Sustainability and environment
We work with the environment, together with quality, as an integral part of our business system.
Our system aims to manage all our processes so that we create the greatest possible customer benefit with the least possible environmental impact. Ulinco is certified according to ISO 14001 since 1999.
Ulinco and sustainability
To conduct our business in the most sustainable way possible and to contribute as much as possible to the lowest possible climate footprint, both for society and Ulinco as a company:
- We choose the modes of transport that are most sustainable for both products and our employees
- Setting requirements for our suppliers in terms of carbon footprint
- Targeting our sales to the segments that contribute most to the transition to a circular economy
- Participate in the development of more sustainable products to be able to meet the demands of society and our customers in terms of sustainability
We see polymeric materials as essential to the transition that must now be made towards a more sustainable society.
Sustainability and social benefits of rubber
Rubber products contribute in many ways to improving society by increasing safety, promoting sustainability, supporting economic growth and improving quality of life.
Through innovative solutions and responsible use of resources, the rubber industry will continue to play an important role in the development of society, not least from a sustainability point of view.
The ongoing transition to renewable energy requires materials that cushion, insulate and rubber is therefore a very important material.
When it comes to the durability of rubber itself, rubber can be roughly divided into two main groups, natural rubber and synthetic rubber.
Natural rubber is good for sustainability if grown in the right way, for example using agroforestry methods, can have a lower environmental impact than conventional farming methods. Certifications such as FSC also ensure that rubber is grown in a way that protects forests and biodiversity.
In the case of synthetic rubber, intensive research is ongoing in polymer technology aimed at creating more environmentally friendly and sustainable rubber products. This includes developing new types of rubber from renewable raw materials and improving recycling processes, but also producing building blocks for current synthetic rubbers from renewable raw materials.
The other important raw material for rubber is carbon black, which has traditionally been based on fossil raw materials. Here too, intensive research is underway to produce carbon black based on renewable raw materials such as biogas.
Reuse (recycling) and recovery of rubber
Rubber is reused today in many segments. Some examples are:
- Automotive industry e.g. tyres
- Construction industry: e.g. in flooring (gym/sports floors), roofing (membranes), asphalt (for better durability, less noise and less cracking), gardening and landscaping products (durable and slip-resistant walking and stepping surfaces, ground cloth)
- Industrial products such as damping and sealing components
- Consumer products: e.g. shoe soles, household items
Intensive research has been conducted into the recycling of rubber. One example is pyrolysis, where there are already plants in use or about to be put into use, e.g. the plant under construction in Uddevalla.
The most interesting area for pyrolysis is end-of-life car tyres, of which there is a large supply. Pyrolysis of car tyres produces three fractions: steel, carbon black and pyrolysis oil.
The steel can enter the conventional recycling streams, the carbon black can be reused in rubber and the pyrolysis oil can be used as raw material in the petrochemical industry.
Ulinco is constantly increasing its ability to meet sustainability requirements by raising the level of knowledge within the company and participating in the development of more sustainable concepts in polymeric materials.