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SUPPLEMENT SUSTAINABILITY IN MANUFACTURING


INNOVATE FOR A GREENER FUTURE


Schaeffler Group aims to be carbon-neutral by 2040. A successful transformation towards greater sustainability isn’t just about making production more efficient, optimising supply chains or procuring renewable sources of energy, it also


involves innovation at every level of the business to meet the challenges of the future


cover around 8% of Schaeffler’s electricity needs in Germany. The acquisition of a 15MW solar farm in Germany also supports the target for 25% of the company’s global energy requirements coming from self-generation by 2030. Schaeffler’s commitment to sustainability is


illustrated in its e-mobility plant in Szombathely, Hungary. The 15,000 square metre factory is


T


here is increasing pressure within the manufacturing sector to tackle the climate crisis and recognise how


sustainable manufacturing is integral to their success. Any improvements in sustainability, however, should take a multi-faceted approach that combines economic success with responsible activity through significant innovation, agility and efficiency. This will ensure better processes, occupational safety and a sustainable supply chain.


UK ACHIEVES ZERO-WASTE-TO- LANDFILL Even before production begins, it is becoming more common that producers should understand what’s supposed to happen at the end of a product’s lifecycle, other than simply disposing of it in landfill. Schaeffler’s production site in Sheffield has made significant changes to its waste stream as part of an initiative that seeks to send zero waste to landfill. As part of the programme, general waste created at the plant is being processed locally and used for heat recovery that benefits the local community, including hospitals. In 2022, the plant achieved 100% zero-waste-to-landfill, though is continuing to work on this and improving the whole sustainable economy, looking at how to make not only its production, but also the lifespan of its products more sustainable. Globally, Schaeffler’s target to be carbon- neutral by 2040 applies to the entire supply chain


and is reinforced by ambitious medium-term targets. Schaeffler is committed to cutting its absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2030, with 2019 as its base year. The company has also set itself the target of reducing its absolute Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions from purchased goods and services, fuel- and energy-related activities, and upstream transportation and distribution by 25% over the same period.


GOING THE EXTRA YARD Sustainable procurement should involve a circular economy and conducting lifecycle assessments to help develop improvement measures. Schaeffler aims to go beyond just following national laws and internationally recognised standards. By working with certified suppliers, setting up industry initiatives and creating industry dialogues with its business partners to incorporate expertise while actively shaping development in sustainable procurement. As of 2025, Schaeffler will be sourcing around 100,000 tonnes of ‘green steel’ each year, which will reduce Schaeffler’s annual CO2 emissions by up to 200,000 tonnes. Schaeffler is introducing more sustainable


energy sources for its own production sites. For example, all the electricity used at Schaeffler’s European production locations have been from renewable sources since 2021, with 2024 set as the target for all production sites worldwide. The purchase of electricity from wind turbines will


28 DESIGN SOLUTIONS - SUPPLEMENT FEBRUARY 2023


CO2 neutral and features an in-house, rooftop photovoltaic system, a wastewater recycling system and rain water retention basins. The plant is highly energy efficient due to the use of heat pumps and heat recovery systems, as well as smart heating and cooling management technology. Low electricity consumption is enabled through intelligent LED-based lighting. Schaeffler’s focus on energy, materials, mobility, robotics and digital solutions requires research and development of a next generation of technologies that help to transform the global response to climate change. Schaeffler has created products such as OPTIME condition monitoring and CONCEPT refillable grease cartridges, which support production and improve efficiencies, in turn supporting companies’ sustainability targets. Condition monitoring is a proactive tool: sensors monitor units or individual components on a machine by measuring temperatures, rotational speeds or vibrations. Algorithms analyse the data in real time and provide information about wear. This shortens, or even prevents downtime, produces less scrap and reduces maintenance costs.


INNOVATION IN HYDROGEN Another area where Schaeffler is making big strides is ‘green hydrogen’. As a steering member of the Hydrogen Council – a global interest group comprising of more than 80 leading companies from the energy, transport and industrial sectors – Schaeffler is working hard and innovating to help drive forward the industrialisation of hydrogen. Hydrogen has huge potential as an energy carrier of the future and Schaeffler is developing key components for hydrogen fuel cells, among other applications. Schaeffler’s main strengths in all these fields


of innovation is that it is strongly diversified in the industrial and automotive sectors and so is involved at every point in the energy chain, from the generation of energy through to its use in vehicles. It therefore has the unique perspective, skills and experience to develop the crucial technologies that will drive progress on addressing climate change.


Schaeffler www.schaeffler.co.uk


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