Our planet matters. Not only because we have to value it because of social standards, but primarily because we want to continue to look the next generation straight in the eye. We are happy to take a few extra steps for it while at the same time maintaining high quality.
Time and again, we take a close look at our machinery and the associated processes. We recover and regenerate raw materials and auxiliary materials, re-use (residual) heat and water, and have automated processes where we can. In addition, we have almost 5,200 solar panels on our roofs to generate most of our electricity ourselves.
Sustainable production
NFB has also structured its processes to minimise losses of raw materials and energy. For example, we regenerate powders by collecting and filtering them. This means that as much as 99% of this raw material is used.
Heat recovery
During the necessary sintering process, we raise the temperature to between 150°C and 200°C. The heat is then channelled through heat exchangers, allowing the factory to be heated. The residual heat is also captured and used in the morning, when starting the production process, to preheat the ovens.
Gaining and saving energy
Our roofs are equipped with nearly 5,200 solar panels. This allows us to generate the energy we need for our processes in an environmentally friendly way and reduce our electricity purchases.
Reuse water
All the water we use, we try to reuse. Either for heat storage or for other processes. By doing this, we save on annual water consumption.
Sludge and waste materials
We allow all our wet and auxiliary materials to settle after the process. The sludge is subjected to an additional treatment and drying process, which minimises the waste stream.
Other waste streams
Naturally, we separate all our waste streams, which has significantly reduced residual waste in recent years. The separated streams are then recycled into new raw materials.