BekaertDeslee Advances Circular Economy

NEWS RELEASE

BekaertDeslee Releases Sustainability Report 2022

BekaertDeslee has released its Sustainability Report 2022, highlighting the company’s commitment to resource efficiency, waste reduction, and the development of sustainable products and technologies. The company aims to transition from a linear business model to a circular one, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Transitioning to a Circular Economy

The global demand for resources continues to rise, while non-renewable resources are becoming increasingly scarce. BekaertDeslee recognizes the urgent need to transition from linear business models to circular ones to address these challenges.

“Traditionally, most BekaertDeslee products were designed for a linear economy, making it challenging for them to be reused or recycled,” said Demet Tunc, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of BekaertDeslee. “To drive sustainability and circularity, we have embarked on a transformative journey to rethink our designs, materials choices, and recycling capabilities.”

Key Objectives for Circular Economy

BekaertDeslee has identified several key objectives to achieve its circular economy goals:

1. Decrease petrochemical input materials
• BekaertDeslee is committed to reducing its reliance on virgin fossil-based inputs by introducing innovative products such as Tencel Carbon-Zero and Tencel x Refibra.
• The company also recycles its own post-production waste to create recycled textile yarns and needle-felt fabrics.
2. Increase renewable feedstock
• BekaertDeslee aims to reduce dependence on fossil feedstock by introducing a 30% bio-based FR material.
3. Increase the use of renewable energy
• The company is actively exploring opportunities to increase the share of renewable energy sources in its production processes.
4. Phase out substances of concern and avoid microfiber release
• BekaertDeslee is committed to substituting harmful chemical compounds with safer alternatives, such as a fluor-free finish that replaces PFOS class chemicals.
5. Increase reuse and durability of materials
• BekaertDeslee has introduced innovative features such as interchangeable covers and Purotex+ to extend the lifespan of its products and reduce the need for new materials.
6. Radically improve recycling
• The company has embraced several recycling technologies, including mono-material products and the Resortecs Smart Stitch, to enhance recyclability.
7. Anaerobic digestion & composting
• BekaertDeslee acknowledges the importance of biodegradable materials and their potential for energy generation through anaerobic digestion or nutrient return through composting.
8. Responsible end-of-life management
• The company is committed to implementing responsible management strategies for non-biodegradable materials, aiming to derive energy from their treatment.

Collaboration and Future Plans

BekaertDeslee is actively collaborating with industry partners and building an external network to gather knowledge and accelerate progress towards circularity. The company believes that investments in circular design, recycling technologies, and digital product passports will pave the way for a more sustainable future.

While BekaertDeslee has made significant strides, the company acknowledges the need for further improvement. In 2022, 18% of the materials used in its products were renewable, highlighting progress but also the challenges of sourcing renewable materials at scale. The company is working towards reclaiming its materials effectively through the implementation of material tracking systems.

Looking ahead, BekaertDeslee sees digital product passports as a key enabler for a more circular economic model. The company aims to establish partnerships with specialists to process its waste into recycled materials. Furthermore, internal recycling feasibility studies are underway to maximize resource utilization within its operations.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 14: Life Below Water
• SDG 15: Life on Land

The issues highlighted in the article, such as resource efficiency, waste reduction, and the development of sustainable products and technologies, are connected to these SDGs.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
• Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes
• Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
• Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution
• Target 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests, and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally

These targets align with the issues discussed in the article and the company’s objectives.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

No specific indicators are mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. The article mainly focuses on the company’s objectives and initiatives without providing specific metrics or measurements.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: bedtimesmagazine.com

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