Sustainably on course for over a quarter century

Profile producer introduces frame profile whose core consists of as much as 62% recycled raw material

As a developer and manufacturer of plastic profiles for windows and doors, GEALAN has been proactively committed to sustainability for more than 25 years. As a pioneer, the company strives to combine the friendly and responsible use of raw and auxiliary materials with a keen eye for the environment. An approach that is by no means at the expense of profitability and will continue to be used in the future. "GEALAN continues to initiate further action, in all possible sectors. With the aim of operating even more efficiently and sustainably."

Working sustainably and at the same time affordably: especially in the manufacturing industry, it is becoming an increasing challenge. At GEALAN, they know all about it. For more than a quarter of a century, the profile manufacturer has been handling resources such as electricity, water, plastic and additives efficiently and responsibly. In addition, processes, formulas and technical equipment are constantly checked, revised and updated. A future-oriented action that saves the company many resources. Important, especially at a time when raw materials are scarce and energy prices are high. 

Reduced CO₂-emissions

GEALAN tools and products are designed sustainably, from the first sketch to the recyclable finished product. Thus, first of all, substantial amounts of CO₂ saved. "In 2021, we used about 21,500 tons of recycled materials," says system consultant Bas van den Eerenbeemt. "Compared to using new raw and auxiliary materials, that resulted in a CO₂-decrease of about 43,000 tons." 

S 9000 EN recycling

GEALAN's range of Dutch window systems has recently been expanded to include the S 9000 NL recycling. This variant has a frame profile whose core consists of as much as 62% recycled raw material. "GEALAN attaches great importance to sustainability," says Van den Eerenbeemt. "That is why we use recycled materials for the production of our profiles. We can reuse old plastic frames up to seven times and guarantee the quality of our frames. So you get a sustainable product, which uses less waste, less new raw material and less harmful greenhouse gases. Because we use this profile in every window frame, our range of circular products is increased and our foodprint is very much improved. Specifically, we reduce CO₂-emissions by 1,500,000 kilograms per year."

Shortening transportation routes 

Using less energy and resources as well as working in an environmentally friendly way also happens at GEALAN in the logistics and transport area. In order to shorten transport routes and save energy and resources, the company participates, among other things, in the EPPA's regulated system for the return of transport pallets and uses an intelligent system for route planning and control. "Also, thanks to new pan-European networks and distribution centers, higher capacity utilization is achieved," says Van den Eerenbeemt. "So fewer trucks are needed. Where possible, we also cooperate with regional forwarding companies to avoid unnecessary transport and excessive logistics costs."

Certified Sustainability

Since 1996, GEALAN has been subjecting its sustainability policy to the demanding test of the European environmental management system EMAS. At the same time, the profile specialist has long been a partner of the largest European recycling initiative VinylPlus^®. 

"We have been certified to VinylPlus' sustainability criteria since 2019^®", said Van den Eerenbeemt. "The certification criteria include, for example, the responsible sourcing of raw materials and additives, the promotion of closed material cycles, the use of recycled materials, a sustainable energy strategy and management system requirements."    

For more information on GEALAN's sustainability policy, visit http://www.GEALAN.de/nl/we-create-the-frame/spot-duurzaamheid/