Clean Air Seen Through the Windows
OKNOPLAST’s unwavering commitment to eco-friendly solutions and reducing its environmental footprint is evident through significant investments in sustainability. Notably, the company recently acquired and installed a state-of-the-art catalytic furnace, specifically designed to combat pollution. This cutting-edge device efficiently incinerates volatile organic compounds at a scorching 752°F, resulting in a remarkable 95% reduction in atmospheric emissions The furnace was installed in the lamination department, which accounts for almost 80% of the total emissions from the factory near Krakow.
Over the years, OKNOPLAST has diligently pursued a sustainable development strategy, with a primary environmental goal of enhancing energy efficiency across its production facilities. This mission unfolds through a dual approach: firstly, through the regular modernization of machinery, phasing out energy-intensive equipment in favor of environmentally compliant, energy-saving counterparts. Secondly, OKNOPLAST invests substantially in alternative, renewable energy sources, reaffirming its commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.
Nearly 100% Reduction in Volatile Compounds
One of the company’s most recent and substantial investments in energy-saving equipment involved the installation of a catalytic furnace, designed to efficiently burn volatile compounds. This strategic move led to an impressive 95% reduction in pollutant emissions from the profile lamination department. Consequently, what once emitted harmful substances into the atmosphere now predominantly releases water vapor. Given that the lamination department accounted for a significant 78% of the factory’s total emissions in Ochmanow, this installation emerged as one of the pivotal milestones in realizing our environmental policy.
The new equipment also draws energy from the photovoltaic installation, introduced earlier this year on the roofs of our production halls. Alongside the burner installation, the profile lamination department underwent enhancements, creating a more airtight production process that prevents the escape of substances detrimental to air quality.
In response to the increasing implementation of anti-smog measures and the rising significance of air quality in public discourse, Łukasz Marzec, COO of the OKNOPLAST Group, emphasizes, “We recognize the growing expectations of our customers and the imperative to focus not only on product quality but also on the sustainability of the production process. With each new investment, our aim is not just to enhance production but also to minimize its environmental footprint—an ongoing responsibility we prioritize daily.”
A Pivotal Certification
The outcomes of our environmental endeavors are quantifiable and impressive. Within OKNOPLAST’s production halls, we’ve achieved a remarkable 50% reduction in gas consumption compared to the previous heating season, and electricity consumption has been significantly reduced. Our diligent adherence to the requirements of the environmental management standard has culminated in the attainment of ISO 14001 certification. This certification represents the pinnacle of our comprehensive corporate social responsibility policy implementation. In practice, receiving ISO 14001 signifies our commitment to minimizing our organizational environmental footprint, positioning OKNOPLAST as one of the most eco-friendly industrial facilities in Europe.
About the Author: Oknoplast Team
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