Sustainability is playing an increasingly significant role in industrial production. Its importance has now reached a level similar to other fundamental aspects such as growth and safety. Leading brands are now blending their quest for efficiency in household appliances with the incorporation of eco-friendly materials in their production processes.
This
challenge has led major brands, suppliers, and original design manufacturers
like Walter Pack to invest their efforts in researching and developing cleaner
production methods. They are actively exploring sustainable components and
materials.
What are sustainable materials?
Sustainable
materials are those considered environmentally friendly, meaning they are
naturally sourced, biodegradable, recyclable, and free from toxic elements,
among other qualities. The use of such materials offers clear advantages that
can be summarized in two key points: the reduction of the carbon footprint,
which is the amount of greenhouse gases generated and released into the
atmosphere, and a significant decrease in waste production. According to UN
data, nearly 50 million tonnes of electronic waste are produced globally
each year, a number that could double by 2050, with a recycling rate of less
than 20%. This is why the United
Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 aim to reduce waste
generation in any production process and increase the prevention, reduction,
recycling, and reutilization of materials.
New manufacturing processes
To minimize
waste generation and promote sustainable industrial production, leading figures
in the home appliance industry have begun implementing processes and using
materials that reduce environmental impact, lower energy consumption, and
encourage component recycling. These measures include the adoption of
eco-friendly materials, specifically recycled, durable, and sustainable
materials, to reduce their environmental footprint. Additionally, the use of
LED lighting is favored for its efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and
extended lamp lifespan. Manufacturers are increasingly turning to modular
designs, allowing for the independent disassembly of parts to facilitate
component recycling.
The ecodesign trend
However, in
the realm of research, certain suppliers and original equipment manufacturers
like Walter Pack are already actively engaged in developing innovative
solutions to progress towards sustainable production. Specifically, Walter Pack has embarked on producing
components under the concept of eco-design. This process incorporates
sustainable production criteria from the very inception of a component, all the
way through its final use, recycling, and reutilization stages.
New projects
As a result of this commitment, Walter Pack has been actively involved in two projects focused on plastic recycling and reutilization for some time now. On one hand, the Basque company is researching ways to reuse the waste it generates by recycling plastic and crafting new components. On the other hand, it is exploring the development of plastronic components using recycled materials that are fully disassemblable, aiming to achieve full utilization of all components at the end of their lifespan.
These
R&D initiatives represent just a glimpse of Walter Pack’s dedication to
implementing new sustainable processes and materials, ensuring that the
solutions provided to its customers are increasingly environmentally friendly.
