Sustainability
and extremely long service life of the products
Sustainability has always been a top priority at Becker Solingen!
At Becker Solingen, we have always had a deep respect for nature and the resources it offers. Sustainability is not just a modern buzzword for us; it is a central component of our corporate philosophy and influences every aspect of our work.
Since our foundation, we have placed great emphasis on combining traditional craftsmanship with modern, sustainable practices. Our products are carefully handcrafted using innovative techniques to minimize material consumption and waste. Through the continuous improvement of our production processes, we ensure that we not only provide high-quality products with a long service life, but also use our resources responsibly.
We are certified for environmental management
and awarded the environmental prize
When we were accepted for the Ethical Style 2024 by Nordstil, we received our award for our environmentally friendly, resource-conserving production. This was already the 4th award of ethical style.
The Ethical Style by Nordstil award stands for:
- Environmentally friendly material
- Re/upcycling design
- Resource-saving production
- Handcrafted
- Sustainable innovation
- Fair & social production
We are certified annually to DIN EN ISO 14001 to verify our environmentally friendly production processes.
Recyclable and repairable
Environmentally friendly material
Re/Upcycling design
The steel used in our production processes is fully recyclable, allowing it to be remelted and used in new products at the end of its service life. Scrap metal and chips generated during production are also recycled, reducing the need for new raw materials and lowering our ecological footprint.
Using recycled steel minimizes the energy required to manufacture new products and significantly reduces CO2 emissions. This is crucial step toward a circular economy.
ERBE products have an
extremely long service life
Our products are designed with repairability in mind. The ability to regrind or readjust ERBE products ensures they can be used far beyond their original service life.
By incorporating recycled plastic, we contribute to reducing plastic waste. Additionally, the sludge produced during electroplating is recycled, further enhancing our commitment to sustainability.
Unique surface coatings
without toxic environmental waste
Modern technology and Recycling/Upcycling
Electroplating sludge, a by-product of surface finishing, contains heavy metals and other toxic substances that must be recycled or disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner to prevent pollution.
We use the following processes to protect the
environment:
- Separate circulation systems for water, acidic and
alkaline - Our operations include in-house water treatment systems, ion exchangers and chamber filter presses to ensure efficient recycling and recovery of metals
- Hydrometallurgical processes
These processes are employed to extract valuable metals from the sludge, allowing us to recover heavy metals such as nickel, copper or zinc, which can then be reused
90% recovery rate – we maintain a 90% metal recovery rate, which is checked annually as part of TÜV SAARLAND’s
environmental management system (https://www.tuev-saar.de/) - Minimization of sludge production
We optimize our electroplating processes by controlling process parameters more precisely, which reduces the amount of sludge produced - We also use high-purity chemicals to minimize impurities in the process and consequently reduce residue in the sludge.
- Use of substitute substances
- We use electrochemical processes that produce less or no sludge, which reinforces our sustainability efforts
- We use nanofilters, where nanotechnology helps filter pollutants from electroplating wastewater
- We save energy through:
– LED lighting
– High-tech rectifiers
– frequency-controlled pumps and baths - We minimize defetive parts by utilizing computer-controlled bath managment in our system.
- Additionally, optimized current output via copper bars, sized to reduce cable resistance, further enhances efficiency
The combination of these measures significantly reduces the amount of electroplating sludge and minimizes environmental impact, contributing to our more sustainable and environmentally friendly production process.
Power generation through renewable energies
and resource-saving processes
Combined heat and power plants
Combined heat and power (CHP) plants are systems that simultaneously generate electricity and heat from a single energy source. This approach is particularly efficient, as it utilizes the waste heat produced during electricity generation rather than releasing it unused into the environment.
Since 2016, the CHP plants at our main site on Friedrich-Wilhelm-Straße have been producing 170,000 kWh of electricity annually, covering 32% ot the site’s total yearly electricity consumption. The energy generated by these plants results in a significant reduction of CO2 emissions of 60 tons per year.
Photovoltaic system
The company’s photovoltaic system also plays a crucial role in environmentally friendly energy generation. The solar modules save 45 tons of CO2 annually, covering approximately 30% of the site’s total yearly electricity consumption.
Water recycling plant
Our water recycling plant uses advanced filtration and treatment technologies to purify used water, effectively removing pollutants, impurities and microorganisms.
The treated water can be reused for various applications, such as in production, irrigation or technical processes.
This approach reduces the need for fresh drinking water and helps conserves valuable resources.
Plastic injection molding - 100% waste-free
Plastic injection molding - 100% waste-free
We use recycled materials to manufacture our plastic parts, such as the plastic handles of our sapphire files.
Recyclates are products derived from the recycling process and are “reintroduced into the cycle”. In our case, these include recycled plastics like PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene) or PET (polyethylene terephthalate) sourced from industrial production waste or end consumer waste.
We also recycle residual materials directly during production, ensuring that our plastic parts, such as product handles, are produced with zero waste.
The waste heat generated during production is utilized effectively. For example, it is used for the underfloor heating and for heating the water.
The modern and efficient Dr. Boy machines are powered by electricity produced by our photovoltaic system and combined heat and power plant.
This approach supports environmentally friendly and resource-efficient plastic production.
Craftsmanship - German Manufactory
Becker Solingen products represent the highest quality, masterful craftsmanship and strong regional ties. By utilizing traditional production methods and manufacturing our products in Solingen, we provide our customers with exceptional products while also supporting the local economy and the preservation valuable craftsmanship.
Each product is expertly sharpened by experienced master craftsmen in Solingen, a city renowned worldwide for its exceptional cutlery production. We take pride in being part of this esteemed tradition.
Our manicure cases are crafted in our own leather manufactory – where we oversee every step – from the initial concept to the final product. This allows us to maintain stringent control over quality and design, ensuring that each case is unique.
By handcrafting our products, we actively support the preservation and promotion of traditonal craftsmanship. This commitment not only secures jobs, but also safeguards valuable knowledge and skills for future generations.
Our membership of the German Manufacturers’ Association underscores our dedication to quality, craftsmanship and the advancement of traditional production methods.
Environmentally friendly packaging
made from 100% recycled materials
Our packaging reflects our commitment to sustainability:
- 100% PCR Recycled Plastic: We use 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) material in our plastic packaging, while still maintaining a crystal-clear view of the product.
- 100% Recycled Cardboard Fiber:
Our cardboard packaging is made entirely from recycled content. - No Gluing: Components are not glued, making disposal easier and more invironmentally friendly.
- FSC Certification: We ensure responsible use of plant resources with FSC-certified sustainability practices.
Fair and social
Fair & social production
For decades, Becker Solingen has colloaborated with regional social institutions and non-profit workshops for our product packaging. This partnership provides individuals with diverse skills and backgrounds the opportunity to engage in meaningful work and further develop their abilities.
By conducting our packaging processes locally, we support local businesses and contribute to strengthening the regional economy. Additionally, this approach helps reduce our ecological footprint through shorter transportation routes.
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