Various sustainability aspects play a role throughout the entire process, from product development to delivery. Below, we highlight some of these aspects and describe how we implement them here at Van der Valk Systemen
From design to delivery
Design phase
Many sustainability decisions are already made during the design phase. At Van der Valk Systemen, we have an experienced team of R&D engineers who design and test new components and systems.
When developing new products, we focus on aspects such as:
- efficient use of materials;
- easy assembly and disassembly;
- standardisation and compatibility;
- efficient production and packaging.
Choice of materials
We select materials that retain their quality under a variety of conditions. We also take the end of their life cycle into account: where possible, materials must be easy to separate and recycle.
During production, too, we minimise the use of raw materials through:
- process optimisation;
- the reuse of residual materials;
- separate collection for recycling.
Production
Our production site in Monster is equipped with modern production lines and machinery. Some of this has been developed by our own engineers, in collaboration with specialist machine builders.
Our knowledge of production processes enables us to keep improving. Among other things, this results in:
- more efficient use of materials;
- less sawing waste;
- lower energy consumption;
- reduced consumption of production resources.
Our energy
We generate a large proportion of our electricity ourselves using more than 1,800 solar panels on the roof of our production site. When our own generation is not sufficient, we use 100% green electricity.
Working with sheltered workshops
We carry out some of our assembly, sawing, punching and packaging work in collaboration with social workshops in the region.
In this way, we contribute to an inclusive society and offer people who face barriers to the labour market a professional working environment.
Less waste, more reuse
Waste cannot always be avoided, but we strive to minimalise and process it as effectively as possible. That is why:
- we automatically collect scrap metal for recycling;
- we compact waste wood and plastic film to minimise transport;
- we separate waste streams such as paper, cardboard, organic waste and recyclables.
Smart packaging
Right from the design stage, we take into account how well our products nest together. This reduces the amount of packaging material required and allows more products to be stored and transported efficiently.
Our packaging includes:
- 100% recycled cardboard for smaller products;
- wooden blocks and metal strips for larger products.
Efficient transport
By working with distributors across Europe, we can organise our logistics more effectively. Products are kept in stock locally, enabling us to plan transport flows more efficiently.
In addition, we work with logistics partners who have a European network, allowing us to optimise the combination of shipments and reduce emissions.
