Closing the Loop: Circular Economy at GF

Take – make – use – discard: this traditional linear economy approach, often deeply ingrained in industrial processes and in everyday life, is depleting our planet's limited natural resources and is not compatible with the urgent need to reduce CO₂e emissions.

Inspired by nature, our society must find new ways to keep our resources in the loop as long as possible. We can maintain or reuse products, refurbish them when needed and, as a last solution, remanufacture or recycle. In nature, there is no waste. 

GF's understanding of Circular Economy is based on the Value Hill model (Master Circular Business with the Value Hill | European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (europa.eu)), where the highest value is retained at the top of the hill:

At GF, sustainable design and long-term solutions have been part of the DNA for decades. For example at GF Piping Systems, pipes, fittings and process automation solutions are manufactured for longevity, reducing the need for replacement and the risk of leakage to a minimum. At GF Casting Solutions, metal parts are produced with a high percentage of recycled materials and allow to be recycled again at the end of their lifecycle. Worn parts from GF Machining Solutions EDM machines are collected and returned to the material cycle. Overall, GF recycles over 70% of its waste.

To reach the next level of circularity and in the broader context of its strategy of achieving 70% of sales with social or environmental benefits by 2025, GF will focus on the multiple use of materials, as well as the inclusion of materials that allow for safe and efficient return to the biological or technical cycle. GF aims to extend the longevity of its products and improve their modular design, which allows for disassembly and repair.

GF's circular economy approach is supported by changes to GF's business model, such as expanding its maintenance, reuse and resale activities. GF recognizes that partnering, including across industries, will be crucial for a successful transformation and to leverage GF's full potential.

For more details on circular economy at GF, contact sustainability@georgfischer.com.