Kömmerling are a proud member of the Vinyl Council of Australia, https://www.vinyl.org.au/ , supporting the Councils’ main aim of strengthening and advancing the sustainability of the Australian PVC industry. We are also an active member of their Windows Alliance initiative, https://www.upvcwindows.org.au/, which has an overarching focus of sharing information and resources on uPVC windows so that specifiers, architects, designers and home-owners alike can make better and fully-informed decisions about which type of window to install.
Kömmerling is recognised Worldwide as a leader in the manufacture and distribution of high performing uPVC profiles for use in the window and door industry, with a key objective of gearing up our entire organisation for a sustainable future and sharing and developing the benefits associated with those values with our fabricators, consumers and industry stakeholders.
As such, we take a holistic approach to sustainability that doesn’t only focus on ecology but also extends to the social and economic environments. We protect the climate and our oceans with our products and production processes. Our intelligent recycling concept is exemplary and we take our social responsibility for people and society very seriously.
At our production facilities we adopt a closed-loop re-cycling system whereby we recycle old uPVC windows that have been replaced and sourced through our fabricator network together with new uPVC window production waste to ensure that valuable resources are conserved.
Whilst not a manufacturer in Australia, as a signatory to the Australian PVC Stewardship Program Kömmerling is committed to reducing the amount of waste generated from the use of its products. Whilst a uPVC window has a lifespan of at least 40 years and can be re-cycled up to 8 times, there is currently a requirement for some uPVC profiles to be safely disposed of without being re-used or re-cycled as part of a uPVC manufacturing process. The following are guidelines on how to and where to reuse, recycle or dispose of our products safely.
Re-use
Because of their long lifespan, high levels of product integrity, durability and their ease of maintenance whilst in situ, there are opportunities for de-glazed systems to be re-used as second hand windows and doors. Alternatively, there are occasions where profiles can be cut down and used as construction materials such as fencing posts, furniture etc.
Re-cycle
Kömmerling uPVC is completely re-cyclable. Currently in Australia however, the opportunities for re-cycling window materials in volume are very limited due to mechanical constraints within the re-cycling industry associated with separating the co-extruded gasket from the uPVC profile and also removing any laminated foils that may have been applied. Although this is currently not financially viable, we continue to work with industry to try and find a mutually beneficial solution to this issue.
For volumes of non-laminated product where the gasket can be manually removed, the VCA provides a list of companies that can recycle the product http://www.vinyl.org.au/pvc-the-environment/recycling-pvc/find-apvc-recycler
Dispose
Kömmerling uPVC is manufactured using calcium and zinc stabilisers, is non-toxic, inert and can be safely disposed of in landfill at a waste depot where it will not degrade over time and will not be the source of any toxic waste.
Manufacturing offcuts and old windows and doors can be taken to a local landfill site where information can be obtained as to where it is most appropriate to safely dispose of the materials.
Human Rights
Kömmerling is a global player and one of the world’s best known and strongest construction and window brands. As one of the leading industry providers, we deliver our products to over 100 countries. Our company has its own production facilities and branches at 29 locations in 23 countries. More than 3,000 people work for us, developing and manufacturing premium window systems and many other innovative products. Kömmerling is synonymous with sustainability and the circular economy and our goal is to set our entire company up for a future worth living for.
Kömmerling in Australia is a sales, business development, warehouse and distribution business which is part of the GmbH based in Germany. It advocates, shares and implements the philosophies, cultural approach, attitudes and overarching vison of Kömmerling as a brand.
We view sustainability as a holistic task that encapsulates the environment along with social and economic requirements. Our products and manufacturing methods protect the climate. Our recycling efforts in manufacturing locations are modelling smart material loops and in Australia have been rolled out through our embryonic Re-Könvert re-cycling initiative.
In our eyes, sustainability also means taking social responsibility for our society and we take our responsibility for society and people very seriously. For Kömmerling, social responsibility is a key foundation of sustainable partnerships and is therefore central to our core philosophies and actions. All of these factors work together perfectly and make us who we are. We continue to make our vision a reality and be successful in the process.
Addressing the climate crisis and transitioning to a circular economy requires that we also work on a fair framework to ensure success.
Modern slavery is completely antithetic to this position and is wholly unacceptable within our Worldwide businesses, our suppliers and our customers.
We have a clear attitude and vision. Our goal: we want to make big things happen – for our customers and for the entire market. We want to deliver the best quality windows with the smallest possible environmental footprint while showing fairness and responsibility. That’s what Kömmerling stands for.
Indeed, the Kömmerling cultural approach is synonymous with taking social responsibility one step further:
> Open interaction as equals
> Curious and enthusiastic
> Team-driven and dedicated
> Creative and interdisciplinary
> Individual and informal
> Digital and personal
> Meaningful and valuable
OPEN INTERACTION AS EQUALS
At all levels of our company, we treat each other in an open, positive manner and as equals. That’s true of the way we interact with our partners in the form of suppliers and customers also.
CURIOUS AND ENTHUSIASTIC
Agility, flexibility and enthusiasm for new ideas and solutions drive everything we do. That’s how we’re moving forward.
TEAM-DRIVEN AND DEDICATED
As an international, owner-operated company, we have a special spirit and solidarity that transcends borders.
CREATIVE AND INTERDISCIPLINARY
We work together internally and with our partners in an interdisciplinary manner so that we can gain fresh ideas.
DIGITAL AND PERSONAL
We’re moving digital transformation forward within our company in leaps and bounds with the latest tools and we’re creating a forward-looking working environment.
MEANINGFUL AND VALUABLE
Anybody working with us or for us makes a substantial contribution to a sustainable world. We welcome all ideas and improvements that move us forward on this journey.
GLOBAL TEAMWORK
We combine our knowledge and the expertise of our staff from all international locations. Our international teams are in constant dialogue with one another as part of this process. This allows us to respond perfectly to the specific needs of our customers in each country while also delivering on our big sustainable goals together.
TRUST IN PEOPLE.
At Kömmerling, it’s our people who put our visions and projects for the future into practice. Their knowledge, technical expertise and willingness to embrace change are essential to our top-quality products and to our journey to becoming a sustainable company. Our employees bring together experience, expertise, creativity and innovation, making them the cornerstone of our success.
WE WANT PEOPLE TO HAVE SUSTAINABLE CAREERS
As an owner-operated company, the principles of sustainability apply to our human resources policies, too. We’re growing by putting our own strengths to good use. For instance, we’re training young people in many professions. And our apprentice rate sets records.
MODERN, SAFE AND GREEN WORKPLACES.
We want to create the conditions for climate friendly mobile working where people can work anywhere by capitalising on digital transformation. State-of-the-art virtual working is our goal.
Occupational safety is also a top priority, especially in manufacturing and logistics. And we’re constantly advancing our efforts to protect and educate our employees, our partners and supply chains, our surroundings and the environment.
