Circular Business Model
Circular mindset
The BIRN Group’s business model is based on a circular economy mindset. For us, it has long been common sense to consider how we use and consume the planet’s resources. We upcycle waste materials, recycle our own materials in closed circuits and develop products with a long life that can be reused indefinitely. BIRN prepares ongoing life cycle analyses precisely to map the flow of materials and waste.
However, the manufacture and treatment of cast iron also produce a number of waste products. Our waste management has long been based on the waste hierarchy, but, with a circular approach, we must be even more conscious of how we create added value and waste fewer resources. What other industries categorise as waste may be a resource for us, and vice versa.
Examples of recycling
98% of the sand from the casting process at BIRN in Holstebro is recycled
93% of the materials in BIRN’s cast iron are recycled material such as scrap
50% reduced consumption of cutting oil at KOCKUMS MASKIN by filtering and recycling the oil in the machines
34% of the space heat at BIRN in Holstebro comes from recycled heat from production
25% of the smelting iron at BIRN in Holstebro comes from recycled shavings and wire from used car tyres
Recycling of scrap
Steel scrap is the main component in BIRN's cast iron production. Recycling iron places high demands on our suppliers. The quality of the scrap is crucial and it is important that we can get the most stable supply of a material that is inherently available in unpredictable quantities.
Read more about our use of scrapRecycling of casting sand
To ensure a good quality of sand, two percent of our casting sand is replaced with new sand daily. However, the sand that is replaced does not end up as landfill but is instead recycled for building and construction projects.
Read more about the processRaw material consumption
The composition of materials in cast iron consists of both virgin and recycled raw materials. Recycled raw materials include steel scrap, machining shavings and foundry returns from the casting process. Virgin raw materials include pig iron and alloy materials.
Circular project gives foundry financial support
An optimization project has increased the number of so-called “doughnut briquettes” in BIRN's melting of iron from 15 to 25 percent. In addition to keeping material costs down, the project also benefits the environment; the briquettes consist of, among other things, steel wire from used car tires, which now go into BIRN’s melting furnaces.
Emissions and energy
As one of the largest foundry groups in Northern Europe, and thus an emitter of greenhouse gases, we are committed to continuing our work to reduce emissions connected with our operations.
Read moreContact
Sustainability is an important driver in ensuring the future success of our business. Do you want to know how we work with sustainability?
Emil Husted Brodersen, Group Sustainability Manager
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