ADVERTORIAL Knauf continue to improve sustainability credentials
A commitment to higher standards of sustainability is behind a raft of new initiatives at Knauf UK.
K
nauf UK & Ireland is committed to a high standard of sustainability and has intensified its efforts this year with the appointment of a new Sustainability
Leader and the implementation of several initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of its products. Knauf welcomed Lucy Hall as Sustainability Leader in September. Lucy will partner with all areas of the business from manufacturing to specification and sales to develop a robust sustainability strategy. Lucy has a wealth of experience and awards in the areas of sustainability and innovation. Her expertise will help Knauf to advance its sustainability agenda at a time when product manufacturers are shouldering increasing environmental responsibility.
RECYCLED PACKAGING As part of these ongoing sustainability endeavours, Knauf is making the move to recycled plastic packaging. The Company’s new packaging will contain at least 30% recycled plastics and is often also recyclable at the end of its life so the circle can be continued. The Company has added easy to recognise
logos to the packaging to identify when it has been made from recycled plastic, and if it is recyclable. Knauf will start by changing the packaging of key products within its portfolio and continue the move for other products over the coming months. The Company is using Post-Consumer
Recycled (PCR) plastics – materials which have been used by consumers, recycled and given a new life. Lucy gives an insight into the importance of
the new packaging: “Our Product Manager, Becky Newell, has worked collaboratively and consistently to achieve Knauf’s goal of improving the recycled content of our packaging. Realising her goal to make a difference on a bigger scale, the recycled content of plastic packaging will now also be high on the agenda of new product development. This is a fantastic achievement in Knauf’s drive to fulfil its sustainability goals.” Greenhouse gas emissions are associated with single-use plastics, and the National Geography Society estimates that more than 40% of plastic is used just once and that there are more than 5 trillion pieces of plastic in the
ocean. This is a significant reason for Knauf adopting PCR plastics and a recognition of the Company’s commitment to Build for the World We Live In. This switch will see some small changes to the appearance of product packaging, such as a grey rim and base. This is simply due to a number of different coloured plastics being recycled to make a new product, and not adding in unnecessary dyes.
TRUSTED PRODUCTS It is important to note that it is just the packaging that is changing, not the product, so customers can rest assured knowing they’re still getting the same, trusted Knauf product. Another sustainable change being made to the Knauf portfolio is on the GIFAbond flooring adhesives range. These products are used when installing Knauf GIFA FHB and Hugo floorboards. From January 2022 the product range will be EC1 Plus Emicode certified. The Emicode certification rates flooring adhesives and installation products into three categories. Knauf has achieved the highest possible rating of EC1 Plus, very low emission, defined as ‘the limit of what is technically feasible today’.
December 2021
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To achieve this rating, the products must
undergo rigorous testing with limits on VOCs, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and other hazardous substances which can affect indoor air quality and health. The Knauf EC1 Plus Emicode certified
products will be GIFAbond Uno, a joint adhesive foil which is used with an application gun to the tongue and groove edge; GIFAbond Blue, a single layer joint adhesive in an easy to use bottle for hand application, and GIFAbond Duo, a surface adhesive used on two-layer systems. These initiatives are part of Knauf’s ongoing
sustainability programme and tie in with its ‘people, planet, prosperity’ ethos. Sustainability considerations are becoming more prevalent across the construction industry and Knauf is keen to lead the way in meeting customers’ expectations for environmentally friendly products.
www.knauf.co.uk
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