ALTATERRA MOVES TO ZERO-PLASTIC PACKAGING

Feb 15 | #Sustainability | 3 minute read

Altaterra introduced changes to its packaging in line with the company’s WeCare Sustainability Strategy and aim of being carbon neutral by 2030¹. The changes include upgrading the cardboard box packaging and replacing the plastic components within the box with paper-based packaging materials. All components, including the screw bag and packing straps, are replaced with FSC paper alternatives.

A science backed strategy

One of the ways to ensure sustainable products, is by greening our packaging. With that in mind, the Altaterra product team has worked hard to deliver on this target 2030.

The WeCare Sustainability Strategy is backed by the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi), a coalition of expert organizations that helps private companies to set science-backed climate goals. Altaterra started executing the strategy last year in three key areas, namely climate action, sustainable products and responsible business. Read more about the WeCare.

Reducing our carbon emissions

The primary aim behind the move to zero-plastic packaging was in direct relation to carbon emissions. The production and incineration of fossil-based plastics generate an enormous amount of greenhouse gases, let alone the pollution it causes.

Estimating the amount of CO₂ GHG emissions produced by plastics will vary depending on the calculation method used. One of the methods estimates that every 1 kg of fossil-based plastic production produces 1,7 to 3,5 kg of CO₂ GHG emissions, depending on the type of plastic². By switching to zero-plastic packaging, we expect to save up to 9 tonnes of plastic every year, which translates into approx. 15 to 31 tonnes of CO₂ GHG (indirect) emissions, depending on the plastic type used.

↓>9,000 KG

The new packaging will save more than 9 tonnes of EPS/plastic in 2023 compared to 20222

The new packaging will save more than 9 tonnes of EPS/plastic in 2023 compared to 2022³

Additionally, in 2021 we changed our roof window blind packaging from plastic to cardboard. The change in blind packaging has saved an estimated total of 15 tons of plastic over two years.

Another reason behind the move to zero-plastic packaging is to help reduce on-site waste for housebuilders and property developers and make waste management in the construction industry easier. The new packaging not only has much less plastic but can also be recycled. It can be flat-packed for recycling and will also help reduce the costs of waste management.

Our sustainability strategy backed with SBTi, sets ambitious goals and we want to hold ourselves to account when it comes to sustainability by making changes now. We know waste management is a big challenge for the industry, and our more environmentally friendly packaging is one way we can make a difference and make waste management easier.
John McGuire, International Sales Director

2-in-1: Greener and smarter packaging

The new roof window packaging for Dakea (our flagship brand) will also be more robust thanks to the upgraded cardboard with a double flute instead of the single one. This makes the packaging more resistant to handling and transportation damage.

⦁ The box labeling and branding have been improved with less ink and colour on the box but clearer information, which we expect to result in fewer unnecessary product claims.
⦁ The plastic batten used for transporting the PVC windows has been replaced with a cardboard honeycomb solution.
⦁ The screw plastic bag has been replaced with an FSC paper alternative. We’ve also changed to paper-based packing straps.
⦁ A special carrying strap has been added which can be accessed when the product is packed. There’s a perforation/ hole next to the strap, which allows you to carry the bigger windows (i.e. 78×118 and up) easily, and it is made of recycled material. This should make carrying much easier for roofers.
⦁ The cladding elements have been moved to the roof window box to make sure installers have all the necessary components to hand. Until recently, these parts were included in the accessory (flashing) box

Since the beginning of the year all new Dakea roof windows have been produced with the new boxes. The new packaging will appear in the UK market throughout 2023, depending on stock movement.

1 Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions from owned or controlled sources. Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy.

2 A method adopted by Woodly, a Finland based technology company specializing in wood-based plastics https://woodly.com/carbon_neutrality/what-is-the-carbon-footprint-of-plastic/

3 Calculated in accordance with 2022 company roof window, skylights and accessories sales.

ALTATERRA MOVES TO ZERO-PLASTIC PACKAGING

↓>9,000 KG

© Altaterra Kft 2022