are optimised for recyclability and demanding lightweight applications. We are constantly striving for smarter solutions reducing environmental impact for example in the following fields:

• Mono-material concepts for improved recyclability
• Same performance with reduced density to conserve resources
• Light and stiff co-extruded materials with enhanced surfaces
• Sandwich core materials for lightweight applications

We continuously monitor emissions from our production facilities to minimise environmental impact. We are steadily increasing our efficiency in production, reducing the use of energy and raw materials and thus our environmental footprint.

We constantly monitor manufacturing KPIs like waste, energy and water consumption. These figures allow us to define improvement projects and measure our progress.

We are steadily investing in our own energy production (heat recovery, solar). We use 100% renewable electricity from a local supplier for our foam production.

Our production plant in Bad Sobernheim has recently commissioned a new cooling system that reduces water consumption by over 50% and eliminated the need for various chemicals which were required in the old "open" cooling system.

 All these measures reduce the carbon footprint of our products.

We commit to local production in Europe. By optimizing our transport planning, we save hundreds of truck kilometres every year. To reduce CO₂ emissions even further, we have trucks available with green fuel and high-volume trucks.

Specific customer needs require individual solutions. Research and development are in our core DNA since more than 50 years. As a foam expert and solution provider, we help you to design sustainable strategies and applications.

Our foam saves resources in many end applications and offers various environmental advantages:

• Halogen free flame retardant solutions
• Lightweight solutions
• Products in compliance with latest regulations
• Low emissions
• Thermal insulation
• Impact protection
• Durability, chemical inertness, stability
• High performance at low area weight

Sekisui Alveo pursues the goal of zero production waste. Besides the efficient usage of raw materials and energy, we promote the reuse, recycling and recovery of waste. For example, our Alveocel foam waste is reused in the company's own manufacturing process since a long time. Alveolit and Alveolen production waste can be repurposed into alternative products.