What is the Reynaers Aluminium green strategy, and how is the company committed to sustainability, particularly regarding the use of recycled and low-carbon aluminum?
Our sustainability strategy is built on four pillars: product , operations, education and people.
In terms of decarbonization, we have made significant strides. In 2019, the average carbon footprint for a kilogram of aluminum was around 5.1 kilograms of CO2. By 2022, we reduced this to 4.1 kilograms, and by 2030, we aim to achieve 2.8 kilograms. While relying solely on recycled aluminum with the lowest carbon footprint isn't feasible due to limited availability, the real impact lies in transforming the primary aluminum industry to be low-carbon.
Beyond materials, our sustainability efforts extend to our operations, ensuring that every aspect of our business contributes to our environmental goals.
To bridge the gab in education and collaboration between stakeholders, we actively engage in dialogues and educational endeavors with various industry players to foster a united front in pursuing sustainable goals.
By focusing on these key areas, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices throughout our organization.
What are the innovations behind your products for sustainable buildings, and how do specific products like the MasterPatio lift-and-slide system incorporate recycled materials to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability?
Our products play a crucial role in the lifecycle of buildings, which account for about 30 to 35% of global energy usage. Our sustainability strategy aims to significantly reduce this percentage by offering high-insulation systems suitable for energy-saving buildings, such as passive house projects. The MasterPatio, for example, is a high-quality lift-and-slide system engineered for high insulation values, aesthetics, durability, and technical specifications.
It incorporates low-carbon aluminum and recycled polyamide thermal breaks, reducing production waste during assembly by offering aluminum profiles in various lengths. The MasterPatio’s future-proof design earned the cradle-to-cradle bronze certificate, making it fully equipped for the circular economy. By integrating recycled materials and focusing on energy efficiency, our products not only meet but exceed sustainability standards in the building industry.
What are Reynaers Aluminium’s plans for expansion in North America, and how do you perceive the growing consumer consciousness towards sustainability influencing your strategy?
Our strategy goes beyond delivering high-quality, innovative products; we also focus on providing personalized services. The products we offer in North America adhere to three pillars: technology, aesthetics, and sustainability. We ensure they meet or exceed stringent North American standards for air, wind, and water performance, embrace architectural trends towards minimalism and larger dimensions, and prioritize eco-friendly materials and energy efficiency.
Additionally, we provide a comprehensive digital ecosystem for our fabricators, including early-stage commercial support, streamlined logistics, and reliable after-sales service. This digital approach minimizes errors and enhances reliability, ensuring our offerings are future-proof.
As we approach our 60th anniversary in 2025, our goal in North America is to become a leader in sustainability, innovation, and aesthetics in the architectural market. We want people to immediately associate sustainability in aluminum building envelopes with Reynaers Aluminium.
Technology seems to be at an inflection point supporting the green transition. In your field, do you share this opinion, and how do you see technology playing a role in sustainability?
In my opinion, the technology is already there, and it’s evolving and improving. What’s more critical now is to utilize existing technologies efficiently. The appetite to build and retrofit projects sustainably is definitely present. However, what's lacking is education and better coordination among different stakeholders and trades, such as facade contractors, mechanical contractors, and architects.
The current regulations implemented by governments often do not provide a clear path for all trades to cooperate seamlessly. There is a significant disconnect that we try to bridge wherever possible. Effective education and connection between these different trades are essential to fully leverage the existing technology and drive the green transition forward.
What are the main challenges Reynaers Aluminium faces in achieving its sustainability goals in the next five to ten years?
The biggest challenge remains the varying regulations across different markets. Some regions are already focused on sustainability, while others stay behind.
Another challenge is that even with regulations in place, sustainability is not always the focus of project actors. Changing this mindset and making sustainability a top priority among all stakeholders is critical.
The third challenge is the need for better integration among various trades involved in building projects. We must connect all these dots and make the process user-friendly for everyone involved. Ensuring that these different trades work together seamlessly will be essential in overcoming the challenges and achieving our sustainability goals.
Do you see regulators and policymakers moving in the right direction regarding sustainability?
We do see movement in certain markets where regulators are pushing boundaries quite high. However, we notice a significant inconsistency in sustainability efforts between different regions.
Holistically, this gap makes it difficult to achieve global sustainability goals.
Our journey in sustainability reveals both opportunities and complex strategic questions. We see this as a differentiating factor. Our goal is to become the trusted sustainable brand. Rather than competing in the sustainability rat race, we seek to unite with our customers and stakeholders in navigating the uncertainties and opportunities that sustainability presents. Our contribution will be in fostering transparency and sharing knowledge.
