EMKA: EMKA is committed to sustainability

EMKA is committed to enhancing sustainability company-wide and is making significant progress through the successful implementation of various projects. For instance, the industry leader based in Velbert, Germany, has already established photovoltaic systems and charging stations for electric vehicles at several sites. Reprocessing cooling water and recovering heat are also well-established methods. Finally, as part of the GoGreen campaign, EMKA is introducing a product made from recycled plastic for the very first time. The properties of the example swinghandle selected for this do not differ from those of the proven standard product made of PA6 with 30% glass fibre content.

The swinghandle made from recycled plastic

The key components of the reusable handle are constructed from sustainable plastic, comprised of 90% recycled and biobased granules. The material shares the identical chemical composition as the plastic previously utilized. Regardless of the material, the processing properties, service life, durability, and disposal properties remain the same. In some cases, the use of recycled materials requires new material approvals, like those needed for flame retardancy standards. Recyclates are therefore best suited for standard products. The material is sourced from suppliers who are constantly striving to develop new environmentally sustainable materials for industrial purposes. The first GoGreen product is not yet in serial production.

Contrary to popular belief, it has been demonstrated that environmental preservation and superior product quality can go hand in hand. The selected swivelhandle is representative of the change that EMKA is striving for with its sustainability campaign. Customers are provided with a premium product that has a greatly reduced impact on the environment. Corresponding certificates for the material used are available upon request.

The swinghandle made from recycled plastic has the same tactile experience as the traditional PA6 product. The product characteristics are the same as well. Black is the standard colour

Another milestone in the sustainability strategy is the installation of photovoltaic systems and electric charging stations at several locations. At the company headquarters in Velbert, a photovoltaic system with a capacity of 92.34 kWp is located on the assembly hall. It generates an average of 8,730 kWh of electricity annually. A second system on the administration building generates around 2,550 kWh of electricity per year with an output of 30 kWp. Investments in solar energy have also been made at the site in Wuppertal, Germany. In 2024, three solar systems with a combined capacity of 505.06 kWp were installed on the roofs of EMKA Alu, ILS, and the Technology Centre (TZ), jointly producing around 47,500 kWh of electricity per year.

The majority of the energy produced is directly used at the EMKA facilities. Excess electricity is fed into the grid. From 2025, green electricity will also be used at the plants in Wuppertal and Velbert. Solar energy is also used in other European countries, for example on the EMKA sales building in Pastrengo, Italy. In Arnedo, Spain, the production and sales location has a photovoltaic system installed on its entire 13,000 m² roof area. This system contributes to almost 30% of the electricity consumed by the site.

This former diesel petrol station has been converted into a charging station for electric vehicles. At this and other stations, EMKA employees and visitors have the opportunity to charge their vehicles in an environmentally friendly way.

Electromobility

In addition, EMKA is committed to expanding the infrastructure for electric mobility. At the Velbert and Wuppertal sites in Germany, there are a total of nine charging stations for electric vehicles to enable employees and visitors to charge their vehicles in an environmentally friendly way.

The expansion of the charging infrastructure is being continuously driven forward – another charging station will be put into operation in Velbert before the end of this year. In 2025, charging stations are planned to be installed in Arnedo, Spain. Their use will be free of charge for employees and visitors.

Last but not least, EMKA makes an important contribution to environmental protection by recycling cooling water and filtering pollutants. The cooling water used at EMKA Aluminium, EMKA Plastics Technology, and EMKA Zinc Die Casting is recycled in a closed-loop system, resulting in a substantial decrease in freshwater usage. The excess heat generated by the machinery in the plastics processing is utilised in a separate water system to regulate the temperature of the tools and to provide heating for the facility during winter. Compressors with heat recovery are used to generate compressed air.

The waste heat from the oil coolers is used to supply water for the shower stalls and the heating system. Furthermore, solar collectors are installed on the roofs of the EMKA headquarters to heat the water for the lounge area and the canteen. The sum of these many individual measures leads to a significantly improved footprint in terms of sustainability and environmental protection at EMKA.

EMKA has already implemented solar power systems at multiple sites. The photograph showcases the rooftop installation at EMKA Aluminium in Wuppertal, Germany. The electricity generated is mainly used at the site.

Back

News topics

Company News Product News Sector News Sponsoring News Customer solutions Electronics Commercial vehicles Railway vehicles Food and medical
technology Server racks/
Data centres Air conditioning
technology (HVACR) Switch and control
cabinets Locks and Latches Locking Systems Hinges Gaskets

	+49 (0)2051 273-0
	info@emka.com