Fighting climate change
As global citizens, we here at HEXPOL Group are hard at work looking for ways to decrease our carbon footprint and to increase efficiency. We are committed to increased use of both recycled and bio based raw materials, among other measures that are climate positive.
Emissions to the Atmosphere
Climate Changing Gases
HEXPOL’s aim is to reduce the emission of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide from energy consumption. The emissions result from the use of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas and propane) and purchased electricity. During 2018 the emissions were 126,000 tonnes (141,000). The indirect emissions through purchase of electricity dominated and accounted for 88 percent (89) of the total amount of carbon dioxide. In a five-year perspective the key performance indicator for carbon dioxide emission (tonnes CO2/net sales) has been reduced.Â
- The on-going energy-efficiency projects contribute to a lower carbon footprint.
- The increased use of fossil-free electricity (Sweden, Germany, Czech Republic, UK), and use of biomass (wood, sawdust; Sri Lanka), reduces the emissions of carbon dioxide.
- Increased production, increased used of energy, and increased number of acquired facilities, will affect the carbon footprint in a negative way. Significant parts of the production take place in USA, Mexico and China. As a result our indirect emissions are highly affected by electricity that is produces from fossil sources (coal, fuel oil) in these countries.
- Further installation of photovoltaic cells. Currently solar energy is captured at two plants in Italy.
other air emissions
Energy consumption caused 13 tonnes (12) of atmospheric emissions of sulfur dioxide (SOx) and nitrogen oxide (NOx). The emissions have been reduced in recent years and are a result of the reduction of the use of heavy fuel oil at the units in Sri Lanka. Emissions of VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) from paint and solvents were around 57 tonnes (51) and were caused by the manufacture of polyurethane wheels. The total amount of installed cooling agents is approximately one tonne. No emissions of such ozone degrading gases (CFC/HCFC) occurred during the year.
Innovative solutions generating green growth
Many of HEXPOL’s customers take actions to improve the environmental performance and reduce the carbon footprint of their products. Our capability to develop more environment-friendly polymer compounds and other products creates business opportunities, for example:
RheVision
RheVision is a line of bio fiber reinforced polypropylene which use renewable natural fibers, for instance ground wood and coconut shells instead of traditional reinforcements such as talc, minerals and glass. All of the bio fibers used in RheVision are true waste products that are either traditionally burned or buried. The natural fibers can be combined with a
proportion of certified post-consumer polyolefin resin waste which takes the recycled content above 50 percent. The RheVision compounds are lightweight, environmentally friendly with a very unique aesthetic quality.Â
Dryflex Green TPE
Dryflex Green is a family of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) compounds containing raw materials from renewable resources such as plant and vegetable crops. By introducing raw materials that are derived from renewable vegetable crops, that are responsibly grown, the environmental impact is improved and the carbon footprint can be reduced. Currently a LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) is being completed for Dryflex Green.
HEXLIGHT
The product group HEXLIGHT (micro-dense materials) meets the requirements from the automotive industry concerning weight reduction. The density of the rubber profiles is reduced up to 30 percent. This contributes to lower fuel consumption in vehicles.
Robbins
Envelopes for re-treading of automotive tires from Robbins prolong the life of tires and thereby reduce the environmental impact. Re-treading reduces the amount of oils, materials and energy to produce a tire.
EDPM Rubber
EPDM rubber with low electrical conductivity is something the automotive industry demands. The reason is that the risk of electrolytic corrosion occurs when the use of light aluminum and magnesium alloys increase in cars. Door strips containing this type of EPDM reduce the risk of corrosion.
Recycled Polymers
Recycled polymers are used in materials in mud flaps, mats and bumpers for the automotive industry.
Rubber Gaskets
Rubber gaskets that are used in plate heat exchangers saves energy worldwide. The gaskets also contribute to energy saving, less climate impact and secure handling of chemicals and food products.
Thermoplastic Elastomers
Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are easy to recycle in closed-loop systems and are used in many applications, such as the automotive industry. TPEs can also replace PVC in certain applications.
HEXFLAME
Another environmental innovation is non-halogen fire protection mixtures out of the HEXFLAME product family, which are also an alternative for non-halogen building applications.
HEXPOL Engineered Products
HEXPOL Engineered Products manufactures polyurethane wheels with long service life, thus reducing the need for replacement wheels. This lowers the consumption of materials and the amount of waste.
