We Are Green
To minimize emissions, energy consumption, and material use, we consistently focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
Our Earth – Our Shared Planet
Protecting the environment is one of the key challenges of the 21st century and requires determined and responsible action from all members of society – including businesses. As a company deeply embedded in economic and social structures, we take this responsibility seriously. We view the protection of natural resources and the reduction of environmental impact not just as an obligation, but as a fundamental part of our corporate philosophy and actions.
Emissions
For us, compliance with the 1.5-degree target is non-negotiable. Accordingly, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is our top priority.
Energy
As a manufacturing company, we are committed to covering our energy consumption through renewable sources while minimizing overall usage as much as possible.
Material Lifecycle
We see it as our responsibility to minimize material consumption and to maximize usage, reuse, and the incorporation of materials from alternative sources.
Innovations, Technologies, and Products
We aim to continuously improve ourselves, our products, and our processes – because only in this way can we actively contribute to a sustainable transformation of mechanical engineering.
“When it comes to sustainability, the environment is the first thing that comes to most people's minds – and for good reason.”
Jannik Nahrgang
Sustainability Manager
Why do we take the topic of ‘environment’ so seriously at MURTFELDT?
Because we all urgently need to take action to avoid further accelerating the effect that ‘Earth Overshoot Day’ makes so transparent.
Earth Overshoot Day makes it clear how important a change in thinking is.
In 2024, the global Earth Overshoot Day fell on August 2, while in Germany it was already on May 4. From this day on, we are living on credit, consuming resources that future generations will lack. If the whole world lived like Germany, we would need almost three planets to meet the demand. But we only have one.
The good news: It is in our hands to stop this development.
Through conscious consumption, smarter use of resources, and a shift toward a more sustainable economy, we can all contribute.
Environmental awareness is no longer just an add-on — it is an integral part of the strategic direction of a sustainable company. We rely on both established and innovative approaches to drive sustainable transformation. To this end, we have set ourselves ambitious goals that both minimize our ecological footprint and promote future-proof solutions for our customers.
A Common Goal
The transition to sustainable energy supply is one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century.
We know that we can only achieve these ambitions together with our partners, suppliers, customers, and employees. The path to a sustainable future is complex and full of challenges, but we are firmly committed to shaping our role in this transformation with dedication and responsibility. By firmly integrating environmental and climate protection into our corporate strategy, we contribute to securing a livable future for generations to come — while also strengthening our company’s capacity for innovation and competitiveness.
MURTFELDT is guided by the 1.5°C climate targets to limit global warming
We have consciously committed ourselves to contributing to the limitation of global warming to 1.5°C. This commitment is not only part of our strategy, but also a central benchmark by which we measure our progress. Achieving this goal requires profound changes — from reducing our greenhouse gas emissions to restructuring our supply chains.
Complete Supply of the Site with Climate-Neutral Electricity
We have consciously committed ourselves to contributing to the limitation of global warming to 1.5°C. This commitment is not only part of our strategy, but also a central benchmark by which we measure our progress. Achieving this goal requires profound changes — from reducing our greenhouse gas emissions to restructuring our supply chains.
Already today, we use 100% electricity from renewable sources and are planning to further expand the capacity of our photovoltaic system, which has been in operation since 2006. In 2023, this system produced a total of 147,387 kWh of electricity — equivalent to the annual consumption of approximately thirty-five 4-person households.
Environmental Management at MURTFELDT Has Been Certified for Many Years
From 2005 to 2012, through the ÖKOPROFIT certification for businesses, and since 2012, we have consistently received certification under DIN EN ISO 14001. In addition to embedding sustainability strategically—by defining clear goals and ambitions—our environmental management system provides a continuous improvement process that enables us to implement a wide range of small details and improvements specifically focused on environmental performance quickly and effectively.
Internal Recycling Loop
Despite numerous measures to increase material efficiency, the saying still holds true: “Where material is chopped, shavings will fall.” To make use of these unavoidable remnants, internal recycling has been standard practice at our company for years.
The chips and offcuts of our S-material generated during the production process are collected directly and reused in the manufacture of recycled material. This allows us to avoid waste and reduce raw material consumption.
Our internal recycling system includes both the sorted collection of offcuts produced during manufacturing and the direct extraction of plastic chips during the machining process. For this purpose, more than 1.2 km of piping is integrated into our production setup, transporting the chips directly from the point of origin to silos, where they are ground into powder and reintroduced into our semi-finished product manufacturing process.
Thanks to this closed-loop system, we are able to maintain material purity and quality at a high level.
At a glance
Recycling Rate for Reusable PE Chips
The chips and offcuts of our S-material generated during the production process are collected directly and reused in the production of recycled materials. This helps us avoid waste and reduce the consumption of raw materials.
Our internal recycling system includes both the sorted collection of offcuts produced during manufacturing and the direct extraction of plastic chips during the machining process. To support this, more than 1.2 km of piping is installed throughout our production facility, transporting the plastic chips directly from the point of origin to silos, where they are ground into powder and reintroduced into our semi-finished product manufacturing process. Thanks to this closed-loop system, we are able to keep the material clean, sorted by type, and thus maintain high quality.
Separation Rate of Chips Generated in Our Production
As part of our ambition to maximize the value of our materials, we pay close attention to proper disposal practices to keep the material in the cycle for as long as possible.
With a separation rate of 97.5%, we uphold the highest standards in material separation, providing an excellent foundation for the continued reuse of materials.
Electricity from Renewable Energy Sources
A climate-friendly future requires a radical transformation of the energy supply. Our long-term goal is to achieve a largely self-sufficient and fully renewable energy system.
We already use 100% electricity from renewable sources and are planning to further expand the capacity of our photovoltaic systems.
At the same time, we are actively working on alternative technologies for generating process heat in order to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Our aim is to create an energy supply that not only powers our operations but also contributes positively to the environment.
Sustainability Report (german language)
In a few days you can access our full report here, including various aspects, in-depth background information, illustrative examples, and further concrete goals.
DO YOU HAVE SPECIFIC QUESTIONS ON THIS TOPIC?
We are happy to give you personal insights into our initiatives and advise you on how our products and services can help you become more sustainable.
Get in Touch!
LOOKING FOR OUR CERTIFICATES?
Do you have questions about our ecological responsibility?
Jannik Nahrgang
jannik.nahrgang@murtfeldt.de