Sustainable production
The world’s largest adhesives plant in China sets new standards for sustainable production in the emerging markets.
The adhesives plant opened in Shanghai by the Adhesive Technologies business unit in 2013 is a model of sustainability and efficiency. Compared to a traditional production plant, the outstanding environmental and efficiency standards of the new plant allow resource efficiency to be improved, while reducing waste and environmental impact.
The machines providing compressed air for production are one example. Instead of simply blowing generated heat into the air, water is pumped around the compressors through a special heat exchanger. The warm water is used in the sanitary facilities and for heating offices on the 150,124 square meter property at the site. Resource efficiency also plays an important role in the water treatment equipment for production. By reusing condensed water, water consumption is reduced by half. In addition, an integrated recycling system saves around 60 percent of the packaging materials, containers and wooden pallets used. Transparent ceilings reduce electricity use for factory lighting by 90 percent. And innovative filling equipment prevents adhesive losses.
The adhesives plant, the world’s largest, opened in September 2013 and serves around 2,000 customers in China and the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific region. The Shanghai site was chosen after a detailed analysis, and is optimally located near to customers and suppliers, thereby reducing fuel use and emissions.