Sustainability
The world is changing, and so is Phormium.
Sustainability has become an integral part of how business should be run, either driven by end customers requests or regulations.
Challenges
In order to answer such challenges, we categorize our efforts into the following areas :
More efficient operations:
Throughout the years we have worked on reducing energy consumption and waste. We are recycling (inline recycling) about 60% of our production waste in the extrusion process: in doing so, and because we are fully integrated in our manufacturing process, we are the screen manufacturer that uses the most recycled materials today!
Every year Phormium recycles about 100 tonnes of polymer.
We use recycled material for garbage bags, for collecting internal waste.
Reduction of electricity use.
In 2022 : 100% of our electricity supply came from green energy (50% nuclear, 50% solar and wind).
Other projects are ongoing, driven by the outcome of our manufacturing operations carbon footprint analysis.
More sustainable products:
1. In terms of features and thanks to our unique weaving process:
Phormium is the only horticulture screen manufacturer that warranties 8 years lifetime. Knowing that in real life, our screens last even longer. Limiting too short replacement of screens, when not required for plant or vegetable growing, is a first step towards better sustainability.
2. In terms of their materials content:
Thanks to our MEP technology (Micro Encapsulated Particles), we are able to achieve high levels of reflective shading in replacement of aluminum foils that have higher carbon footprint. Phormium is the market leader in bio based landscaping groundcovers under the name Duracover. The material is made of PLA (Poly Lactic Acid) originating from starch coming from corn.
3. In terms of recyclability:
Currently, screens for horticulture are incinerated for end of life. The process liberates energy that can be reused, but also rejects fumes. Improvements could come from transforming used screens into other products, hence contributing to a circular economy. Phormium is reviewing such possibilities
Projects
Bio-circle
Phormium/IFG Cresco has invested in a new automatic cleaning machine.
This machine works with a cleaner composed from water based, renewable raw materials, making it safe to use for all employees.
The micro-organisms in the cleaner provide an extreme long lifetime and a continuous cleaning power, which quickly and easily breaks down oil and grease. That way, less waste is left over.
Also, less energy is consumed as the machine runs on lower temperatures (40°C instead of 70°C with previous methods). Thank you, Bio-Circle, for this sustainable cooperation!
Processing Company Waste
We have introduced a new way of processing company waste together with partners Bruco Group & Afval Alternatief.
All of our residual waste goes through pre-sorting with a state-of-the art pre-sorting machine. The remaining fine waste/fractions (fluff) is burned, with energy recuperation. That way, no waste is wasted!
PRS Green Label
When it comes to sustainability, we are always motivated to keep up the good work.
This year, for the 3rd year in a row, we were awarded the PRS Green Label.
Thanks to the maximum recovery of pallets at our production site in Lokeren, contribution is made to a circular pallet reuse system. As a Green Label member, IFG Cresco (Phormium) is part of a sustainable network of environmentally responsible polymer producers, plastic processors, transporters, traders and distributors.