Altaterra introduces simple but impactful solution to reduce transportation emissions

Nov 12, 2024 | #Sustainability | 2 minute read

Reducing operational waste and transportation emissions has to be tackled both as part of the VELUX Group sustainability objectives and also as part of the global push towards decarbonisation. With this in mind, Altaterra, part of the VELUX Group, has now adopted innovative waste management solutions that reduce the emissions that result from the transportation of waste.

The impact of using a waste baler to compress materials

In 2023, Altaterra rented a double-chamber waste baler to compress plastic foil and cardboard produced by our operations in order to reduce the spatial extent of the waste. It works by removing excess air and tightly compacting the waste materials, thereby reducing the volume of waste that needs to be transported. It’s estimated that this could reduce the need to transport waste by as much as 75-85% although the full impact of this solution will be calculated at the end of its first year of operation.

Before

Recyclable waste was collected and transported to the recycling facility in containers of 5 m3

80 times a year

we had to get the container transported and emptied more than 80 times during the year

After

The double-chamber waste baler machine reduces the volume of our waste (wrap foil and cardboard) using high pressure.

Bales can be handled, stored and transported on one-way pallets allowing much more efficient transfer to recycling plant.

One-two times a year

Our road transport need related to waste management is expected to be reduced by as much as 75-85%

Rethinking waste disposal

Before the introduction of the baler, Altaterra’s recyclable waste was stored and then transported in containers to the recycling plant, one by one, seven times a month on average. Since the introduction of the baler, the compressed waste is placed on pallets for easier storage and handling and needs to be transported to the recycling plant much less frequently.

Now that the Altaterra Sustainability Strategy has been fully integrated with the VELUX sustainable corporate strategy, this success also contributes to the Group’s achievements.

Altaterra is part of the VELUX Group yet operates as an autonomous entity. The two companies have complementary identities and goals that meet the needs of different market segments. Altaterra’s sustainability results are considered and incorporated into the VELUX Group’s sustainability data and reporting, including the Group’s commitments to reduce emissions, validated by the Science Based Targets initiative.