By using resources efficiently, Svedbergs Group helps achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals 9 – Industry, innovation and infrastructure, and 12 – Responsible consumption and production. Sustainable resource use and circular economy are about using materials, energy and other resources more efficiently and developing circular flows. This includes the use of recycled and renewable materials, minimising waste throughout the value chain, optimising the lifetime of products and resources and promoting product and packaging recycling and circular solutions for end-of-life products.
Sustainability goals
By 2030, all new products must be developed according to circular design principles. Waste from own operations must have been reduced by 35 percent by 2030. At least 90 percent of product materials must be recyclable by 2030. Achieve at least 30 percent recycled content in all our product materials by 2030.
Impact in the value chain
Svedbergs Group’s impact is mainly related to the extraction and processing of raw materials. Theproducts offered by the Group’s brand companies are made from components based on finite natural resources such as metals, minerals and various types of polymers. Almost all the material used for the products is virgin material. The extraction of these materials may have a negative impact on people and nature.
Downstream impacts are mainly related to potential shortcomings in recycling and reuse processes. Svedbergs Group sells products that are used by customers in a large number of countries. Shortcomings in local infrastructure may pose challenges for recycling and reuse. In addition, some products may go to landfill or incineration owing to contamination risks or complex material compositions that are difficult to separate.
Policies related to resource use and cicular economy
Resource Use, Circular Economy & Waste Policy. The policy provides clear guidelines for commitments, targets and requirements related to resource use, circular economy and waste. The policy covers our own operations and value chain and applies to all Svedbergs Group subsidiaries, their employees, suppliers and subcontractors. The policy is subject to annual revision. It is communicated and available to all relevant stakeholders via appropriate channels.
Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation and Energy Policy.
Product development in line with circular design principles
Svedbergs Group’s mapping shows that the majority of greenhouse gas emissions arise in connection with the extraction of raw materials for purchased goods. To reduce emissions and negative environmental impact, while enhancing resource efficiency, Svedbergs Group endeavours to integrate circular design principles in product development. The aim is to extend the lifetime and reduce waste and material consumption in manufacturing. The Group works actively with subcontractors to develop products based on materials with a lower environmental and climate impact. This work covers the whole life cycle of the product and addresses a variety of aspects such as renewability, recyclability, lifetime and weight.
Clear procedures for waste and waste management
Waste is generated at various stages in Svedbergs Group’s value chain: during production at subcontractors, in the Group’s own operations and in connection with end-of-life. It mainly consists of leftover materials from production and packaging materials. All brand companies are focusing on reducing the volume of waste that is sent to incineration and landfill. Work is also under way to increase the proportion of materials that are recycled.
Work on Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)
The brand companies are working on environmental product declarations for their respective product portfolios. EPDs, or Environmental Product Declarations, are comprehensive, standardised documents that quantify the environmental impact of a product. The reports are developed using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method and evaluate different impact categories, including carbon emissions, over a product’s life cycle. This assessment covers everything from raw material extraction, transport and manufacturing processes to a product’s use, end use and potential for recycling. In addition to increased clarity towards customers, architects, property developers and end consumers, it helps further develop the product portfolio and the manufacturing process, ultimately enhancing competitiveness.
