Sustainable solutions

Innovative added value

SFS’s value engineering approach helps develop sustainable solutions for our stakeholders that create economic, environmental and social added value. The focus of this approach is on the conscious use of raw materials, the increased use of recycled materials, and product innovations that promote sustainable development. One such innovation realized in the year under review was a machining tool that is made from 99% recycled raw materials. Another new product is the innovative fastening solution for solar modules on building facades.

All stakeholders involved in the double materiality analysis back in 2022 identified the topic of “Sustainable solutions” as material. Customers, in particular, assigned a high rating to the impact of sustainable solutions on people and the environment. Their focus was on the materials used, recyclability and energy consumption during use.

We strive to develop products and services that have economic, environmental and social utility factored in throughout their entire life cycle and create sustainable added value for all stakeholder groups. To this end, we are committed to the following guidelines:

• Efficient use of raw materials
  We are aware of the value of raw materials and minimize our consumption of those materials through optimized product and process design. Using the cold forming process – one of our core technologies – helps us to achieve significant material savings compared to other technologies.
• Focused waste management and recycling
  We avoid waste and ensure its proper disposal. Wherever possible, we use recycled materials and integrate used materials back into a circular economy system.
• Energy-efficient design
  Our products are developed with a focus on energy-efficient use. This includes the consumption of resources and the optimized design of the components.
• Use of renewable energies
  We develop solutions that support the use of renewable energies.

Percentage of renewable materials increased

In order to optimally implement these principles for new and existing solutions, SFS rolled out additional data collection processes in 2023. The aim is to improve transparency regarding the use and efficiency of materials as well as the type and amount of waste generated and to increase the proportion of recycled materials.

The GRI standard “Materials” was used for the report on the topic of “Sustainable solutions” (see Table GRI 301-1: Materials used by weight or volume). While the GRI Standard “Waste”, which was also allocated to this topic, was classified by stakeholders as important, they did not classify it as a priority. As a result, the current report does not elaborate on this GRI Standard in any great detail.

GRI 301-1 Materials used by weight or volume

Around 80% of the materials used at SFS come from the categories of raw materials (predominantly steel) and trading goods. Due to the large volumes used, we would like to systematically increase the percentage of recycled materials in these two categories. We succeeded in doing so in both product categories this financial year. In total, SFS increased the percentage of renewable materials to 7.9% (PY 5.8%). In addition to the use of renewable materials, the local-for-local strategy in the acquisition of raw materials was also expanded with the aim of reducing transport routes and CO₂ emissions.

Creating sustainable added value for stakeholders

Our value engineering approach focuses on product design, the optimization of manufacturing processes and the utilization of potential for digitalization. This results in the creation of tailored products and innovative solutions that boost our customers’ competitiveness. They also help to achieve greater differentiation and strengthen collaborative partnerships. In the year under review, the SFS Group developed the following sustainable solutions:

• Machining tool made from recycled carbide metal
  The GARANT GreenPlus series in the D&L segment enables greater sustainability in the work carried out in workshops and production facilities while ensuring the highest level of safety, quality and performance. The new machining tools are made from over 99% recycled raw materials. The carbide metal substrate used has the same mechanical properties as conventional carbide metal. During the manufacturing process, we only use electricity generated from renewable energy sources, which results in significant reductions in the carbon footprint of the machining tools. In addition, the high-quality tools can be reprocessed multiple times, which means that the product life cycle can be extended considerably.
• Rapid and tool-free installation of solar modules on building facades
  The innovative RGrip fastening solution allows for simple and rapid installation of solar modules directly on new or existing building facades. Thanks to the ability to adjust the degree to which the modules tilt, the system guarantees that the solar modules can be optimally arranged to collect solar radiation and utilize the available surface areas in the best possible manner. With the help of RGrip, renewable energy can be produced efficiently. Only minimal work needs to be carried out on the facade thanks to the slim joint opening measuring just 11 mm. The fastening solution not only impresses with its aesthetic benefits, but also with its weather-resistant durability.