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.
Environmentally friendly raw materials
NFB has been at the forefront of applying environmentally friendly raw materials and processes for years. The cataphoresis lacquer and the applied powder coating contain no or few solvents or other environmentally harmful substances and are processed very efficiently.
Sustainable production
NFB has also set up its processes so that losses in the field of raw materials and energy are kept to a minimum. For example, we regenerate the powders by collecting and filtering them. Up to 99% of the raw material is used.
Heat recovery
When needed, we raise the temperature of our ovens to as much as 150°C – 200°C. The residual heat passes through heat exchangers to heat the factory. When the production process starts, the residual heat is also collected and used to preheat the ovens at the start of the production process.
Produce and save energy
Our roofs will be equipped with no less than 5,200 solar panels in 2021 to generate the energy we need for our processes in an environmentally friendly way, limiting the purchase of electricity to 70%.
Re-use of water
We try to re-use all the water we use, either for heat storage or other processes. By doing this, we save approximately 12% on our annual water consumption.
Sludge and waste
We allow all our wet raw materials and auxiliary materials to settle down after the process. The sludge is processed and dried so that the waste flow is kept to a minimum.
Other waste streams
Of course, we separate all our waste flows, which means that residual waste has decreased by 89% in recent years. The separated streams are recycled for renewable raw materials.
