Pivotal point of quality and sustainability

At the 20th Polyclose, Breuer & Schmitz, the door hinge specialist from Solingen, will be present once again. Of course to present its varied product program, but also to highlight various sustainable initiatives.

Breuer & Schmitz has been in existence since 1883 and stands for high quality hinges. The experience accumulated over the years has resulted in a wide range of standard and customized products. An example of this are the specials, solutions with which producers of partition walls in particular are at their beck and call. "We are particularly strong in the manufacture of hinges and pivots, in the broadest sense of the word," says Gijs-Bert Drost,
account manager for the Netherlands and growth market Belgium. "We also supply a nice range of glass door hardware, including a wide range of glass door hinges."

Coming full circle

During the production of its high-quality product range, Breuer & Schmitz strives to keep its ecological footprint as small as possible. To this end, the recently launched reuse+recycle program makes a solid contribution. "You have to deal carefully with scarce raw materials and use products as much as possible for reuse or recycling," Drost explains. "Not only do we see this need, the market also increasingly demands circular products. We are responding to that." 

Specifically, all product series certified to the U.S. Cradle to Cradle standard (all project hinges and frame assemblies, ball stud hinges 807 and the slide bearing hinges 804 and 818) can be returned to Breuer & Schmitz after use. "We assess and disassemble the products," Drost says. "Then they go to a certified company for recycling." 

A second initiative that brings the hinge specialist further full circle is its upcoming affiliation with the C2C Construction Group. This collective consists of construction-related manufacturers who embrace the circular economy and can present one or more cradle to cradle certificates. "This step also fits perfectly with the pioneering role we want to play," Drost said. "Under the motto 'Improve the world, start with yourself,' we are happy to contribute."

New construction

From the beginning of next year, this will be done from a brand new and virtually climate-neutral company building in Solingen. "For a manufacturing company, the latter is special, of course," says Drost, who also welcomes the new building for another reason. 

"The new accommodation is a great opportunity to take the next hurdle towards Cradle 2 Cradle Silver. All this at a place where we have been active for more than 100 years. We believe in European products and short supply lines. Not only does this yield logistical gains, it also reduces your footprint. That is what we are all about."