Hilti is taking another step in its sustainability work. By developing the company's packaging solutions – cardboard boxes, tool boxes and fabric bags – it is significantly reducing its climate impact. The new cardboard design is estimated to save 700 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, while improving recyclability and increasing the proportion of recycled material.
The cardboard packaging has been given a surface layer of brown, recycled paper instead of white bleached paper and the characteristic red and white print is used sparingly. Plastic wrap has been replaced by paper labels, making the packaging 100% recyclable. Today, it consists of an average of 70% recycled material, with the goal of reaching 100% in the future.
“We want our packaging to reflect our climate goals. This is an important step towards a more circular business model – and we are already seeing positive results,” says Nadine Sessinghaus, project manager for sustainable packaging at Hilti.
The change is being introduced gradually and in a resource-efficient manner – existing material is used up before the new material is put into use.
Three packaging solutions – one common goal
The cardboard boxes are part of a larger strategy to reduce the environmental impact of all types of packaging. In total, over 20 initiatives are underway, with three of the largest categories already being redesigned.
The classic plastic toolbox is also part of Hilti's circular transformation . As part of Hilti's Fleet Management program, used boxes are collected from customers. Those that cannot be reused are ground up, cleaned and used as raw materials in new products. The result is a box that today consists of approximately 20% recycled material – which corresponds to 500 tonnes of carbon dioxide savings annually.
The soft fabric bags have been similarly updated. The three most popular models are now made from 100% recycled fabric, giving an average recycling rate of 70% for the entire range. This translates into an annual saving of over 600 tonnes of plastic and 1,700 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
“We work long-term and step by step. By reducing waste, increasing the fill rate and prioritising recycled materials, we make a real difference – at every stage of the supply chain,” says Nadine Sessinghaus.
Hilti aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, in line with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Packaging is one of several focus areas where the company is already making clear progress.
Becca is the latest member to join our team and is eager to get stuck into the world of fasteners. She brings an enthusiastic and fresh outlook on what we do editorially and will be leading our social media activity – including sourcing material, editing articles and posting online.
