Avoid waste & recycle rejects
Our approach to recycling? Utilising primary raw materials as efficiently as possible and preserving them in the long term. In the first step, we avoid waste wherever possible; in the second, we separate it properly and feed the recyclable materials into the recycling cycle. Packaging plays a key role in this.
Recyclable packaging
As much packaging as necessary, as little as possible. We want to reduce our packaging waste, for example by focussing on reusable packaging. We are also promoting ecologically compatible materials here.
Turning old into new
Raw material recycling is an essential part of modern waste avoidance. We therefore recycle the most important raw materials for us - zinc, aluminium, steel and plastic - and then reuse some of them in our production processes.
This also saves energy: secondary aluminium requires only about 5 per cent of the energy needed for primary production!
And we are getting better and better
Around 25% of the steel and 83% of the aluminium used was recycled in 2023 - we were therefore able to significantly increase recycling volumes compared to 2022. A particular highlight: we work with virtually no waste in the zinc die-casting production process!
Cardboard as filling material
Austria dispenses with plastic bags
We do not use inflated plastic bags as filling material for small parcel shipments. Instead, we recycle cardboard packaging that has already been used. In the spirit of the circular economy, we first give the cardboard a new purpose before it is recycled.
A cardboard compression machine has already been in use in Trieben since mid-2023, and further MACO logistics centres will follow in 2024. The UK has also already embarked on this path and reuses packaging cardboard several times or as filling material.
New waste concept
Germany scrutinises its waste
How much and what kind of waste is produced? How do we separate it correctly and avoid soil emissions? How do we store waste cleanly and dispose of it properly? As part of the restructuring of the waste storage facilities, the entire waste concept was examined and reorganised: From internal waste transport to the storage and disposal of hazardous waste to the implementation of a waste register in order to obtain an overview of the respective waste volumes.
The aim is to store waste cleanly, avoid environmental impacts through soil emissions and waste water and recycle as much waste as possible and feed it back into the cycle. We also want to reduce the amount of waste, such as e-waste, batteries and fluorescent tubes.
Packaging pallets ecologically
UK favours recycled film
Finally, pallets are wrapped in film to ensure dust-free, safe transport of the load. This so-called top coat film now contains 30 per cent recycled material. The UK branch needs around 1.5 kilometres of this film every year.
Recycling model
Netherlands works on collective return system
MACO Netherlands is promoting the "Recycling model for the complete window or door element" in the industry association for fittings (VHS). The aim is a collective collection system for products that are then dismantled into individual parts and recycled. The material composition of our fittings is essential here; all questionable materials are successively eliminated.
Saving packaging waste
Poland: tap water instead of PET bottles
Water dispensers that turn filtered tap water into hot, cold or sparkling drinks - our Polish site saves on packaging waste, especially PET bottles. Instead of disposable cups, all employees were also given refillable water bottles.
Packaging recycling
Italy relies on environmental labelling for product packaging
In the interests of the circular economy, we indicate on our packaging what material it is made of to enable correct disposal. In this way, we fulfil EU Directive 97/129/EC.
Information on all types of packaging is also available online. Customers can find the information and the online link on every delivery note. A QR code has also been applied to the seal packaging, which provides further information on the correct disposal of packaging.
By setting a good example, we also want to encourage our suppliers to label their packaging accordingly and thus create transparency throughout the entire cycle.
Pioneer in sustainability management
Netherlands leads the way
In the Netherlands, too, the topic of sustainable construction is strongly driven by politics. At the same time, there is a high demand for housing. Traditional construction methods can neither fulfil the high ecological requirements nor meet the demand for housing. Innovative materials, construction methods and ways of thinking are in demand here and are required by politicians, for example through strict CO₂ regulations.
MACO wants to play a leading role in shaping this new way of building and is therefore a member of various committees and industry associations that deal with forward-looking, eco-friendly construction methods (e.g. VHS). In the course of this association work, for example, new, modified types of wood or recycling models are being developed or influence exerted via tender texts for public buildings.
