profine GmbH has become the first PVCu system company in Germany to receive the certificate of the pro-K initiative “Null Granulatverlust” (Zero Pellet Loss) on May 23, 2018.
The initiative of the pro-K association, the German industrial association for PVC-U semi-finished and consumer products, is part of the global commitment of the plastics industry to “Operation Clean Sweep.” These programs aim to minimise the loss of plastic pellets to the environment and are an industry contribution to combating the global marine litter problem from plastic and other waste.
‘With its commitment, profine is playing a pioneering role and thus sets an example for responsibility in terms of sustainability and environmental protection,’ said pro-K managing director Ralf Olsen in awarding the certificate in Pirmasens, Germany. The system provider of the KBE, KÖMMERLING and TROCAL profile brands has been actively involved in the self-commitment program since spring 2017.
At “Null Granulatverlust,” the participating companies must draw up a detailed plan of action to prevent the loss of granulate in their factory and start and monitor its implementation. To this end, the association offers various materials, such as a checklist for the tour of typical critical points, a best practice collection or a supplier information letter.
Stefan Schäfer, member of the management board and chief product & marketing officer at profine, explains the motivations of the system supplier: ‘By participating in the initiative, we underline the sustainability philosophy of profine. By literally sweeping our doorsteps, we want to set a good example in the industry and show credibly that we care about protecting the environment. In a further step, we also want to motivate our customers to take part in the initiative.’
‘Only a very small proportion of plastic waste in the seas is pellets. The majority are used items such as packaging waste or fishing nets which were carelessly released into the environment. The keyword, however, is avoidance. What is avoided does not migrate into the environment. This is where the zero pellet loss initiative comes in,’ commented Ralf Olsen on the topic. ‘It is therefore important that the plastics processing industry also sets an example and does everything that is in its direct sphere of influence.’
For further environmental information please visit www.marinelittersolutions.com and www.opcleansweep.eu. For KÖMMERLING information, including the new System 76, on becoming a manufacturing partner, approved installer or as a building specifier, call 01543 444900, e-mail enquiries@profine-group.com or visit www.kommerling.co.uk. You can also follow them on Twitter @kommerling_uk.
