Beaulieu International Group is investing €5 million to transition the fossil fuel energy supply of its Cushion Vinyl production facility in Wielsbeke (Belgium) to biomass-generated steam; a move towards renewable energy. For this, B.I.G. is collaborating with A&U Energie, a company that converts non-recyclable waste wood into green energy and heat. This strategic step is in line with B.I.G.'s goal to become 'net zero' by 2030.
The transition from fossil energy to green steam and the switch to waste gas treatment without direct fossil energy has significant benefits. Firstly, the technological shift will result in an 88% reduction in the ecological footprint of the Belgian cushion vinyl facility with respect to heating supply and waste gas treatment compared to current emissions. Additionally, the use of steam heating and electrical energy will lead to improved energy efficiency. Moreover, steam systems are known for their safety and reliability, providing a safer and more stable heating solution for the Belgian Cushion Vinyl facility. Finally, the switch to steam and electrical energy will allow for the future use of green electricity, if available.
Wim Coppens, VP Flooring Solutions and Nele Tack, General Manager Cushion Vinyl Europe.
Photo: Beaulieu International Group
"We are thrilled about this significant step in our sustainability ambition," says Wim Coppens, VP Flooring Solutions. "By switching to green steam for our thermal heating needs, we not only reduce our impact on the environment but also enhance our operational efficiency. This move underscores our commitment to responsible business practices and ensuring a sustainable future."
Sustainable acceleration
In addition to transitioning to 100% green energy, Beaulieu International Group is also committed to the circular economy. These efforts include various initiatives, such as increasing the use of recycled and reused materials. Currently, 50% of B.I.G.'s PVC flooring is fully recyclable. Moreover, we are actively working to reduce the environmental impact of our solutions at the end of their life cycle by 42%, aiming to reduce product emissions to nearly zero and eliminate pollutants. Recently, Beauflor launched the Twilight collection at the Flanders Flooring Days, a cushion vinyl floor made with PVC from 100% organic and circular materials, resulting in a 40% lower CO₂ footprint compared to our conventional heterogeneous cushion vinyl floors for residential applications.
Furthermore, our cushion vinyl brand Beauflor launched the ReLive concept, a specialised program designed for a circular future. ReLive focuses on the collection, sorting, and recycling of PVC flooring offcuts (post-installation). Currently, this program is exclusively available in France, with plans to expand to other EU countries.
By forming strategic partnerships that focus on innovative solutions for reusing waste material that would otherwise be incinerated, B.I.G. highlights its commitment to sustainable solutions and collaboration with like-minded organisations. It is noteworthy that an impressive 75% of B.I.G.'s post-industrial waste is now successfully recycled. These comprehensive initiatives are a testament to B.I.G.'s unwavering commitment to sustainability and responsible practices.
Proactive steps
"At B.I.G., we understand the urgent need for companies to take proactive steps towards sustainability," says Nele Tack, General Manager Cushion Vinyl Europe. "Our performance in waste management, recycling, and the use of renewable materials illustrates our ongoing commitment to a greener future. But of course, our efforts do not stop there; in our new collections, production activities, and the use of inks for digital printing, we see many opportunities to become even more sustainable and fulfil our ambition to be a zero-footprint company by 2030."
Science based targets
All this is part of our participation in the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Recently, our calculations regarding our ecological footprint and the associated action plans were validated by the organisation, and we have officially been able to join the initiative. SBTi provides a framework for setting emission reduction targets. These are in line with what the latest climate science deems necessary to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, the World Resources Institute (WRI), and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) are the sponsors of this initiative.
More information:
Beaulieu International Group
Kalkhoevestraat 16/Box 0.1
8790 Waregem
+32 56 62 59 00
info@bintg.com
www.bintg.com