Minimise, recycle, optimise
In the Doors Division, the topic of resource efficiency primarily comprises minimising production waste, but also dealing with waste that occurs during operation. An efficient use of resources especially includes reducing production residues, but also an optimum configuration of transports to minimise special journeys.
Resource efficiency along the entire value chain
Resource efficiency is relevant to the Doors Division along the entire value chain. In order to optimise material consumption and avoid waste, a resource-conserving production is already aimed for in the development stage. The use of old parts or carry-over parts is also checked in this phase. The topic of resource efficiency is closely linked to product quality in the Doors Division – because high-quality products not only mean fewer rejects but also fewer complaints and thus a higher customer satisfaction. In the division, reject and error costs are to be minimised through continuous monitoring of the resource efficiency. For example, the packaging concept of Kermi Sanitär in Plattling (D) has been changed in the past years to avoid the use of polystyrene and foils as much as possible.
An efficient use of the required resources is achieved through stable, simple processes and the consistent reduction of rejects. Residues from production are recycled whenever possible. To improve resource efficiency, permanently informing and training employees is also decisive.
The topic of sustainability certification of the manufactured products is continually gaining relevance: More and more customers demand low-pollutant materials and attach importance to a certification. In addition, numerous products already undergo testing for harmful substances and are correspondingly certified according to the guidelines of the ECO Institute. To define the processes, the individual companies place great value on a close cooperation between the management and the production, maintenance and technical departments. For example, Invado has succeeded in improving the economic efficiency and the resource efficiency of production processes by introducing the one-piece flow principle. The new process ensures considerably lower time, material and resource costs and thus more effective production. Lean manufacturing will make it possible to increase quality and thus reduce the number of complaints to a minimum in the medium term. To achieve the overarching goal – the strengthening and expansion of its market position by providing innovative and reliable products – the division strives to continuously develop and improve its quality management systems. Improvements in manufacturing technology are just as natural as the ongoing modernisation of the machinery and a target-oriented selection of suppliers to improve the quality of raw materials. Other important factors are continuously improving personnel qualifications, involving all employees in implementing all measures, and transferring the responsibility for quality to the employees.