Sustainable Development Begins with Understanding Your Own Business
Industrial companies are increasingly considering solutions for sustainable development and the green transition. Meltex, a manufacturer of plastic products for infrastructure construction, has been investing more strongly in recyclability and comprehensive responsibility. The company has also gained tools for its sustainability efforts through the GIA (Green Industrial Areas) project. In Denmark’s Kalundborg industrial area, companies are engaged in circular economy cooperation.
Meltex aims to adopt recycled raw materials, though the effort comes with challenges. For example, product standards may prevent the use of recycled materials in potable water pipes. Recycled plastic must also be of consistent quality, and competition for raw materials is fierce.
Although the emissions generated in the production of water, wastewater, and drainage pipes, wells, and pumping stations are relatively small, the raw materials used in plastic products are still largely fossil-based and come from countries where the manufacturing processes may not be environmentally friendly.
“We recognize that fossil-based plastic cannot be used indefinitely; the circular economy must be at the center and part of our plans,” emphasizes Johannes Hakala, Environmental Specialist at Meltex.
Circular Economy Requires Both Quality and Quantity
Industrial processes inevitably generate waste, and Meltex has long been reusing plastic waste as raw material in its production. The company has also participated in projects exploring how to collect uniform-quality plastic waste, such as pipes, from construction sites.
“Here too, we need to consider the supply chain, return logistics, and whether additional emissions are created through transportation. Costs can get out of hand if the volume isn’t large enough,” Hakala notes.
The role of the environmental specialist has been to gain an overall picture of the company’s and products’ environmental impacts. Meltex has also started voluntary sustainability reporting. The goal is to better understand their own operations — what kind of impact they have and how negative effects can be minimized. Choices must also be made.
“The scale of our production reflects in our electricity consumption, and a few years ago we chose a renewable energy source: hydroelectric power,” Hakala explains.
Information Management is a Challenge in Sustainability Work
According to Hakala, the biggest challenge in Meltex’s green transition is information management. While there is a lot of information available — such as data on emissions and transportation — it is scattered.
“The European Union is developing a digital product passport, which will allow product information to travel with the product and show, for example, whether a product is recyclable.”
Although Meltex is progressive in its sustainability work, there is still work to be done in areas such as energy management and monitoring. Nonetheless, the sustainability work done so far has brought added value to the company.
“Our efforts are positively reflected among staff, stakeholders, and customers. We have the will to act responsibly and transparently, and our understanding of our own operations has deepened. We are more aware and able to answer environmental questions from clients and stakeholders.”
Hakala emphasizes that companies should first understand their current situation in sustainability and not expect perfection from the outset.
“A good starting point could be reducing material waste and energy consumption,” Hakala suggests.
Meltex has received insights from the GIA project regarding sustainable mobility, biodiversity, and guidelines for developing environmentally friendly outdoor lighting. The GIA project develops tools and builds a multinational certificate for sustainable industrial areas. More information: GreenIndustrialAreas – Interreg Baltic Sea Region.
Companies Cooperate in Kalundborg
Representatives of the GIA project from Denmark visited Meltex last autumn to learn about its sustainability efforts. Søren Stensgaard, Director of Sustainable Development, and Johan Ib Hansen, Senior Project Manager, observed that although industrial areas in Jyväskylä are not committed to renewable energy, companies like Meltex make significant use of it.
Kalundborg Symbiosis is a community of nearly 20 industrial companies focused on energy-saving and efficiency-boosting technologies. Companies in the community share, for example, surplus heat, gas, and steam. The symbiosis also participates in global initiatives.
“Kalundborg’s approach is more collaborative and integrated through the industrial community, whereas in Jyväskylä, measures are more company-specific,” Stensgaard analyzes.
Build Trust, Start Small, Grow Gradually
Stensgaard and Hansen gained new insights and knowledge of Finnish practices during their visit to Jyväskylä. For instance, Finland has general environmental protection regulations regarding endangered species and stormwater management. Authorities also monitor corporate environmental protection efforts.
They took home a model for improved lighting control and an animal-friendly, adaptive lighting system. The Danish representatives also offer tips for Finnish industrial companies on how to start cooperation around sustainability:
“It’s important to build strong relationships and trust between industrial partners for successful collaboration. It’s also wise to begin with smaller joint projects to build trust and demonstrate the benefits of cooperation. Only then can companies move on to larger projects that require investments and more complex processes.”
